Local officials understand the need to work with their counterparts in nearby municipalities, counties, and states, to maintain and improve the region’s transportation infrastructure and services. Each MPO is responsible for engaging in integrated planning in the areas of transportation, housing, land use, open space, and economic development within their state-mandated metropolitan jurisdiction and has recently been engaged in developing metropolitan plans. The expertise of institutions like CMAP, NIRPC, SEWRPC and the other metropolitan planning organisations responsible for regional transportation planning will be essential - all the more so, given these institutions’ ability to engage in long-term planning for the range of social, economic and environmental issues that will determine the region’s long-term viability and attractiveness.