Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt has been re-elected to the executive committee of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (IMPO), a regional body that helps guide transportation and development planning across Central Indiana.

The IMPO serves as the federally designated metropolitan planning organization for the Indianapolis region. The agency develops both short- and long-range plans that help coordinate transportation projects and support regional goals tied to economic development, housing, safety, sustainability and other quality-of-life issues.

IMPO Executive Director Anna Gremling praised Heirbrandt’s continued involvement with the organization.

“Commissioner Heirbrandt has been a long-standing member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization, and I am happy to see him re-elected to another term,” Gremling said. “His steady, consistent leadership and presence has helped shape the IMPO.”

The IMPO executive committee is a smaller group selected from the organization’s Transportation Policy Committee. Members oversee operations and help guide the regional planning process.

Other members of the executive committee include Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers, Indianapolis representative Todd Wilson, Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett, Avon representative Ryan Cannon, Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman, Plainfield Town Manager Andrew Klinger, Hendricks County representative Eric Wathen and IndyGo representative Jennifer Pyrz.

The Transportation Policy Committee itself includes elected officials and municipal leaders from across the metropolitan area. The group votes on federally required transportation actions, including major infrastructure plans and funding priorities affecting the region.

Heirbrandt said continued regional cooperation will be critical as Central Indiana grows.

“I am honored to be elected by my peers to continue the important work of this organization,” he said. “Collaboration is paramount to the progress and success of our region, and I am excited to continue to represent Hamilton County on the IMPO Executive Committee.”

In addition to his regional planning role, Heirbrandt also serves on the Transportation Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties. That committee focuses on federal transportation legislation, funding and regulations and their impact on county governments nationwide.