North Texas transportation planners have launched a regional call for public-sector technology project proposals that address mobility and safety challenges while supporting innovation across the area’s transportation network. The effort invites eligible agencies in the 12-county Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA) to submit concepts that could share nearly $8.7 million in federal transportation funding.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments that coordinates regional planning and services to help communities work together on transportation, development, emergency preparedness and other shared priorities. Its Technology Project Identification (TPI) Framework uses defined criteria to identify, evaluate and advance technology concepts with clear regional benefits.
The 2026 Call for Project Ideas is open to public-sector agencies within Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise counties.
The council will close the call on April 10. The Surface Transportation Technical Committee (STTC) and the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will review and evaluate submissions over the following months, with project implementation expected to begin in September 2027. Projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2028.
Proposals should align with one or more emphasis areas identified in the framework, including roadway safety technologies, food desert elimination, delivery robots and drones, next-generation traffic signals and autonomous shuttles.
Agencies must submit concepts at a Technology Readiness Level of at least 6, meaning the technology should have a working prototype or equivalent demonstration in a relevant environment before moving forward.
Funding for projects under the TPI Framework comes from the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) Program, with about 69% of the funds allocated to the eastern subregion and 31% to the western subregion of the metropolitan area. Rather than requiring a traditional local match, the program uses transportation development credits (TDCs) to cover contribution requirements.
Earlier rounds of regional technology initiatives have supported connected corridors, traffic data systems and autonomous delivery pilots that helped planners and agencies test practical tools to improve safety and mobility. North Texas leaders hope to build a pipeline of technology solutions to address current challenges and future transportation needs.
Photo by Nate Hovee from Pexels
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