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Purpose of the RTP

As the Regional Transportation Planning Agency, HCAOG is responsible for updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every four years. The RTP is a 20 year planning document that is like a City's General Plan but for regionwide transportation.  This update will cover the period from 2026 - 2046. HCAOG's plan charts a course to provide "Varieties in Rural Options of Mobility" and is known as VROOM for short. The document serves a critical purpose in communicating regional infrastructure projects to the State of California and US Department of Transportation. Many funding programs require projects to be listed in an RTP to be eligible for funding. Beyond that, VROOM is an opportunity to have a public dialogue about regionwide needs for transportation infrastructure improvements. 


Engagement 

There are several ways to make your voice heard and participate in the RTP update process. The flyers pictured below have been shared online and posted at public kiosks. 

Flyer for the RTP update listing dates of events and QR codes to take the survey. Pictures of transportation elements are formatted as puzzle pieces

HCAOG staff developed an online survey to collect public input on the direction of transportation.

Take the survey here (only ten minutes to complete). 

Haga clic para tomar encuesta en español

Results will be reviewed by HCAOG staff and Board to gauge how community desires align with the goals, objectives and projects in the RTP.

You can also find us at the community events listed below. 

  • Tri County Independent Living Expo – Friday, September 26, Sequoia Conference Center, Eureka
  • Arcata Friday Night Market – Friday, September 26, Arcata Plaza
  • Fortuna Apple Harvest Fair – Saturday, October 4, Fortuna

Plus, join us for an in-person Community Meeting and Workshop:

Project Schedule

The update is due to be adopted in January 2026. The public draft of the RTP will be released in November for an official 30-day comment period. The project schedule is available here. 


RTP Content

Due to a compressed timeline, HCAOG will be focused on more of a "tune up" to the existing RTP compared to the last update which saw considerable new content and organization. The 2026 update will include updating the agency-provided project lists, updating references to completed planning work, and ensuring the plan is consistent with current state and federal policies. If you are so inclined, please review the individual chapters, or "Elements," below. This section will be updated with public review drafts as they become available. 

Quick Summary Content: 

Plans and Objectives Summary

Consolidated policies from each element


Currently Adopted RTP Elements:

1. Introduction

2. Renewing Our Communities [includes equity]

3. Global Climate Change

4. Tribal Transportation

5. Emergency Transportation

6. Land Use-Transportation

7. Complete Streets and Connected Communities 

8. Commuter Trails

9. Public Transportation

10. Aviation System

11. Goods Movement

12. Financial Element

Maps

Contact Information

Email: info@hcaog.net

Phone: 707-444-8208

Address: 611 I Street Suite B, Eureka, CA 95501