The Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission is the official Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Wausau area, as designated by the Governor of Wisconsin, and is commonly referred to as the Wausau MPO. The commission includes the chief elected official of each municipality within the MPO Planning Area Boundary or their designated representative, a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), and a member of the Marathon County Infrastructure Committee.

The Wausau MPO Planning Area Boundary includes the cities of Mosinee, Schofield, and Wausau; the villages of Kronenwetter, Maine, Rothschild, Rib Mountain, and Weston; and the towns of Mosinee, Stettin, Wausau, and Weston.

The Wausau MPO’s primary objectives are to develop and maintain a Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) and to create and update a short-term Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that identifies federal and state-funded projects, along with other significant transportation projects within the MPO area. Additionally, the MPO provides technical support to Metro Ride, the local transit provider.

The Wausau MPO allocates federal funds through the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) every two years to projects that meet established criteria. Funding for non-motorized transportation projects, such as bike and pedestrian paths, is available every three years through the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP).

The Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department provides staffing and administrative support for the Wausau MPO. The department also prepares the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) each year, which outlines planned projects, activities, and associated budgets.

Two committees provide guidance and technical advice to the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission. The Technical Advisory Committee (MPOTAC) offers technical expertise and input on transportation projects and planning, while the Bicycle and Pedestrian Sub-Committee focuses on non-motorized transportation planning and projects.

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View the current MPO Bylaws 

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