Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) play a pivotal but often unseen role in shaping how communities grow—coordinating transportation planning, allocating federal funding, and setting priorities that affect everything from daily commutes to climate resilience. Yet traditional public engagement approaches consistently fail to reach the communities most impacted by planning decisions.

From April through October 2025, Smart Growth America convened the Culture and Community Network, bringing together nine MPOs to explore how arts, culture, and creativity can transform community engagement. This report documents their experiences—the breakthroughs and the challenges—offering a comprehensive blueprint for agencies ready to move beyond conventional public meetings toward genuine community-centered planning.

With an honest assessment of what works and what doesn't, practical guidance on funding and implementation, and in-depth case studies, this resource equips planning professionals, arts practitioners, and agency leaders with the ideas, tools, and questions to begin wherever they are.

The report includes:

• Three pathways for integrating arts and culture—from starting with nothing to expanding existing programs
• Honest assessment of what works and common pitfalls to avoid
• Practical guidance on funding, staffing, measuring progress, and addressing bureaucratic barriers
• In-depth case studies from agencies at different stages
• Key insights:
  • Organizational culture matters more than size—small agencies can achieve deeper transformation than large ones with stagnant cultures
  • How to move beyond tactical art installations toward genuine systems change and co-design

This report is for MPO and planning agency staff, executive directors and board members, arts and culture professionals interested in civic engagement, equity practitioners, community organizers, and funders supporting innovation in regional planning.

Smart Growth America is exploring funding and support for future iterations of the Culture and Community Network. Interested in joining a future cohort or funding this work? Contact Director of Arts and Culture Marian Liou at [email protected].