The NPRPO is a forum provided by the New Mexico Department of Transportation for promoting highway safety, protecting environmental quality, preserving cultural resources and assessing residential and commercial development impacts on the regional transportation infrastructure.

The NPRPO was formed to promote the implementation of a safe, convenient and efficient transportation network within the planning areas of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos counties. The NPRPO elecits informed recommendations for multi-modal transportation and enhancement projects for the New Mexico Department of Transportation Statewide Improvement Plan, a six-year funding process, from municpal, county and tribal governments within the region.

North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD) is the fiscal agent for the implementation of the NPRPO.