The Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization isn't a city or a county. It's a a Policy Board -- made up of elected officials from across Central Minnesota who are responsible for adopting regional transportation plans, projects, and policies -- as well as directing APO staff.

The APO was created in 1966 under a Joint Powers Agreement which not only established the APO but outlines many of the terms and conditions under which it operates.

Members of the Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization include:

• Benton County.
• Sherburne County.
• Stearns County.
• City of Saint Cloud.
• City of Saint Joseph.
• City of Sartell.
• City of Sauk Rapids.
• City of Waite Park.
• LeSauk Township.
• Saint Cloud Metropolitan Transit Commission (Saint Cloud Metro Bus).

The APO's planning area also includes the following non-dues paying jurisdictions:

• Minden Township (represented by Benton County)
• Sauk Rapids Township (represented by Benton County)
• Watab Township (represented by Benton County)
• Haven Township (represented by Sherburne County)
• City of Rockville (represented by Stearns County)
• City of Saint Augusta (represented by Stearns County)
• City of Saint Stephen (represented by Stearns County)
• Brockway Township (represented by Stearns County)
• Lynden Township -- a portion (represented by Stearns County)
• Saint Joseph Township (represented by Stearns County)
• Saint Wendel Township (represented by Stearns County)