Local Planning
Since it was created in 1960, the Commission has assisted county and local governments with a wide range of plans and studies related to land use, parks, transportation, natural resources, and other important topics.
Local Planning Efforts
The Commission’s various local planning assistance promotes coordination between regional and local plans, helps county and local governments implement plans, and encourages the sound physical development of the Region. Services are available to all county and local governments that participate in and financially support the regional planning program.
Comprehensive Planning
The Commission has been helping counties and communities prepare and update comprehensive plans since the State passed the “Smart Growth” law in 1999.
Farmland Preservation Planning
Commission staff aid in efforts to preserve lands with our most productive soils so they may continue to support agricultural uses.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
The Commission assists counties and local governments in preparing hazard mitigation plans aimed at minimizing the impact of disasters.
Land & Water Resource Management Planning
The Commission assists counties with preparing and updating land and water resource management plans.
Local Park & Open Space Planning
The Commission aids local governments in preparing and updating community park and open space plans that support implementation of the Regional Park and Open Space Plan.
Sanitary Sewer Service Area Planning
As part of its regional water quality management planning function, the Commission works with local wastewater treatment plant management agencies and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to prepare and update local sewer service area plans.
Transportation Planning
Through its role as the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Commission is continually engaged in multimodal transportation planning, working cooperatively with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, transit operators, and county and local units of government.
Water Resources Planning
The Commission provides a variety of water resources planning services to the Region. These include efforts that derive from our role as the State-designated areawide water quality management planning agency for the Region, as well as efforts related to floodplain and coastal management.