The land use planning services offered by the Commission includes the development and writing of comprehensive plans policy documents such as zoning and subdivision ordinances as well as strategic plans. Local governments can utilize our planning expertise and knowledge to help their communities plan for changes on the horizon and utilize limited resources wisely.  Local planning assistance also includes community facilitation, data gathering and management, survey creation and execution, and grant writing.

Ensuring the integrity of water quality and quantity within the New River Valley is critical to the quality of life of its citizens. The Commission regularly partners with the local governments, public service authorities (PSA), non-profit organizations, and state and federal organizations, to examine water issues regionally, and to act as a facilitator and a resource for the planning of future water needs.

Current Projects

• Pulaski County Sewer Line Extension
• Pulaski County Public Meeting Assistance

Completed Projects _­

• New River Valley Regional Wastewater Study
• New River Valley Water Supply Plan

At the Commission, we are committed to ensuring our region is prepared for any disasters that may occur in our communities. With a current Hazard Mitigation Plan, our region qualifies for disaster relief if or when a disaster occurs. The plan identifies areas of concern that each local government can continue to improve and address as funds are available over time.

“The purpose of mitigation planning is to identify policies and actions that can be implemented over the long term to reduce risk and future losses. Mitigation Plans form the foundation for a community’s long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. The planning process is as important as the plan itself. It creates a framework for risk-based decision making to reduce damages to lives, property, and the economy from future disasters.” – Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Visioning is a process by which a community identifies strategies to obtain the future it wants. Visioning is a way for local governments and communities to create a common framework for other planning tools, such as their comprehensive plans and policy documents such as zoning and subdivision ordinances.  The Commission strongly encourages public involvement in all visioning processes to help ensure voices are heard and a collective vision is established.

Programs and Partnerships_­

• Local county, city, and town governments
• HUD/DOT/EPA Sustainable Communities Partnership- Regional Planning Grant Program