TMost think that the only tasks
the TCRPC performs are Developments of Regional
Impact and comprehensive plan amendment reviews.
In fact, those reviews play a small part in TCRPC's
role. The biggest role TCRPC plays is policy maker.
In many cases, the TCRPC is the policy "test
track" for the rest of the Region and its
local governments. It is also a place where local
elected officials can get away from "emergency
of the day" decision-making and think about
solutions that will address trends that are emerging
as future problems.
TCRPC policies have shaped the
local governments' policies regarding traffic
and public facility concurrency, disaster preparedness
and sheltering, upland habitat protection, wetland
habitat protection, urban growth boundaries, affordable
housing and inclusionary zoning, hazardous materials
and waste, endangered and threatened species,
revenue sharing, school concurrency, and water
management and water quality. Most local governments
listen to suggestions and recommendations made
by the TCRPC. At the end of the day, if these
suggestions have merit in helping local governments
better achieve its long-range goals, they are
adopted as law at the local level.
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