Regional Planning Councils

Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) are quasi-governmental organizations that are designated by Florida law (Ch. 186, Florida Statutes) to address problems and plan solutions that are of greater-than-local concern or scope, and are to be recognized by local governments as one of the means to provide input into state policy development. With regard to transportation-related issues, RPCs are empowered to provide technical assistance to local governments on growth management matters; coordinate land development and transportation policies in a manner that fosters region-wide transportation systems; review local government comprehensive plan amendments, evaluation/appraisal reports, and Developments of Regional Impacts for consistency with state and regional plans; and, review the plans of independent transportation authorities and metropolitan planning organizations to identify inconsistencies between those plans and applicable local government plans.

RPC Products

In addition to various studies of the resources of the region, the principal product of each RPC is the Strategic Regional Policy Plan (SRPP). The SRPP identifies key regional resources and facilities, examines current and forecasted conditions and trends (including expected growth patterns), and establishes regional goals and policies that guide a program of actions to address identified problems and needs. An example of strategic subject areas that a SRPP may address includes affordable housing, economic development, emergency preparedness, natural resources and regional transportation.

RPCs may also be involved in a variety of other programs other than growth management, such as emergency preparedness programs planning, GIS services, statistical analysis, small business development and public health projects.

RPCs Composition

Each county in the region shall have a member on the Board of Directors of the RPC in its region and shall have at least one vote. Local governments and the Governor of Florida may appoint either locally elected officials or lay citizens, provided that at least two-thirds of the voting members are locally elected officials. Each RPC's Board may be composed of the following members:

• Local elected officials (city and county commissioners).
• Officials appointed by the Governor, including an elected school board member to be nominated by the Florida School Board Association.
• Ex officio nonvoting members appointed by the Governor.

RPC Organization

There are 11 RPCs in the State of Florida; one for each comprehensive planning district of the state:

• West Florida RPC, Pensacola
• Apalachee RPC, Tallahassee
• North Central Florida RPC, Gainesville
• Northeast Florida Regional Council, Jacksonville
• Withlacoochee RPC, Ocala
• East Central Florida RPC, Orlando
• Central Florida RPC, Bartow
• Tampa Bay RPC
• Southwest Florida RPC, Ft. Myers
• Treasure Coast RPC, Stuart
• South Florida RPC, Miami

See also

Government of Florida

Growth management

Land use

Regional planning

Urban planning

Zoning

External Links

American Planning Association

National Association of Regional Councils

Florida Department of Community Affairs

Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations