• RPCs
  • Bay-Lake RPC
  • Capital Area RPC
  • East Central RPC
  • Mississippi River RPC
  • North Central RPC
  • Northwest RPC
  • Southeastern RPC
  • Southwestern RPC
  • West Central RPC
• RPC Information
• Benefits of Regionalism
• Comprehensive Planning
• Links

Program and Activity Summary

Economic Development:
In 1977, the Commission was designated an Economic Development District by the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration (EDA). The Commission has prepared the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Report that analyzes the regional economy and identifies economic development projects throughout the Region. This report maintains the eligibility for all local governments, organizations, and businesses throughout the Region to apply for public works grants, business loans and research grants from EDA. Economic development services provided by the Commission as a result of this association include: administration of several revolving loan funds to assist business financing needs in the Region, grant writing assistance for community public works and business development projects, administration of Community Development Block Grant revolving loan funds for business and housing projects, and preparing local economic development plans.

Community Development:
The Commission’s pooled office staff and resources are cost shared and allow the Commission to provide cost effective community development services. Assisting local interests in responding to State and Federal programs, providing advisory service on local planning problems, and serving as a coordinating agency for regional programs and activities are some examples of community development services provided. Recently the Commission assisted some of our counties with their all hazards mitigation planning as prescribed by new Federal regulations.

Land Use and Environmental Resources:
The Commission is actively involved in land use and environmental resource advisory work. Community and county comprehensive planning, zoning and subdivision ordinance preparation, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, park and recreation planning, urban sewer service area planning, and environmental assessment reports are examples of services provided.

Transportation:
The Commission’s transportation services include: assisting the Mississippi River Parkway Commission in its planning and promotion activity for the Great River Road; assisting the La Crosse Area Planning Committee in meeting its Federal and State transportation planning requirements; assisting in expanding or establishing new multi-modal transit services; advising local governments on meeting and financing transportation needs of the elderly and handicapped; preparing public Human Service Transportation Plans for all nine counties; coordinating the involvement of Federal and State transportation plans and policies for consideration into local land use plans; providing a roadway management program that enables local governments to systematically prioritize their roadway maintenance needs based on sound evaluation criteria; and assisting in the development of harbor plans and projects for communities along the Mississippi River.

Information and Data Systems:
The Commission’s planning activity, coupled with its designation as a State affiliate data center, allows the Commission to maintain a wealth of socioeconomic and geographic data on the Region. The Commission’s computer database and library is available to local governments, businesses, churches, hospitals, students, utility companies, civic groups, and development organizations.

Association of Wisconsin Regional Planning Commissions: 2009