Regional Planning Roundtable Commission

The act creates the regional planning roundtable commission (commission) within the department of local affairs (department). The commission is a 21-member appointed board with members who serve 3-year terms; except that specified members serve initial terms of 2 years.

After an initial meeting to elect a chair and establish its procedures and operation framework, the commission will only meet when a local government requests assistance in addressing a regional opportunity or challenge. In so meeting, the commission shall:

• Define a region for purposes of establishing a regional roundtable to assist in addressing the regional opportunity or challenge;
• Considering local expertise, suggest who should serve on the regional roundtable established in connection with addressing the regional opportunity or challenge; and
• Identify state resources available to assist in addressing the regional opportunity or challenge.

The commission may also assist in establishing an integrated planning framework that considers, at a minimum, specified topics. The commission must annually report to specified committees of the general assembly regarding any assistance that it has provided to local governments.

The act allows the department to seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations to cover the costs of implementing the act. Only after the department has received sufficient gifts, grants, or donations to implement the act is the commission created and able to meet.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)