Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is a regional planning agency that serves the Delaware Valley metropolitan area, which includes Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Trenton, New Jersey, Wilmington, Delaware, and Camden, New Jersey. The commission works closely with Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and United States Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement plans for the region's transportation, land use, and environmental protection. The commission's efforts are also guided by the principles of smart growth, sustainable development, and environmental justice, as outlined by organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the National Association of Regional Councils. In collaboration with Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the commission conducts research and analysis to inform its planning decisions.

● Introduction

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is a vital organization that brings together representatives from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, New Jersey Department of Transportation, Delaware Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders to address the region's complex planning challenges. The commission's work is informed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the United States Department of Transportation, and it collaborates with organizations such as the American Planning Association and the Urban Land Institute to stay up-to-date on best practices in regional planning. The commission's planning efforts are also influenced by the Clean Air Act, the Federal Aid Highway Act, and other federal and state laws, as well as the policies of the Federal Railroad Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. Additionally, the commission works with SEPTA, New Jersey Transit, and Delaware Transit Corporation to develop and implement transportation plans that meet the region's needs.

● History

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission was established in 1965 as a result of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, which required states to create regional planning agencies to oversee the development of transportation systems. The commission's early work focused on developing a comprehensive transportation plan for the region, in collaboration with Pennsylvania Governor William Scranton and New Jersey Governor Richard J. Hughes. Over the years, the commission has expanded its scope to include land use planning, environmental protection, and economic development, working with organizations such as the National Park Service and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The commission has also been influenced by the work of Jane Jacobs, Robert Moses, and other notable urban planners, and it has collaborated with The Pew Charitable Trusts and the William Penn Foundation to support its planning initiatives.

● Responsibilities

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is responsible for developing and implementing a range of plans and programs to address the region's transportation, land use, and environmental challenges. The commission works closely with Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement plans for flood control, water quality management, and hazard mitigation. The commission also collaborates with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to develop and implement plans for air quality management, waste management, and conservation. Additionally, the commission works with United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and United States Department of Commerce to support economic development and housing initiatives in the region.

● Membership

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has a diverse membership that includes representatives from Pennsylvania General Assembly, New Jersey Legislature, and Delaware General Assembly, as well as from City of Philadelphia, City of Trenton, and City of Wilmington. The commission also includes representatives from SEPTA, New Jersey Transit, and Delaware Transit Corporation, as well as from Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The commission's membership is guided by the principles of regionalism and collaboration, and it works to build partnerships with organizations such as the National Association of Counties and the United States Conference of Mayors. The commission also collaborates with The Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute to stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in regional planning.

● Planning Initiatives

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has developed a range of planning initiatives to address the region's challenges and opportunities. The commission's Long-Range Plan outlines a vision for the region's transportation system, including highway and public transportation improvements, and it collaborates with Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration to develop and implement transportation plans. The commission's Sustainable Communities Initiative aims to promote sustainable development and smart growth in the region, working with organizations such as the United States Green Building Council and the Congress for the New Urbanism. The commission also works with United States Department of Energy and United States Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement plans for energy efficiency and renewable energy.

● Regional Impact

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has had a significant impact on the region, working to improve the quality of life for residents and promote economic development. The commission's planning efforts have helped to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, and it has collaborated with Pennsylvania Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Health to develop and implement plans for public health and environmental health. The commission's work has also been recognized by organizations such as the American Planning Association and the National Association of Regional Councils, and it has received awards from the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. Additionally, the commission has collaborated with The Philadelphia Inquirer and The New York Times to raise awareness about regional planning issues and promote public engagement in the planning process. The commission's efforts have also been influenced by the work of Robert Yaro and Alexander Garvin, and it has collaborated with The Regional Plan Association to develop and implement plans for the region's future. Category:Regional planning agencies in the United States