WHAT IS MAPA? Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA) is a voluntary association of local governments created in 1967 under the terms of an interlocal agreement to provide a forum for coordinating local planning and development activities. As an organization of local governments, MAPA exists to help member governments address problems which are regional in scope and which may cross jurisdictional boundaries. MAPA brings local government officials of the region together to address mutual and overlapping concerns in the areas of transportation, solid and hazardous waste, community and economic growth and development, air quality, energy, and data. It also works to promote and preserve the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens in the MAPA region. MEMBERSHIP
Any governmental unit within MAPA's five-county area can belong. Current membership consists of five counties, 38 towns, 19 special purpose governmental entities and one city council. FUNDING
MAPA does not levy taxes. It receives its financial support from federal, state and local contributions and from contracts for services. Local general support is based on a ratio of county population to the local population of all member counties according to the latest official census. STRUCTURE
The agency is governed by a 63-member council of officials, representing each of the 63 governmental units which comprise MAPA. It meets three times a year to set policy. Seeing to it that the policy is carried out is the job of the nine-member Board of Directors, which meets monthly to govern the agency. The Board members represent nine specific Council of Officials member entities. Activities set forth in the agency's work program are carried out by a 13-member professional and support staff, headed by an executive director. AUTHORITY
MAPA has no regulatory powers. It can consider any matter which may or should involve interlocal governmental cooperation or coordination. It recommends, but does not implement, plans and programs that it prepares, reviews or adopts. It also provides review and comment on local applications for federal and state funds.
