Philadelphia Skyline
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is an example of an agency that began its life as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) focused on transportation, but has evolved into a full-fledged land use planning organization. Working both sides of the river, DVRPC develops land use and transportation plans for the greater Philadelphia area in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The agency has no direct power to compel city and local governments to conform with regional plans. It seeks to create a common regional vision by planning collaboratively, directing transportation funds, promoting conservation land acquisitions and providing planning help to municipalities. The agency covers a diverse and politically fragmented landscape in which a struggling big city and its many sprawling suburbs do not have a strong history of mutual trust and cooperation.
Vital Statistics:
Chapter of the Book: 20
States: NJ & PA
Year Established: 1965
Geographic Scale: 1.4 million acres
Mandatory or Voluntary over Local Government: Voluntary
Authorizing Laws: Federal & State
Agencies and Organizations:
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
Resources:
Connections 2035, The Long-Range Plan for a Sustainable Future
Regional Indicators for the DVRPC Long-Range Plan
