What is the Northwest Regional Planning Commission?

The Northwest Regional Planning Commission (NRPC) is one of eleven commissions serving Vermont municipalities.  NRPC is a governmental organization uniquely positioned to coordinate and guide activities between state and local governments. Our region is made up of 23 (19 towns, 3 incorporated villages, and 1 city) located in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties in northwestern Vermont.

Commissioners appointed by local governments serve on the Board of Commissioners and guide the work of NRPC. The Board meets monthly with topics covering a broad range of concerns: regional land use issues, transportation priorities, emergency preparedness, economic development, natural resource issues, public/private sector cooperation, and review of Act 250 projects.

What types of projects does the Commission work on?

The Commission completes projects for local municipalities, area non-profits and other regional organizations. Examples include:

  • Municipal plan and bylaw updates and related technical assistance
  • GIS mapping and analysis
  • Transportation planning and project management
  • Watershed planning and project management
  • Grant writing and grant administration
  • Emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation planning
  • Brownfields redevelopment
  • Community development and downtown revitalization

In addition to our other programs, each year the Commission provides member municipalities up to forty hours of free assistance for project related work.

Who governs the Commission?

NRPC operates under the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act (Title 24, Chapter 117, V.S.A.) and its adopted bylaws.