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1102 Public Policy -- It
is determined and declared by the General Assembly that the welfare,
health, prosperity, moral and general well-being of all the people of
this State, are in a large measure, dependent upon the sound and
orderly development of the northeastern Illinois counties area. In
order to provide for such development it is essential that a sound
and comprehensive general plan for such area be devised to guide and
coordinate the development of (water supply, storm water, sewage,
transportation, land use, local governmental services, and improved
civic design.)...Therefore, it is necessary to create an agency
authorized to develop and adopt such a comprehensive plan, to amend
such plan when future developments so require and to cooperate with
various units of government in comprehensive planning for future
growth and development.
1117. Powers and duties of
commission---In the exercise of these powers or of any other
powers granted to it under this Act or specifically under any other
law, the Commission shall act solely as an advisory body to units of
government, to agencies of the State and Federal government, and to
interested persons; its plans, policies, research findings and
recommendations shall have no binding effect on such units of
government, agencies, or persons, or on the plans, policies, or
actions of such units of government, agencies or persons.
1119. Research---Conduct
research required for planning for the Counties Area, including the
collection of data with respect to population trends and the social,
economic, physical, esthetic and governmental factors affecting the
development of the area, and make its findings available to persons
interested.
1121. Prepare plans and
establish policies---Prepare and recommend to units of
government within the Commission's area of operation generalized
comprehensive plans and policies which are metropolitan in character
and which may include but need not be limited to plans for:
1. Residential, commercial,
industrial, public and other land use;
2. Land, water and air transportation facilities and terminals
therefore;
3. Water supply and distribution;
4. Drainage, flood control, sewage disposal and pollution;
5. Schools, parks and recreation facilities;
6. Governmental services and facilities, particularly where the
joint action of 2 or more units of government are necessary or
desirable;
7. Improvement in standards of urban esthetics and civic design.
1123. Standards for zoning and
building control ordinates---Prepare and make available to
units of governments standards for zoning, building and subdivision
control ordinances and other planning regulations and for
administrative practices and procedures under such ordinances or
regulations.
1124. Recommendations for
capital improvement programs---Prepare and recommend methods
of establishing capital improvement programs, budgeting therefor, and
priority of public projects for units of government.
1137. Planning and development
clearinghouse---The Commission is designated as the
area-wide planning and development clearinghouse in the Counties
Area, as described in Circular A-95 of the United States Office of
Management and Budget as now or hereafter amended. |
The Commission's service area is a vast,
diverse and expanding human settlement subdivided into competing yet
economically interdependent communities. The structure of local
government serving the region is possibly the most complex in the
nation. Within this setting, the ultimate mission of the
Commission is: to prepare and disseminate descriptive
information about the region and its needs, to foster cooperation
among units of government and between the public and private sectors,
and, ultimately, to strive for consensus on policies and plans for
action which will promote the sound and orderly development of the
northeastern Illinois area.
Created by the State of Illinois,
governed principally by local elected officials, and funded through
federal, state, local government, and private sector sources, the
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission has for nearly 30 years
served many masters and played many roles.
The opening passage of its 1957
enabling legislation highlights the Commission's plan-making
function. In 1987 the Commission budget stresses the preparation and
dissemination of information for, and technical assistance to, local
government.
Traditionally as well as currently,
the Commission has focused its main attention on physical and natural
resource planning issues, ranging from economic development
assistance to water resources management.
Implied in the Commission's enabling
act is its role as the regional forum. The Commission brings
officials together to address issues affecting more than one local
government. A related activity is the clearinghouse
function, wherein the Commission evaluates the regional implications
of proposed federal expenditures. In this and other activities, the
Commission is asked to serve as a mediator in local disputes.
Given its substantial body of policy
plans, the Commission is more than a neutral mediator. It must
advocate its adopted positions. Moreover, the Commission is a place
where new policies are constantly being developed to address evolving
areawide issues. In formulating its policy positions, the Commission
must always take a long-term, comprehensive, and regional view of the
issues it addresses. It must also seek maximum local participation
in its deliberations, encouraging local governments to assume
responsibility for regional policymaking. |