The Northeastern Illinois Planning 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 strive for consensus on policies and plans for action which will promote the sound and orderly development of the northeastern Illinois area. It does this by preparing and disseminating descriptive information about the region and its needs; fostering cooperation among units of government and between the public and private sectors; constantly developing policies to address evolving areawide issues; taking a long-term comprehensive and regional view of the issues it addresses; seeking maximum local participation in its deliberations; and encouraging local governments to assume responsibility for regional policy making.

Created by the State of Illinois, governed principally by local elected officials, and funded through federal, state, local government, and private sector sources, the Commission has throughout its history served many masters and played many roles. The opening passage of its 1957 enabling legislation highlights the Commission's plan-making function. Its work programs in recent years have stressed the preparation and dissemination of information for, and technical assistance to, local governments.

Traditionally as well as currently, the Commission has focussed its main attention on physical and natural resource planning issues, ranging from economic development assistance to water resources management. Implicit in the Commission's enabling act is its role as a 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 and state 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.