| 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. |
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. |
