NARC 40th Annual Conference Focuses On Regional Readiness
The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) held its 40th Annual Conference with the theme “Regional Readiness: Responding to Change.” From June 17 to 20, members of regional planning organizations throughout the United States converged in San Antonio, Texas to learn and discuss how regional collaboration is the better alternative in addressing such issues as homeland security and regional preparedness, transportation, community and economic development, the environment, aging, workforce development, and other community concerns.
“The conference provided a broad range of relevant topics important to regional councils and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). NARC invited panelists from both the government and private sector to share views and best practices on advancing regionalism,” said NARC Immediate Past President Randall Morris, also Commissioner of the East Central Florida Regional Planning Commission. “Many a participant learned strategies and engaged in discussions that will enhance the critical role regional councils and MPOs play in keeping America’s communities strong and competitive worldwide,” he added.
A regional council is composed of multiple local government units that collaborate to work towards areawide solutions of a region, usually a group of neighboring towns, cities and counties. Its main purpose is to increase communication and coordination among local governments, as well as provide technical assistance. An MPO is a regional transportation entity, established in areas with a population of 50,000 or more, responsible for fulfilling federal and state metropolitan transportation requirements. Of the 39,000 local, general purpose governments in the US, over 35,000 are served by regional councils and MPOs.
“NARC has been around for over forty years and a large part of its success is due to the active involvement and support of its member organizations. The collaborative output from annual conferences and other NARC events help strengthen the platform of the association. These conferences are the venues where great ideas are generated, as well as recognized,” said Cameron Moore, NARC Executive Director.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of leadership and achievement awards for outstanding practices and leaders in advancing regionalism. The NARC 40th Annual Conference was hosted by the Alamo Area Council of Governments under Executive Director Al Notzon.
NARC is a non-profit membership organization and public interest group whose mission is to build regional communities through regional collaboration. Its member organizations are composed of local government units that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural.