The Local Governing Body

Your mayor and local legislative body, whether it be a city or town council, or board of county commissioners, are key players in the planning universe. Indeed, a responsibility for setting the planning process in motion rests with the local governing body. In most states, the process begins with the governing body and/or mayor appointing the planning commission.

Local Governing Body The comprehensive plan, which is typically produced by the commission, cannot go into effect without being adopted by the governing body. Similarly, the local governing body has final say on the adoption of zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and other regulations designed to implement the comprehensive plan. In some states, the governing body also makes the final decision on development approvals.

Planning commissions need to keep the mayor and governing body well informed of planning initiatives, as elected officials generally like to know what's going on and frown upon surprises.