Commission

Serving on the Regional Planning Commission is a great way to help shape regional development to advance climate resilience, equitable access to opportunity, and conservation of natural and agricultural resources.

Commissioners come from cities, villages, and towns across the Dane County region. CARPC seeks a commission that fully reflects the diversity of the region’s population to best incorporate diverse perspectives into regional planning and policies.

As described in CARPC’s bylaws, Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of Madison, the Dane County Executive, the Dane County Cities and Villages Association, and the Dane County Towns Association. The Commission selects officers and members of the Executive Committee at its annual meeting.

Commissioners serve three-year terms on a rotating basis. The Commission meets monthly on the second Thursday. The Executive Committee meets monthly on the Mondays before Commission meetings.

Commissioners are asked to prepare for and attend monthly meetings. Common Commission deliberations involve regional development and water quality planning, Urban Service Area amendments, budgets, work programs, and administrative matters.

CARPC also partners with the Greater Madison MPO to better integrate regional land use, environmental, and transportation planning. As such, the Commission sometimes meets jointly with the MPO Board. When feasible, some Commissioners also serve on both bodies.

Commissioners also serve as liaisons to their appointing authorities. Finally, commissioners support CARPC efforts in a variety of ways, such as sharing information about CARPC work with their constituents or attending local meetings regarding CARPC projects.

Commissioners