2030 Regional Development Framework

The 2030 Regional Development Framework is the initial “chapter” and unifying theme of the Council’s metropolitan development guide. Together with the Council’s regional policy plans, the Framework is intended to help ensure the orderly, economical development of the seven-county area and the efficient use of four regional systems: transportation, aviation, water resources (including wastewater collection and treatment) and regional parks and open space. The Framework was adopted in January 2004, and amended in December 2006. The amendments are incorporated into the text and maps below.

The Council’s strategies are organized around four policies:

Accommodating growth in a flexible, connected and efficient manner.
Slowing the growth in traffic congestion and improving mobility.
Encouraging expanded choices in housing locations and types.
Conserving, protecting and enhancing the region’s vital natural resources.

The Framework recognizes that “one size does not fit all” – that different communities have different opportunities, needs and aspirations. It includes tailored strategies for different types of communities: fully developed communities, those that are still developing, and four different types of rural communities.

For the first time, it also includes benchmarks to measure the region’s progress toward achieving the goals of the Framework. See the latest benchmarks. (pdf)