About the Illinois Association of Regional CouncilsThe Illinois Association of Regional Councils (ILARC) was established in 1977 and serves as the recognized organization in Illinois representing regional planning agencies at the state level. Regional councils are formed by counties, cities and towns to service local governments and private citizens. The primary function of a regional councils is to study the needs and conditions of a region and to develop strategies which enhance the region's communities.
A Regional Planning Agency• is comprised of and governed by local government elected officials and appointed representatives of local communities.
• is a public organization encompassing a multi-jurisdictional regional area.
• is a primary conduit to local elected officials for federal and state information and program delivery.
• serves the local governments and citizens in the region by dealing with issues and needs which cross city, town, county, and in some instances, state boundaries.
• is funded in whole or in part by member local governments.
• provides comprehensive, area-wide policy development and planning, coordinates regional functional planning and operations, and arranges for implementation of regional policies.
• provides program and technical assistance based upon the needs of the local region and its communities' local elected officials, such as transportation planning, economic development assistance, water quality planning, data and information compilation, and grants preparation and management on behalf of local units of government.
• may have a different name, such as regional council, council of government, economic development district, or development district – regardless of the name, the function remains the same.
Our MissionILARC works to advance communication, education and cooperation among regional planners, local officials and government agencies in Illinois. ILARC works closely with state and federal agencies on public policies related to community development and fosters local involvement and regional cooperation. ILARC provides legislative support on key issues affecting regional planning agencies and serves as a liaison between state and federal government, counties and municipalities to facilitate and encourage cooperative legislative action.
ILARC recognizes and respects the differences between the various geographical areas of Illinois and the responsibilities of each regional council to plan according to policies and procedures which are considered appropriate for their regions. ILARC is committed to working toward uniformity in policies that improve the quality of life for all Illinois residents.
ILARC has a governing board of representatives form each member regional council which meets regularly throughout the year to exchange information and coordinate planning strategies.
