About Metropolitan area planning council
Metropolitan Area Planning Council: Enhancing the Quality of Life in Metro Boston
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is a regional planning agency that serves the 101 cities and towns of Metro Boston. Established in 1963, MAPC has been working tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for residents and businesses in the region by promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity.
As a public agency, MAPC is governed by a council made up of elected officials from each member community. The council provides guidance on policy matters and approves the agency's budget. MAPC's staff includes planners, analysts, lawyers, and other professionals who work collaboratively with local officials to address regional challenges.
One of MAPC's primary goals is to promote sustainable development throughout Metro Boston. This means encouraging growth that meets the needs of current residents without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs. To achieve this goal, MAPC works with local communities to develop comprehensive plans that balance economic development with environmental protection.
MAPC also plays an essential role in promoting economic growth throughout Metro Boston. By providing technical assistance and funding opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, MAPC helps create jobs while strengthening local economies. Additionally, through its transportation planning efforts, MAPC works to improve access to employment centers throughout the region.
Social equity is another critical focus area for MAPC. The agency recognizes that not all residents have equal access to opportunities or resources within their communities. To address this issue effectively requires collaboration between government agencies at all levels as well as community-based organizations working on behalf of marginalized populations.
MAPC has several ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting social equity within Metro Boston communities:
1) Housing: Through its Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO), which provides technical assistance on affordable housing issues such as zoning changes or financing options.
2) Transportation: Through its Transportation Division which focuses on improving access for low-income individuals through transit-oriented development projects.
3) Environmental Justice: Through its Clean Energy Division which promotes renewable energy sources like solar power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources like cars or trucks.
4) Public Health: Through its Public Health Division which focuses on improving health outcomes by addressing social determinants such as poverty or lack of access to healthy food options.
In conclusion,
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council plays an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses throughout Metro Boston by promoting sustainable development practices while fostering economic growth opportunities that benefit everyone equitably regardless of race or socioeconomic status. With a dedicated team committed to making positive change happen every day through innovative solutions tailored specifically towards each community's unique needs - it's no wonder why so many people trust them implicitly when it comes time for planning decisions affecting their lives!
mapc.org
