FAQ's
About the RPC
What services
does the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
(RPC) provide for local and county governments?
RPC provides comprehensive planning and development services
including watershed, transportation, and regional development
planning; specifically related to city and county governments
in a six county area. The RPC provides community strategic
planning and zoning ordinances, neighborhood and town center
revitalization programs, mapping and GIS services, funding
and grant services as well as business loan assistance.
How are the
Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and the
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) related?
The MPO serves as the official decision making body for
federally-funded transportation projects in Jefferson and
Shelby counties, and is responsible for the Regional Transportation
Plan (RTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
The RPC provides staff to the MPO, promoting a consideration
of land-use policy and practices with transportation improvements.
How is RPC funded
and maintained?
RPC is a voluntary multi-jurisdictional organization funded
by membership dues which are based on a per capita assessment;
the commission also applies for and receives federal, state
and private grants on behalf of member governments, and
the RPC provides services for fee-based contracts with state,
county, city, and non-profit organizations. The Regional
Planning Commission also has an affiliate not-for-profit
organization, the Birmingham Regional Development Corporation
that accepts funding for economic development purposes.
What tools are
available to a community looking for technical advice or
planning assistance?
The RPC provides varied services for its member governments.
There are numerous opportunities for planning,
transporation, or GIS related information. The resource
links page can be used to peruse some governmental, non-profit,
and private resources at the federal, state, and regional
levels.
How can I find
out about RPC related public meetings or forums?
Training workshops, meetings and other RPC related events
are listed on the RPC Calendar of Events.
What is the
Center for Regional Planning and Design? How is the RPC
involved?
The Center for Regional Planning and Design is composed
of the Regional Planning Commission, Region 2020, and Auburn
University Urban Studio. The physical co-location of the
three agencies reflects a collaborative effort to work together
on regional and community initiatives. Also co-located within
the Center for Regional Planning and Design are: CAWACO,
Scenic Alabama, Initiative Seven and Housing Enterprise
of Central Alabama.
