VT H0421

Every regional planning commission must establish a regional council of governments by July 1, 2027, with representatives being elected municipal officials from member municipalities

By January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Commerce and Community Development must meet with regional planning commission representatives to determine the number of councils and municipal membership for each

Councils may provide a wide range of services including engineering, planning, economic development, public safety, emergency management, housing, solid waste disposal, fire protection, and transportation

Councils may accept funds from federal, state, and local governments as well as private sources, and may employ staff and consultants as needed

Councils may exercise most municipal powers on behalf of a majority of members, except for legislative powers, taxing authority, or eminent domain; existing regional planning commissions may be dissolved and their assets transferred to councils