§ 12-O:53-a — Office of Planning and Development

I. There is established the office of planning and development within the department of business and economic affairs, division of planning and community development. The office shall be under the supervision of the director of the division of planning and community development, who shall serve under the supervision of the commissioner.
II. The office of planning and development shall:
(a) Plan for the orderly development of the state and the wise management of the state's resources.
(b) Compile, analyze, and disseminate data, information, and research services as necessary to advance the welfare of the state.
(c) Encourage and assist planning, growth management, and development activities of cities and towns and groups of cities and towns with the purpose of encouraging smart growth.
(d) Encourage the coordination and correlation of state planning by agencies of state government.
(e) Participate in interstate, regional, and national planning efforts.
(f) Administer federal and state grant-in-aid programs assigned to the office by statute or executive order.
(g) Participate and advise in matters of land use planning regarding water resources and floodplain management.
(h) Take a leadership role in encouraging smart growth and preserving farmland, open space land, and traditional village centers.
(i) Administer the statewide comprehensive outdoor recreation plan and the national flood insurance program. The office shall employ necessary personnel to administer these programs.
(j) Perform such other duties as the commissioner may assign.

Legislative History

2025, 141:31, 390, eff. July 1, 2025.