For the Communities We Serve

We foster a cooperative effort among our communities in resolving common, regional problems, to allow our communities to plan jointly, and to promote with the greatest efficiency and economy the coordinated and orderly development of the region and the general welfare of its residents.

Our History

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission began as the Central Merrimack Valley Regional Planning District in 1959, and was established as a corporate public body in accordance with Section 3, Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Progressively over the years, town by town and city by city was added to our charter, until we became the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) in 1971, encompassing 15 constituent communities across the Merrimack region.

Our Members

We are deeply committed to the 15 communities we serve, and offer support, problem solving, trusted resources and assistance so our communities enjoy regional support at their local level.

Our Approach

We’re here to help. As a public, nonprofit organization, we’re committed to assisting the Valley’s communities in the planning areas of transportation, the environment, land use, economic development, and GIS mapping. The purpose for creating our organization over 50 years ago governs our actions today—to help communities plan growth and resources, develop economically and regionally, and promote community collaboration for the overall welfare and prosperity of our Valley’s citizens.

Our Work

Collaboration is the name of our game. We take a very progressive, hands-on approach to our projects, from the beginning funding stages to delivering award-winning final products. We collaborate and continually involve cooperation with local, state and federal government officials, along with private sector businesses and individuals to ensure consensus. Federal and state agencies we work side-by-side with include the Environmental Protection Agency, Economic Development, Federal Transit Authority, and Mass DOT, to name a few.

Project funding comes from a variety of sources for federal, state and local projects and fall within six major categories:

• Transportation & Transit Planning (46%)
• Local Assessments & Local Technical Assistance (6%)
• Economic & Community Development Planning (14%)
• Comprehensive Planning (15%)
• Environmental, Land use & Smart Growth Planning (14%)
• Geographic Information System (GIS) Services (5%)

We also apply for and receive competitively awarded grants, and contract work directly with local communities and municipalities. We also provide local technical assistance to each community as part of annual member dues.

Five of these six service areas accounted for 94% of the agency budget, and were derived from a variety of largely non-local sources, including state and federal grants, as well as contracts with selected non-profit organizations and businesses that support MVPC’s mission.

Only 6% of the budget was derived from local assessments to our member communities. These local funds were used by MVPC as match to leverage the 94% of outside funding brought into the region by the commission staff.

Ongoing Support

The work of the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission is made possible thanks to an annual grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. EDA seeks to drive innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. We are proud to work with EDA to support and promote business within our region.