Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) serves as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Established in 1965 through an interstate compact—a formal agreement between two or more states—the DVRPC is tasked with coordinating transportation and regional planning across a diverse multi-state landscape.
By bringing together elected officials and government planners, the commission works to improve transportation infrastructure, promote smart growth initiatives (urban planning that avoids sprawl), and protect the regional environment.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1965 via an interstate compact between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Jurisdiction: Nine counties across southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey.
- Leadership: Led by Executive Director Ariella Maron.
- Governance: Governed by an 18-member board and a 10-member executive committee.
- Core Mission: Regional transportation, environmental protection, and sustainable growth.
- Staffing: Approximately 120 full-time employees.
History and Evolution
Early Planning Efforts
Regional planning in the Delaware Valley began long before the DVRPC. In 1928, the Regional Planning Federation of the Philadelphia Tri-State District was formed, issuing its first regional plan in 1932 before disbanding in 1941. Later, in 1955, Philadelphia's Urban Traffic and Transportation Board produced "Plan and Program 1955," which led to the Penn Jersey Transportation Study. This study eventually evolved into the current commission.
Establishment and Legal Framework
The DVRPC was officially instituted in 1965 and further established under the "Delaware Valley Urban Compact" in 1967. This legal structure defined the commission's authority and administrative procedures through the legislatures of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Over time, its role expanded, particularly following the 1991 Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), which granted the commission broader transportation planning authority as defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
The Regional Citizens Committee (RCC)
In the mid-1970s, a federal mandate led to the creation of the Regional Citizens Committee (RCC). Originally split into three focus areas—transportation, housing, and the environment—these were merged into a single advisory committee in 1980. The RCC was designed to build grassroots consensus, review public policy, and ensure federal public participation requirements were met.
However, the RCC faced significant turmoil in 2011, including disputes over voting rights on the Action Task Force and public confrontations between committee members and the Pennsylvania Transit Expansion Coalition (PA-TEC). These tensions culminated in November 2011, when the DVRPC disbanded the RCC and replaced it with a new citizens group composed of county appointees and staff selections.
Modern Initiatives and Legal Challenges
Food System Planning
In February 2011, the DVRPC expanded its scope by unveiling "Eating Here: Greater Philadelphia's Food System Plan." This collaborative effort aimed to increase the economic, social, and environmental security of the regional food system. To support this, the commission announced $500,000 in implementation grants funded by the William Penn Foundation, benefiting organizations such as The Common Market, Fair Food, and SHARE Food Programs.
Right-to-Know Law Disputes
The commission was involved in a significant legal battle regarding transparency. In 2011, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) ruled that the DVRPC was subject to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) of 2008. The DVRPC initially argued it was exempt as a multi-state agency. While the OOR initially ordered the release of public records, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania overturned this decision on October 3, 2012, ruling that the DVRPC is not a "commonwealth agency" because it does not perform an essential governmental function.
Organization and Jurisdiction
The DVRPC is managed by an Executive Director and governed by an 18-member board that sets regional policy and adopts the annual work program. A smaller 10-member executive committee handles fiscal matters and the annual budget. The commission produces a comprehensive long-range plan every four years, the most recent being Connections, the Long-Range Plan for a Sustainable Future.
| State | Counties |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia |
| New Jersey | Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the DVRPC?
The DVRPC is responsible for transportation and regional planning in the greater Philadelphia area, focusing on improving infrastructure, promoting smart growth, and protecting the environment.
Who governs the commission?
The commission is governed by an 18-member board that establishes policy and a 10-member executive committee that oversees operations and the budget.
Which states are involved in the DVRPC's jurisdiction?
The DVRPC operates under an interstate compact between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, covering five counties in Pennsylvania and four in New Jersey.
What is the "Connections" plan?
Connections, the Long-Range Plan for a Sustainable Future is the commission's current long-range plan, which is updated every four years to guide regional development.
Is the DVRPC subject to the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law?
Although the Office of Open Records initially ruled that it was, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania overturned that decision in 2012, determining that the DVRPC is not a commonwealth agency.