Metropolitan Area Planning Council – Boston, MA

Regional Planning Authority

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the official regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns in the Greater Boston area. Established by the Massachusetts Legislature, MAPC works to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. The agency’s mission is to build a more equitable, sustainable, and climate-resilient future for the region’s residents. It serves as a resource for local governments, offering technical assistance in areas such as land use, zoning, housing, and transportation planning 🏙️.

Strategic Initiatives

MAPC leads the development of ”MetroCommon 2050,” the long-range plan for Greater Boston’s future. The agency conducts extensive research and data analysis to inform public policy and decision-making. Key focus areas include clean energy adoption, economic development, and public health. Through its collective purchasing programs, MAPC also helps municipalities save money on vehicles, equipment, and services by aggregating demand.

Governance and Operations

The council is governed by representatives from each member municipality, along with gubernatorial appointees and designees from major agencies. MAPC facilitates various subregional groups (such as the Inner Core Committee and MAGIC) to address local challenges that cross municipal borders. Located in Downtown Boston, the agency acts as a hub for convening stakeholders and driving regional progress 🤝.