Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission

Overview

The CMRPC, formed in 1963, is the designated regional planning entity for the Central Massachusetts region, which includes the City of Worcester and the surrounding 39 communities. This region encompasses the southern two-thirds of Worcester County.

CMRPC provides municipal and regional planning for Land Use and Transportation, as well as a variety of Community Development services, Transit Planning for the region's transit authority, Geographic Information Services (GIS), staffing for Municipalities Organized for Regional Effectiveness (MORE), and other programs. CMRPC collaborates with local, regional, state and federal officials, as well as with legislators, in order to bring a regional perspective and a coordinated approach to the planning and development that occurs in this region.

The ultimate goal of this agency is to improve the quality of life for those who work and live in the Central Massachusetts region. Below is a map displaying the 40 Central Massachusetts communities grouped by subregion.

Delegates

The number of delegates allowed per community is based population. In addition, each community has an alternate who may vote in place of an absent delegate. The Town of Grafton is allowed three delegates and one alternate. The Board of Selectmen appoint one delegate and the alternate. The Planning Board appoints two delegates - one must be a member of the Planning Board and the other a resident of the Town.

The Commission delegates meet quarterly with an annual meeting in June. This body is responsible for all policy decisions including approval of the annual work program and budget. Through our delegates, Grafton has the opportunity to receive direct benefits and shape public policy in a real and tangible way through participation in various committees established to implement these core focus areas.