54-40.1-04. Regional council - Powers and duties

54-40.1-04. Regional council - Powers and duties A regional council shall: 1. Adopt agreements, rules, or procedures as may be necessary to effectuate planning and development in the region. 2. Coordinate planning and development within the region for all matters of regional concern as determined by the regional council, including land use, social and economic planning, economic development, transportation, health, environmental quality, water and sewerage, solid waste, flood relief, parks and open spaces, hospitals, and public buildings. 3. Participate with other public agencies and private organizations in regard to research for planning activities relevant to the region. 4. For the purpose of coordination, work with state departments, agencies, and institutions in reviewing and commenting on all plans and federal aid applications as to their impact on the region. 5. Develop guidelines for the coordination of land use plans and ordinances within the region. 6. Prepare a regional comprehensive plan and upon the preparation of such a plan or any phase, amendment, revision, extension, addition, functional part, or part thereof, file such plan, phase, functional part, amendment, revision, extension, addition, or part thereof with the office, all local planning agencies within the region, and other planning agencies in adjoining areas. 7. Develop an annual budget for operations during a fiscal year. 8. Receive and expend federal, state, and local funds, and contract for services with units of general local government and private individuals and organizations, consistent with the scope and objectives of planning and development functions. 9. Upon availability of funds, hire an executive director who must be given full control over the staff of the regional council. The executive director shall act as a liaison between the regional council and the staff of the regional council and shall advise and assist the regional council in the selection of staff. 10. Provide technical assistance for primary sector business development by leveraging local funds to assist in product development, product testing, business plan development, feasibility studies, gaining patent protection, legal services, market strategy development, and other needs to stimulate business development. 11. Host business outreach forums to stimulate entrepreneurship and interchange with potential investment and forums on other matters of importance to the local area. 12. Upon request, facilitate the financing of local economic development activities, such as interest buydown programs and local revolving loan fund programs, without regard to the fiscal source. 13. Act as a regional development corporation as provided by the individual regional council's bylaws. 14. Have authority to purchase, own, and manage real property for the purpose of the business incubator and regional council administrative functions.