{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/15.2-4201.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/15.2-4201.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/15.2-4201.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/15.2-4201.html"}],"law_id":68634,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68634,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4201","catch_line":"Purpose of chapter","history":"1968, c. 224, \u00a7 15.1-1401; 1995, cc. 732, 796; 1997, c. 587.","full_text":"This chapter is enacted:\n\n1\n\nTo improve public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and to provide for the social, economic and physical development of communities and metropolitan areas of the Commonwealth on a sound and orderly basis, within a governmental framework and economic environment which will foster constructive growth and efficient administration.2\n\nTo provide a means of coherent articulation of community needs, problems, and potential for service.3\n\nTo foster planning for such development by encouraging the creation of effective regional planning agencies and providing the financial and professional assistance of the Commonwealth.4\n\nTo provide a forum for state and local government on issues of a regional nature.5\n\nTo encourage regional cooperation and coordination with the goals of improved services to citizens and increased cost-effectiveness of governmental activities.6\n\nTo deter the fragmentation of governmental units and services.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":248415,"text":"This chapter is enacted:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":248416,"text":"To improve public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and to provide for the social, economic and physical development of communities and metropolitan areas of the Commonwealth on a sound and orderly basis, within a governmental framework and economic environment which will foster constructive growth and efficient administration.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":248417,"text":"To provide a means of coherent articulation of community needs, problems, and potential for service.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":248418,"text":"To foster planning for such development by encouraging the creation of effective regional planning agencies and providing the financial and professional assistance of the Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":248419,"text":"To provide a forum for state and local government on issues of a regional nature.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":248420,"text":"To encourage regional cooperation and coordination with the goals of improved services to citizens and increased cost-effectiveness of governmental activities.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":248421,"text":"To deter the fragmentation of governmental units and services.","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15334,"edition_id":1,"name":"Regional Cooperation Act","identifier":"42","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12721,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:54:02","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:54:02","permalink":{"id":157899,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15334,"identifier":"42","token":"15.2\/IV\/42","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/42\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12721,"edition_id":1,"name":"Other Governmental Entities","identifier":"IV","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12720,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":157897,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12721,"identifier":"IV","token":"15.2\/IV","url":"\/15.2\/IV\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12720,"edition_id":1,"name":"Counties, Cities and Towns","identifier":"15.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":151279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12720,"identifier":"15.2","token":"15.2","url":"\/15.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":58779,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4200","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/15.2-4200\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4200","metadata":false},{"id":68634,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4201","catch_line":"Purpose of chapter","url":"\/15.2-4201\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4201","metadata":false},{"id":58368,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4202","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-4202\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4202","metadata":false},{"id":71788,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4203","catch_line":"Organization of planning district commission","url":"\/15.2-4203\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4203","metadata":false},{"id":66538,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4204","catch_line":"Disposition of earnings and assets of planning district commissions","url":"\/15.2-4204\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4204","metadata":false},{"id":70761,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4205","catch_line":"Powers of commission generally","url":"\/15.2-4205\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4205","metadata":false},{"id":64020,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4206","catch_line":"Additional powers of planning district commissions","url":"\/15.2-4206\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4206","metadata":false},{"id":86408,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4207","catch_line":"Purposes of commission","url":"\/15.2-4207\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4207","metadata":false},{"id":73451,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4208","catch_line":"General duties of planning district commissions","url":"\/15.2-4208\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4208","metadata":false},{"id":73965,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4209","catch_line":"Preparation and adoption of regional strategic plan","url":"\/15.2-4209\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4209","metadata":false},{"id":67641,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4210","catch_line":"Commission to act only in conformity with regional strategic plan","url":"\/15.2-4210\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4210","metadata":false},{"id":63747,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4211","catch_line":"Amendment of regional strategic plan","url":"\/15.2-4211\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4211","metadata":false},{"id":62612,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4212","catch_line":"Review of regional strategic plan by commission","url":"\/15.2-4212\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4212","metadata":false},{"id":70486,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4213","catch_line":"Commission to be informed of applications for state or federal aid by local governing bodies","url":"\/15.2-4213\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4213","metadata":false},{"id":69709,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4214","catch_line":"Cooperation and consultation with other agencies","url":"\/15.2-4214\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4214","metadata":false},{"id":81652,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4215","catch_line":"Annual report required","url":"\/15.2-4215\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4215","metadata":false},{"id":73566,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4216","catch_line":"State aid","url":"\/15.2-4216\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4216","metadata":false},{"id":60536,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4217","catch_line":"Regional Cooperation Incentive Fund created; administration thereof","url":"\/15.2-4217\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4217","metadata":false},{"id":61716,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4217.1","catch_line":"Specialized Transportation Incentive Fund","url":"\/15.2-4217.1\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4217.1","metadata":false},{"id":76668,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4218","catch_line":"Local governing bodies authorized to appropriate or lend funds","url":"\/15.2-4218\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4218","metadata":false},{"id":62810,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4219","catch_line":"Exemption of commission from taxation","url":"\/15.2-4219\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4219","metadata":false},{"id":76315,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4220","catch_line":"Dual membership authorized","url":"\/15.2-4220\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4220","metadata":false},{"id":78768,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4221","catch_line":"Merger of two planning district commissions","url":"\/15.2-4221\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4221","metadata":false},{"id":67114,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4222","catch_line":"Inconsistent laws inapplicable","url":"\/15.2-4222\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4222","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":58779,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4200","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/15.2-4200\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4200","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58368,"structure_id":15334,"section_number":"15.2-4202","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/15.2-4202\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4202","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/15.2-4201\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 224 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1995, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?951+ful+CHAP0732\">732<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?951+ful+CHAP0796\">796<\/a>; in 1997, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?971+ful+CHAP0587\">587<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":157905,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68634,"identifier":"15.2-4201","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4201","url":"\/15.2-4201\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/15.2-4201\/","token":"15.2\/IV\/42\/15.2-4201","dublin_core":{"Title":"Purpose of chapter","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 15.2-4201","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>This chapter is enacted:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> To improve public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and to provide for the social, economic and physical development of communities and metropolitan areas of the Commonwealth on a sound and orderly basis, within a governmental framework and economic environment which will foster constructive growth and efficient administration. <a id=\"paragraph-248416\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"2\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> To provide a means of coherent articulation of community needs, problems, and potential for service. <a id=\"paragraph-248417\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"3\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> To foster planning for such development by encouraging the creation of effective regional planning agencies and providing the financial and professional assistance of the Commonwealth. <a id=\"paragraph-248418\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"4\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> To provide a forum for state and <span class=\"dictionary\">local government<\/span> on <span class=\"dictionary\">issues<\/span> of a regional nature. <a id=\"paragraph-248419\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"5\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">5.<\/span> To encourage regional cooperation and coordination with the goals of improved services to citizens and increased cost-effectiveness of governmental activities. <a id=\"paragraph-248420\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#5\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"6\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">6.<\/span> To deter the fragmentation of governmental units and services. <a id=\"paragraph-248421\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/15.2-4201\/#6\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPURPOSE OF CHAPTER (\u00a7 15.2-4201)\n\nThis chapter is enacted:\n\n1. To improve public health, safety, convenience and welfare, and to provide for\nthe social, economic and physical development of communities and metropolitan\nareas of the Commonwealth on a sound and orderly basis, within a governmental\nframework and economic environment which will foster constructive growth and\nefficient administration.\n\n2. To provide a means of coherent articulation of community needs, problems, and\npotential for service.\n\n3. To foster planning for such development by encouraging the creation of\neffective regional planning agencies and providing the financial and\nprofessional assistance of the Commonwealth.\n\n4. To provide a forum for state and local government on issues of a regional\nnature.\n\n5. To encourage regional cooperation and coordination with the goals of improved\nservices to citizens and increased cost-effectiveness of governmental\nactivities.\n\n6. To deter the fragmentation of governmental units and services.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 224, \u00a7 15.1-1401; 1995, cc. 732, 796; 1997, c. 587.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}