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— HVCEO was organized in 1968 by adoption of municipal ordinances under CGS Section 4 -124, and is part of a statewide system of 15 regional planning organizations.

— Under the authority of CGS 8-35a the Council periodically updates a regional plan of conservation and development as a regional guide for municipal growth.

— HVCEO is required by various laws to review and comment upon draft local and state plans of conservation and development, proposed intermunicipal agreements, receive statutory referrals, and make certain appointments to other boards. It is also a day to day resource agency for the public, as shown on the summary of local assistance.

— Under Title 23, U.S. Code since 1975 the Council has conducted regional transportation planning to maintain municipal eligibility for federally funded transportation projects. Each year this program alone represents more than two thirds of staff activity.

— This organization serves as manager and regional advocate on certain regulatory and crisis issues. It also creates original data bases for local planning. The results of many of these efforts appear on the list of HVCEO publications.

— The Council serves as the regional census data center for area municipalities.

— Regular regional meetings facilitate communications between chief elected officials and private sector and institutional leaders, and provide a continuing forum. A Legislative Agenda is maintained.

— The Council has long been been a center for quality planning maps. Since 1994 it has maintained a geographic information system (GIS) offering digital maps for the area, also assistance with municipal GIS development.

— The organization annually undertakes specialized planning studies requested by municipalities on technical topics such as commercial area enhancement, traffic safety, zoning fees, rail service, water supply resources, etc.

--- The original charge of 1968 remains the goal of the HVCEO members today; to make the Housatonic Valley Region a better place in which to live, do business and visit through coordinated planning and cooperative approaches.