The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is established under Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws and, as such, is the official area-wide planning agency in Berkshire County with comprehensive planning responsibilities which include land use, transportation, economic development, and environmental management. The Commission, composed of one Delegate and one Alternate from each member community, as well as a commission staff, is required to study the problems, needs, and resources of the region and to make recommendations for physical, social, governmental, and economic improvements in the Berkshires. BRPC is responsible for regional review procedures required by numerous federal and state programs. In addition, BRPC has been designated a regional depository for the U.S. Census. BRPC also has major transportation planning responsibilities mandated by federal law.