Annual Report FY2004

Projects Committee Structure Budget Board

Our Mission
DVRPC's mission is to proactively shape a comprehensive vision for the future growth. We will do so by providing technical assistance and services; high priority studies that respond requests and demands of member local governments; fostering cooperation among various constituencies to consensus on diverse regional determining and meeting the needs private sector; and continuing public efforts that promote two-way communication and enhance public awareness of issues and of DVRPC.

Who We Are and What We Do
Created in 1965, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is an interstate, intercounty and intercity agency that provides continuing, comprehensive and coordinated planning to shape a vision for the future growth of the Delaware Valley region. Our region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

Our goal is to address current and ongoing issues while fostering cooperation among member governments, private sector organizations and the general public. To do so, we work closely with a variety of groups, including the Pennsylvania and New Jersey departments of transportation, community affairs and environmental protection agencies, the federal government, and regional transportation providers. We also partner with a wide variety of non-profit organizations in the areas of community and economic development, environmental protection, and land use.

All of our activities are directed by an 18-member Board that establishes regional policy, defines committee duties, and adopts the annual work program. A 10-member Executive Committee oversees general operations and fiscal matters. Financial support for our activities comes primarily from federal transportation funding through the Pennsylvania and New Jersey departments of transportation. Additional financial resources are provided by funding from other state or federal agencies, counties, cities, operating agencies, foundations, and the private sector.

DVRPC does not discriminate based on race, color, age, sex, disability or national origin in any of its programs, pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A View of the Region

• The nine-county Philadelphia metropolitan area is the sixth largest in the country, comprised of approximately 4,000 square miles, more than 5.4 million residents, and over 2.8 million jobs.
• Philadelphia is the largest fresh water port in the world, and the Port of Philadelphia, run by the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, is the oldest operating port in the nation.
• Philadelphia has the nation's largest concentration of people who walk to work.
• 80% of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies are headquartered within 50 miles of Philadelphia.
• The first computer was built at the University of Pennsylvania in 1946.
• The region boasts the second largest concentration of health resources in the nation, including: 7 schools of medicine, 24 teaching hospitals, 115 hospitals, and numerous advanced research institutions.
• The nation's first bank, built in 1794, created an architectural standard.
• Over 80 colleges and universities are located in the Delaware Valley, which gives the region the highest per capita concentration of higher education institutions in the country.
• Nineteen of the Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the region.

Message from the Executive Director and Board Chair

John J. Coscia Executive Director

Thomas J. Gurick Fiscal Year 2004 Board Chair

Since DVRPC's inception almost forty years ago, we have tried to create liveable plans for the Delaware Valley, while keeping our sights on the individuals and families that form the foundation of the region. Where people live, how they get to work, and what qualities they seek in their communities are all important factors as we plan for our common future.

We believe that it's important to match the faces of each community to a regional plan for tomorrow. Whether we're working on quality of life issues, building a better highway, or protecting our environment, there is no “one size fits all” plan. Everything we consider at DVRPC takes into account the people who will be living with our decisions.

Over the past year, we have forged ahead with many innovative ideas for the future of the Delaware Valley. We have allocated over $4 billion in funding for major highway and public transit investments through the Transportation Improvement Program, helped the region retain young workers with the Stay Invent the Future campaign, and worked with communities in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania to revitalize our older towns and suburbs. In May, we celebrated the accomplishments of seven regional leaders at our third Annual Dinner, which is designed to recognize regional excellence.

During the past few months, we've also started work on a new long-range plan, entitled Destination 2030. When completed, the plan will create a roadmap to the Delaware Valley of the future-the region that your children and grandchildren will enjoy. We take this responsibility seriously, and have gathered ideas from local government and business leaders, transit agencies, and citizens to ensure that Destination 2030 meets the standards of those who know the region best.

We're proud of our commitment and contributions to the Delaware Valley. Together, we are creating tomorrow, today.

Whether we are serving as a source of information, focusing on bringing the region's leaders together to resolve issues, or providing insights into the needs of our citizens, we have the clear mission to lead. DVRPC is the only agency to fill the role of regional forum, regional resource and regional thinker.