The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is the regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in the 101 cities and towns of Metropolitan Boston.

Established in 1963, MAPC is a public agency created under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B Section 24. MAPC is governed by representatives from each city and town in our region, as well as gubernatorial appointees and designees of major public agencies. Learn more about MAPC’s Board and Council.

Each municipality in our region belongs to one of eight subregions, each led by one MAPC staff member. Each subregion includes municipal officials and regional and community stakeholders, all of whom work together to develop an annual work plan and priorities.

Take a look at our bylaws!

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. Our regional plan, MetroCommon 2050, guides our work as we engage the public in responsible stewardship of our region’s future.

We work toward sound municipal management, sustainable land use, protection of natural resources, efficient and affordable transportation, a diverse housing stock, public safety, economic development, clean energy, healthy communities, an informed public, and equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds.