What Is MAPA?
MAPA exists to provide local governments with planning and technical support, thinking regionally and long range on the core issues that impact the vibrancy of the Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs area.
These are issues of mutual benefit such as transportation, infrastructure, housing and natural resources. We work with communities to identify opportunities, secure funding and other resources for critical projects and build consensus.
Our purpose is to promote and preserve the quality of life for a more happy, healthy and vibrant region. As a forum for inter-governmental cooperation, we are positioned uniquely to fill in the gaps as connectors, facilitators, advisors, implementers, with a big picture vision and an everyday attention to detail.
Data and process-driven, we strive to be a trusted, objective resource to local government and public and private stakeholders.
MAPA was created by local governments in 1967 to serve as the regional planning agency. We serve a six-county region, including Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington Counties in Nebraska, and Mills and Pottawattamie Counties in Iowa. MAPA is led by a 79-member Council of Officials, all of whom are appointed by local governments, which meets quarterly and sets policy for the agency. A nine-member Board of Directors is comprised of elected officials and meets monthly to carry out those policies and oversee agency activities.
Any governmental entity within MAPA’s six-county area can become a member. Current membership consists of six counties, 38 towns, 19 special purpose governmental entities and one city council.
MAPA does not levy taxes. We receive financial support from federal, state and local contributions and from contracts for services. Local general support is based on a ratio of county population to the local population of all member counties, according to the latest official census.
The agency is governed by a 79-member Council of Officials, representing each of the 79 governmental units which comprise MAPA. The Council meets four times a year to set policy.
The Board of Directors represents nine specific Council of Officials member entities. It meets monthly to govern the agency and is responsible for making sure that the policy is carried out. All activities established in the agency’s work program are carried out by a 19-member professional and support staff, led by an executive director.
MAPA has no regulatory powers. It can consider any matter which may or should involve interlocal governmental cooperation or coordination. It recommends, but does not implement, plans and programs that it prepares, reviews or adopts. It also provides review and comment on local applications for federal and state funds.