Chairman Chiarelli appointed to National Association of Regional Councils Board of Directors

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – The Winnebago County Board Office proudly announces that County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli has been appointed to the Board of Directors for the National Association of Regional Councils, which serves as the national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues.

The National Association of Regional Councils recently celebrated its 57th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Detroit, Michigan and elected its leaders for 2023-2024. Members of the National Association include regional councils, councils of governments, regional planning and development agencies, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and other regional organizations. On behalf of the MPO for our Regional Planning Council, Chairman Chiarelli will represent District VI which includes Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

"It is an honor to be selected for this board representing not only our area, but serving a large portion of the Midwest," said Chairman Chiarelli. "The National Association's overarching initiatives of economic and community development, energy and environment, transportation and public safety are shared priorities of Winnebago County. I look forward to working with other members regionally to achieve these mutual goals and collectively improve our communities."

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the National Association of Regional Councils. The board is comprised of appointed and elected policy officials and executive directors of member organizations. Members work collaboratively with their communities to address their citizens' needs and promote a regional approach to planning for the future.

"As Chairman of our MPO committee, Chairman Chiarelli has been a policy leader in discussions on solid waste management, water quality and economic development, all of which are topics being discussed in Washington, D.C.," said Michael Dunn, Jr., Executive Director for our Regional Planning Council and member of the National Association's Executive Directors Council. "His election to this role will allow for an even larger presence for these national topics, where he can represent our region and ensure we have a seat at the table."

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About the National Association of Regional Councils: For over 50 years, the National Association of Regional Councils has represented the interests of its members and has advanced regional cooperation through effective interaction and advocacy with Congress, federal officials, and other related agencies and interest groups. Member organizations are composed of multiple local governments that work together to serve American communities – large and small, urban and rural. For additional information, please visit www.NARC.org.