Northwest Georgia Regional Commission

Shannon Whitfield
2022 / 2023 Chairperson

Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life for every Northwest Georgia resident, through orderly growth, conservation of the region’s natural and historic resources, and care and development of the region’s human resources.

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission is a multi-county organization consisting of 15 Northwest Georgia counties and 49 municipalities. Major responsibilities of the Regional Commission include: (1) implementation of the Georgia Planning Act of 1989; (2) administration of the Area Agency on Aging; (3) administration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; and (4) providing planning and development assistance to member governments in areas they could not otherwise afford.

Area Agency On Aging of Northwest Georgia

The Georgia Department of Human Resources has designated the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and in this capacity, the RC plans, coordinates and administers programs for older Georgians throughout the planning and service area. An Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, which includes consumers, advises on senior programs. The provision of services is administered by the AAA through contracts with service-provider agencies.

Planning Services of Northwest Georgia

Comprehensive Planning

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission assists member local governments with implementing the Georgia Planning Act of 1989. Local comprehensive plans address community needs and objectives for economic development, community facilities, natural and historic resources, housing, and land use. Plans must be updated every ten years.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Program of Northwest Georgia

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides education, training and employment opportunities for individuals in Northwest Georgia. We work in a fifteen-county area that includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield counties. The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission administers the federally-funded program for the chief elected officials in our fifteen counties.