Which entity holds public meetings and must have at least one member from the school district, appointed by the school board, with the primary function of developing the comprehensive plan and making recommendations on its adoption and amendments?

• A. Local planning agency
• B. Regional planning council
• C. Planning commission
• D. City council

Answer: (A)

The task is testing knowledge of who is responsible for shaping the long-term growth plan at the local level and ensuring school interests are included. The Local Planning Agency is the body that holds public meetings and must include at least one member from the school district appointed by the school board. Its primary function is to develop the comprehensive plan and make recommendations on its adoption and any amendments. This arrangement ensures that planning for future growth considers school facilities, capacity, and related needs, integrating educational planning with land use.

Regional planning councils operate at a broader regional level and don’t carry the specific requirement to include a school district member or to be the primary body for developing the local comprehensive plan. Planning commissions exist in many jurisdictions but the statuteically defined role that centers on developing the plan and advising on adoption, with school district representation, is that of the Local Planning Agency. City councils are governing bodies that adopt plans but are not the entity charged with developing the comprehensive plan with the school district representation requirement.