Region 1 Planning Council (R1) is a special-purpose, regional government agency based in Rockford, IL. As a cross-jurisdictional, government-to-government collaborative planning organization, R1 plays a crucial role in addressing regional issues in Northern Illinois. With a focus on long-range planning, securing funding, and providing data support for regional projects, R1 promotes a well-informed and comprehensive dialogue among government entities.

R1 offers a diverse range of services aligned with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and tailored to meet client and community needs. These services include community health programs, economic development assistance, grant services, geographic information systems, regional transportation planning, and research and analytics. Designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), R1 was created through an intergovernmental agreement, bringing together authorized authorities to govern the organization.

The collaborative approach and involvement of various partner organizations ensure that regional planning represents the interests of all stakeholders, leading to comprehensive planning documents, policies, and procedures that address challenges such as social inequity, environmental degradation, and infrastructure deficiency. For more information about Region 1 Planning Council and its services, please visit their official website or contact them directly