In 1973 the Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission was organized by local elected officials as authorized by the Regional Development Act of 1969. Its purpose according to the legislation is:
"facilitate inter-governmental cooperation and to ensure the harmonious coordination of state, federal, and local comprehensive planning and development programs for the solution of economic, social, physical, and governmental problems of the state and its citizens."
The UMVRDC is governed by a board of representatives from counties, townships, cities, school districts, tribal council and special interest groups. This group is referred to as the "Commission".
