When neighboring towns work together during the planning process, everyone benefits. Funds can be pooled, interlocal needs can be addressed, and goals can be checked for compatibility. Cooperative planning is especially important with respect to several key areas:Many communities depend on water supplies beyond their own municipal boundaries. Water supply and protection concerns are major considerations in determining the immediate and long term impacts of development decisions.

For communities experiencing rapid growth, decisions regarding location of public facilities, infrastructure expansion, and transportation are likely to have direct or indirect impacts on neighboring cities and towns. For example, a group of communities may have a common need, such as public transportation for commuters.

• Participating in a joint planning effort.
• Creating greenways and open space projects across boundaries.
• Extending sewer and water services across borders.
• Sharing services, equipment, and/or personnel.
• Participating in regional housing authority activities.
• Joint purchasing (i.e. fuel, school furniture, road salt, etc).

• Involve neighboring communities early and consistently.
• Consider comments and plans of other jurisdictions.
• Be responsive to feedback.
• Use regional venues (e.g., RPAs, Watershed Associations, CDCs) to identify shared priorities and explore options for working together.