Guided by the County plans, Greenway Connections and Directions ultimate objective of the Planning Department is to maintain and enhance the County's quality of life and economic climate through planned activity, examination of alternatives, and selection of the most beneficial courses of action.

The Planning and Development Department administers various federal grant programs generally related to community development and housing. A consortium, consisting of village, town and City of Beacon representatives, assists the County in approving local infrastructure, housing, human service, and economic development projects. About $1.5 million each year is allocated to local communities. Planning also provides technical assistance to municipalities in the county relative to a number of issues; e.g. housing, downtown revitalization, water resource management, land use changes and economic development. Recently, the Department has worked closely with the Economic Development Corporation, the Tourism Agency, the Harlem Valley Partnership, the Industrial Development Agency and the Greater Southern Dutchess Chamber of Commerce in a wide variety of economic development initiatives.

The Department has been involved in a wide variety of initiatives including:

• Creation of the Economic Development Zone
  
• Development of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail
  
• Explorations for reuse of state facilities
  
• Redevelopment initiatives in Beacon and Poughkeepsie, including waterfront, commercial and industrial opportunities
  
• Bicycle tour promotion and other tourism opportunities