Capital District Regional Planning Commission

Chungchin Chen, Executive Director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC) since 1980, has announced that he will retire at the end of June 2003.

In the announcement made to CDRPC’s Board during the Board meeting held in Schenectady on Wednesday, Chen said “I have enjoyed serving the Commission and the Region’s residents over the last 33 years. The Capital Region is a wonderful place to work and to raise a family that many people do not realize and appreciate. The area has come a long way in achieving better inter-municipal cooperation. Of course, there always remains much that can be done to improve the Region’s development and quality of life.”

CDRPC Chairman Christopher Callaghan, Saratoga County’s Treasurer, said, “The Board received Mr. Chen’s announcement with regret. He has served our Region well with excellent talent, dedication, and professionalism.” The Board has appointed a Search Committee to look for a replacement.

Chen joined CDRPC as the agency’s Chief Planner in 1970 and was promoted to Deputy Director in 1973. He was appointed the third Executive Director of the Commission in 1980 following a nation-wide search.

He was instrumental in creating many of the Commission’s programs, including the Regional Data Center, Geographic Information System, Economic Development District, Foreign-Trade Zone #121, and the Capital District Juvenile Secure Detention Facility. A “Quality Region Initiative” is currently being undertaken by CDRPC in cooperation with the Capital District Transportation Committee.

CDRPC was established jointly by the counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady in 1967. Its mission is to promote sound and coordinated land use, economic development, and a healthy environment for the entire Capital Region through regional studies, plans, and policy recommendations.

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