Research

Administrative History

The Division of State Planning was created by Chapter 304 of the Laws of 1935. It consisted of five members, appointed by the governor. Its mission was to assist existing state departments and agencies in the preparation and coordination of plans and policies for the development of the state and for the use and conservation of its resources. It also advised departments on programs for public improvements and the financing thereof. Major focuses of the Division of State Planning included base and record maps, water resources, highway development, suburban development, public works, population changes, industrial trends, land use, and coordination with local planning boards. As World War II grew nearer, its focus turned more to civil defense planning. It was abolished by act of the legislature in 1941 (Chapter 216), and its functions and duties were transferred to the Bureau of Planning in the Division of Commerce, also in the Executive Department.