A comprehensive plan outlines a framework for development of an area recognizing the physical, economic, social, political, aesthetic and related factors of a community. A comprehensive plan typically is the result of lengthy and intensive analysis, includes a long-range scope (usually 20 years or more) and provides the overall guiding principles for growth and development of a community. The Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Development Plan serves as the comprehensive plan for the Atlanta region.

In 1989, the General Assembly passed the Georgia Planning Act, which established a coordinated planning program for the state. This program provides local governments with opportunities to plan for the future and to improve communication with neighboring governments.

The latest revisions to the state minimum planning standards, which took effect on May 1, 2005, established a new approach to local comprehensive planning and emphasized the involvement of stakeholders and the general public in preparation of plans that include an exciting, well-conceived and achievable vision for the future of the community.

The development of a local comprehensive plan includes three components:

• Community Assessment: An objective and professional assessment of data and information about the community.
• Community Participation Program: Describes the local government’s strategy for ensuring adequate public and stakeholder involvement in the preparation of the Community Agenda.
• Community Agenda: Includes the community’s vision for the future as well as its strategy and policies for achieving this vision.

ARC as the Regional Commission is responsible for determining the completeness of each community's comprehensive plan and identifying any potential opportunities for regional solutions.