1. To conduct studies on issues and problems of regional significance;

2. To identify and study potential opportunities for state and local cost savings and staffing efficiencies through coordinated governmental efforts;

3. To identify mechanisms for the coordination of state and local interests on a regional basis;

4. To implement services upon request of member localities;

5. To provide technical assistance to state government and member localities;

6. To serve as a liaison between localities and state agencies as requested;

7. To review local government aid applications as required by § 15.2-4213 and other state or federal law or regulation;

8. To conduct strategic planning for the region as required by §§ 15.2-4209 through 15.2-4212;

9. To develop regional functional area plans as deemed necessary by the commission or as requested by member localities;

10. To assist state agencies, as requested, in the development of substate plans;

11. To participate in a statewide geographic information system, the Virginia Geographic Information Network, as directed by the Department of Planning and Budget; and

12. To collect and maintain demographic, economic and other data concerning the region and member localities, and act as a state data center affiliate in cooperation with the Virginia Employment Commission.