The Department of Planning and Development helps to maintain and enhance the County's quality of life. The Department is responsible for countywide planning, coordination of economic development activities, planning assistance to local governments, and comprehensive mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) data. 

Significant projects and programs include:

• Implementation of Greenway Connections in cooperation with Hudson River Valley Greenway Council;
• Coordination of the County's Partnership for Manageable Growth program to protect farmland and significant open space areas;
• Administration of Community Development Block Grant program and related housing programs;
• Management of the Poughkeepsie-Dutchess County Transportation Council activities, including comprehensive transportation planning and capital program;
• Creation and management of GIS-based maps and databases;
• Coordination of Census and other significant socio-economic data.

The Department also provides administrative oversight and support to the Dutchess County LOOP Bus System, the Traffic Safety and STOP-DWI programs, the Department of Solid Waste, the Criminal Justice Council and several community agencies, which provide a wide range of programs for the County's residents, businesses, and visitors.