Office of Planning and Research

The Office of Planning and Research (OPR), created by statute in 1970, is part of the Office of the Governor. OPR serves the Governor and his Cabinet as staff for long-range planning and research, and constitutes the comprehensive state planning agency. (Government Code §65040). In addition, the Government and Public Resources Codes set forth multiple functions for OPR, including:

Formulation of long-range land use goals and policies

Conflict resolution among state agencies

Coordination of federal grants for environmental goals

Coordination of statewide environmental monitoring

Coordination of research on growth and development

Management of state planning grants, and encouragement of local and regional planning

Creation and adoption of General Plan Guidelines

Drafting of CEQA Guidelines (for adoption by the Secretary of Natural Resources)

Creation of a State Environmental Goals and Policy Report, every four years

Operation of the State Clearinghouse for distribution and review of CEQA documents

Operation of the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program

Coordination of environmental justice activities

Coordination with US military for land use and other issues in the state