Welcome to the Southwestern Commission

Your regional council of government. We serve as a technical, economic, and planning resource to local towns and counties in our western region.

Officially known as the Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission, we cover the counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain, the 17 municipalities therein, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Southwestern North Carolina continues to change rapidly, and as the population increases, so does demand on local government to provide the needed services and infrastructure. The Southwestern Commission remains on the leading edge of this growth, providing expertise in land use planning, economic and workforce development, and elderly services. Our work, and your love of this region, ensure that regional growth occurs in a healthy and sustainable manner that benefits us all.