The Regional Commission is not a State Agency, but was established by its member governments through a charter agreement under Virginia law[1] as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth.
The Commission's board is composed of 36 representatives appointed by its member local governments.
Board representation also includes non-voting liaison members representing chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and community colleges.
Funding is obtained from multiple federal state and local sources.
The commission also staffs a regional program known as RIDE Solutions which supports and promotes sustainable transport activities such as ridesharing, transit, biking and pedestrian mobility.