The policies and decisions of NOACA are made by the NOACA Governing Board, which is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The prime responsibility is to determine and establish areawide policies that guide transportation development throughout the area. Additionally, certain water and air quality policies are defined and utilized in the agency's on-going work. From these policies, the Overall Work Program is prepared and provides overall direction to the Agency. A Resource Guidebook was developed (updated March 2008) to help new board members understand what their duties are and help describe responsibilities of the agency.

On January 11, 2002 the NOACA Governing Board adopted a revised Code of Regulations for governing the Agency. The goal for representation is to bring to the Board's discussions and decision-making the principal elected officials and regional administrators of the NOACA area concerned with transportation and environmental planning, while assuring to the area's citizens an approximation of equal representation by population.

NOACA Standing Committees provide advice and policy recommendations to the Governing Board in specific functional areas and provide a forum for in-depth discussion and analysis of relevant issues or agenda items prior to consideration by the Governing Board. Chairpersons for the Standing Committees are appointed by the Governing Board President. Meeting dates, time and locations are posted on our calendar.