Regional planning commissions are the second example. They are political subdivisions of the state, which are given the authority to develop regional plans that contain policies that have standing in state regulatory proceedings, such as land use and energy. Vermont invests oversight power to these bodies. Their brief includes project review, emergency planning, transportation, trails, water quality, community development, energy, and natural resources. Towns appoint their two commissioners. The commissioners serve as unpaid volunteers. The Windham Regional Commission serves 27 towns in the southeastern corner of Vermont. In September of 2020, 20% of the 53 commissioners’ positions are vacant.