The NGRDC is owned (assets and liabilities) by its member local governments.  The organization is governed by the Board of Directors which has responsibility for the appointment and removal of the Executive Director; establishing Committees advisory to the Board; adopting the annual budget and work program of the Center; the selection of the Center's independent auditor; determining the policies and programs of the Center; and oversighting the operation of the Center.

The NGRDC is regulated by the State of Georgia under the Georgia Planning Act and other State laws.  The State regulates the membership of the Center (district boundary), policy board composition, general authorization of program activities, professional staff qualifications, regional plan compliance with minimum planning standards, and program and financial performance compliance.

The NGRDC is also subject to State and Federal program management policies and administrative requirements associated with program designations and funding.  State and Federal designations of the NGRDC include, among others:

• Local Development District by the Appalachian Regional Commission (State/Federal);
• Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration (Federal);
• Regional Planning Agency under the Georgia Planning Act (State);
• Administrative Entity for the NGCDC, Inc. a Certified Development Corporation by the Small Business Administration (Federal);
• Regional Clearinghouse for Intergovernmental Coordination (State); and
• Metropolitan Planning Organization under the Georgia Department of Transportation (State/Federal).
  

Program management policies and administrative requirements include program regulations which define parameters for the use of funds, services to be provided, and/or products to be delivered; organizational criteria applicable to policy board/advisory committee composition, bylaws, public participation/input, intergovernmental coordination, and other matters; and administrative procedures affecting personnel policies and procedures, financial accounting systems, program reporting, contracting procedures, bonding/insurance/assurances, etc.  Both State and Federal agencies employ periodic performance and financial audits to assure compliance.

Management of the NGRDC is effected through policy decisions of the Board of Directors and by the Executive Director who directs implementation of policy actions and authorized program initiatives.  The approved annual budget and program of work are the basic guides for staff operations and are largely dependent on funding sources.  Funding provided by member local governments in the form of local dues assessments is the nucleus.  Other funds from State, Federal, and local sources are arranged for authorized program initiatives and generally are provided in the form of a grant agreement or contract including a scope of work.

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