As a major tool of the Economic Development Administration, the Development District Program is intended to promote economic growth through multi-county planning and investment. Both the federal and state governments in Arkansas use the Planning and Development Districts as a service delivery system. This is reflected at the federal level by various pieces of legislation mandating regional implementation. The District's daily operations are governed by the special terms and conditions of the federal and state programs that it administers. The District is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of each respective County Judge, the Mayor of the largest city, and a representative from each of the designated counties' business and minority communities. The Central Arkansas Planning and Development District includes every incorporated municipality in the designated counties.