(a)      The Council shall prepare, adopt, and from time to time revise or amend a plan for the development of the region with the following objectives:

            (1)      The plan shall guide a coordinated, adjusted, efficient, and economic development of the region which shall in accordance with present and future needs and resources best promote the health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, and welfare of the citizens.

            (2)      The plan shall recognize any State comprehensive planning and development activities and reflect the plans and programs of the participating governmental units.

            (3)      The plan may provide for patterns of urbanization and the uses of land and resources for trade, industry, recreation, forestry, agriculture, and tourism, and create conditions favorable to the development of human resources, and otherwise promote the general welfare of the citizens.

            (4)      The plan shall identify the public interest and the necessity for public action and intergovernmental cooperation and coordination within the region and shall be coordinated with the efforts of the private sector within the region.

            (5)      The plan shall take into account economic and demographic factors, conditions, and trends that are relevant to the future development of the area.

      (b)      The general development plan shall embody the policy recommendations of the Council and shall include at least the following:

            (1)      A statement of the objectives, standards, and principles sought to be expressed in the plan;

            (2)      Recommendations for the general circulation pattern for the area including land, water, and air transportation and communication facilities whether used for movement within the area or to and from adjoining areas;

            (3)      Recommendations concerning the need for and proposed general location of public and private works and facilities which by reason of their function, size, extent, or for any other cause are of a regional as distinguished from purely local concern;

            (4)      Recommendations for the long-range programming and financing of capital projects and facilities;

            (5)      Recommendations for meeting housing needs of existing and prospective immigrant population of the region;

            (6)      Recommendations for the development of programs and improvements within the region for health services, manpower planning, employment opportunity, education, elimination of poverty, and law enforcement;

            (7)      The plan shall identify issues that need to be resolved between local governments and make appropriate recommendations concerning these issues; and

            (8)      The plan shall promote regional concerns and make whatever other recommendations as may be appropriate concerning current and impending problems as may affect the region.