(a) A commission may plan for the development of a region and make recommendations concerning major thoroughfares, streets, traffic and transportation studies, bridges, airports, parks, recreation sites, school sites, public utilities, land use, water supply, sanitation facilities, drainage, public buildings, population density, open spaces, and other items relating to the commission’s general purposes.
(b) A plan or recommendation of a commission may be adopted in whole or in part by the governing body of a participating governmental unit.

(c) A commission may assist a participating governmental unit in:
(1) carrying out a plan or recommendation developed by the commission; and
(2) preparing and carrying out local planning consistent with the general purpose of this chapter.