Develops and implements policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Gorge, while encouraging growth within existing urban areas of the Gorge and allowing development outside urban areas consistent with resource protection; sets policy for protecting the non-federal lands in the Gorge; serves as the appeals board for Scenic Area land use decisions issued by a county or by the Commission’s Executive Director and challenged by another party; works with Gorge counties who administer the land use ordinances that implement the Management Plan; and certifies grants and loans by Oregon and Washington's Investment Boards to encourage economic growth in the Gorge.