§ 152. General functions, powers and duties. The department of state,
by and through the secretary of state or duly authorized officers or
employees, shall have the following functions, powers and duties:

1. To assist the governor in coordinating the activities and services
of those departments and agencies of the state having relationships with
municipalities to the end of providing more effective services to such
municipalities.

2. To keep the governor informed as to the problems of municipalities
and to advise and assist in formulating policies with respect thereto
and utilizing the resources of the state government for the benefit of
municipalities.

3. To serve as a clearinghouse, for the benefit of municipalities,
regarding information relating to their common problems and to the state
and federal services available to assist in the solution of those
problems.

4. To refer municipalities to the appropriate departments and agencies
of the state and federal governments for advice, assistance and
available services in connection with particular problems

5. To advise and assist municipalities in the solution of particular
problems.

6. To conduct studies and analyses of the problems of municipalities
and to make the results thereof available as the secretary may deem
appropriate.

7. To encourage and assist cooperative efforts among municipalities in
developing among themselves solutions of their common problems.

8. To encourage expansion and improvement of training made available
to municipal officials, in cooperation with municipalities and the
organizations representing them.

9. To consult with and cooperate with municipalities and officers,
organizations, groups and individuals representing them, to the end of
more effectively carrying out the functions, powers and duties of the
department.

10. To encourage and facilitate cooperation and collaboration among
agencies and levels of government, and between government and the
private sector, for the protection and development of human, natural and
man-made resources.

11. To advise and assist municipalities in the performance of their
planning and development activities.

12. To aid and assist, in the provision and coordination of state
technical assistance and services in connection with the planning and
development activities of municipalities.

13. To provide assistance and guidance to municipalities and, as
appropriate, to the private sector, through the compilation, formulation
and dissemination of necessary information, projections and techniques
relating to development of resources.

14. To undertake any studies, inquiries, surveys or analyses necessary
for performance of the functions, powers and duties of the department
through the personnel of the department or consultants, or in
cooperation with any public or private agencies.

15. To adopt, amend or rescind such rules, regulations and orders as
may be necessary or convenient for the performance of its functions,
powers and duties under this article.

16. To enter into contracts with any persons, firm, corporation or
governmental agency, and to do all other things necessary or convenient
to carry out the functions, powers and duties expressly set forth in
this article.

17. To effectuate the purposes of this article, and to enable the
department properly to carry out its functions, powers and duties, the
secretary of state may request from any state department or agency or
from any municipality, and the same are hereby authorized to provide,
appropriate assistance, services and data.

22. To prepare and recommend to the legislature and the governor
legislative proposals relating to municipalities.

23. With the approval of the governor, to accept and administer as
agent of the state any gift, grant, devise or bequest, whether
conditional or unconditional, including federal grants, for any of the
purposes of this article. Any moneys so received may be expended subject
to the same limitations as to approval of expenditures and audits as are
prescribed for state moneys.