The department of commerce shall have the following community affairs functions and responsibilities:
(1) Administration or coordination of state programs and projects relating to community affairs planning. The programs and projects shall be consistent with local, regional and state comprehensive plans and policies.
(2) Upon request, cooperate with and provide technical and financial assistance to counties, cities, municipal corporations, governmental conferences or councils, regional planning commissions, parks or recreation boards, community development groups, community action agencies, Indian tribes and similar agencies created for the purposes of aiding and encouraging an orderly, productive and coordinated development of the state, and to strengthen local planning responsibility and capability.