Final answer:
A program is a coordinated management of related projects and activities to achieve benefits that can't be obtained by managing them separately. Programs offer a larger strategic framework, significant in regional and statewide planning.
Step-by-step explanation:
A program is defined as a group of related projects, subsidiary programs, and program activities managed in a coordinated manner to obtain benefits not available from managing them individually. Programs are not large projects, rather, they encompass multiple projects or initiatives that are organized under one umbrella to achieve a larger strategic objective. With an increasing emphasis on regional and statewide planning, programs play a key role in ensuring that different projects and efforts align with a unified comprehensive vision and a standard set of regulations, which is critical when considering the complex interdependencies between various municipalities and projects.