About Us

COG is the one place in metropolitan Washington that regularly brings leaders together to develop solutions to the region's major challenges. COG prepares plans enabling the region to receive federal funding, provides members with research and data to inform decision-making, and offers a wide range of programs, including commuter services, cooperative purchasing, technical assistance and grants, and public outreach campaigns.

Transportation

Through the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), area officials, planners, and engineers ensure a well-managed and maintained transportation system. The TPB, which is staffed by COG, conducts the federally mandated transportation planning process for the region and ensures the uninterrupted flow of federal transportation funds that area jurisdictions receive.

Environment

COG's work engages leaders in various environmental fields from water quality experts to climate scientists. Together, they are advancing regional efforts to restore local waterways, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change, promote recycling, and enhance and preserve green space and agriculture.

Community

Area officials and experts, including planning and housing directors and child welfare and health officials, work together with their counterparts at COG to help shape stronger communities throughout the region.

Homeland Security & Public Safety

COG brings police chiefs, fire chiefs, emergency managers, and other leaders together as part of its work to strengthen regional public safety coordination, homeland security planning, and emergency communication.

Chesapeake Bay & Water Resources Policy Committee

Established by the COG Board of Directors in 1998 as the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee, the CBPC tracks developments under the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program for implications to local governments and recommends Bay-related policies to the Board. Board action in 2005 added “Water Resources” to the committee’s title and expanded its mandate to include other regional water quality issues in addition to those associated with the Bay. Elected officials and staff from COG's member governments and water and wastewater utilities comprise the committee's membership. The CBPC normally meets on the third Friday in January, March, May, July, September and November.

For recent news and information on COG's Chesapeake Bay and water resources work, visit the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac & Local Water Resources page.

Featured Documents

View Documents

Publications

COG Legislative Priorities
Jan 10, 2024

The legislative priorities approved by the COG Board of Directors focus on supporting the region’s transportation funding, housing, water quality, climate and energy innovation, air quality, human services, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure investment.
Publications

Chesapeake Bay & Water Resources Policy Committee Annual Report
Dec 30, 2021

A summary of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Chesapeake Bay & Water Resources Policy Committee accomplishments for the year in the areas of policy, partnership, promotion, and outreach.
Other Documents

Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee Academic Paper Competition
Sep 21, 2020

The Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC) launched its first annual paper competition in 2020, inviting area high school, college, and graduate students to provide their perspectives on real-world sustainability and water resources issues. For future terms, the topics will be focused on Chesapeake Bay water issues related to sustainability and resiliency within the region. For updates and links to additional information visit the CBPC Academic Paper Competition page.
Other Documents

Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee Overview
Feb 26, 2020

Background on the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee (CBPC), its vision, and 2019 accomplishments.
Resolutions

COG Board: Certified Resolution R49-2016 - CBPC Policy Principles
Sep 14, 2016
Resolutions

COG Board: Certified Resolution R41-2005: CBPC Bylaws
Oct 12, 2005

Bylaws of the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee
Resolutions

COG Board: Certified Resolution: R26-98 (Amended): Establishment of the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee
Sep 9, 1998

Resolution creating a Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee of the COG Board and charging the committee with developing and coordinating an arrangement to provide area local governments with more influence in the development of policy by the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Chesapeake Bay & Water Resources Policy Committee

Featured Documents

COG Legislative Priorities