The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is the regional forum for consensus building and policy-making of the Washington, D.C. area's major local governments and their governing officials. COG is composed of 22 local governments surrounding our nation's capital, plus area members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
COG provides a focus for action and develops sound regional responses and solutions to such regional challenges as growth, traffic congestion, affordable housing, air and water pollution, human services, public safety, and emergency response.
Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, nonprofit association. It is supported by financial contributions from its participating local governments, federal and state grants and contracts, and donations from foundations and the private sector. Policies are set by the full membership acting through its Board of Directors, which meets monthly to discuss area issues.
Region Forward is our vision. It's a commitment by COG and its member governments, who together seek to create a more accessible, sustainable, prosperous, and livable National Capital Region.
COG's mission is to make Region Forward happen by being a discussion forum, expert resource, issue advocate, and catalyst for action.