Program Overview

COG's Regional Housing and Planning programs promote sustainable growth and development patterns to create a more competitive and resilient National Capital Region. The housing and planning programs are part of COG's Department of Community Planning and Services and work collaboratively to develop innovative regional plans, programs, policies, and research to address critical regional issues and needs around growth, housing, land use, transportation, and the environment.

COG's Regional Housing and Planning programs are responsible for supporting the Region Forward Coalition in its implementation activities, updates to the Regional Activity Centers, Region Forward's performance monitoring and future updates to Region Forward. In January 2010, the COG Board of Directors adopted Region Forward, a bold vision designed to leverage the region's existing assets.

Since its adoption and endorsement, Region Forward has been a driving force in regional decision making MWCOG's Transportation Planning Board, the regionally designated MPO, voted to utilize Region Forward's policy framework and performance measures to align future transportation projects with the goals in the regional vision. All 21 of the local governments in COG's membership have officially endorsed Region Forward by signing the Greater Washington 2050 Compact, a voluntary agreement by local governments, business groups, foundations, smart growth advocacy groups, and nonprofits to advance and adhere to the goals and targets in Region Forward.

Region Forward Implementation

Region Forward Coalition

• Committee Members
• Schedule
• Coalition Work

Technical Committees

Housing Directors Technical Advisory Committee
Planning Directors Technical Advisory Committee
Cooperative Forecasting and Data Subcommittee

Program Contacts

Paul DesJardin, Director Community Planning & Services - (202) 962-3293
Gregory Goodwin, Regional Planner - (202) 962-3274
John Mataya, Regional Planner - (202) 962-3263
Ryan Hand - Regional Planner - (202) 962-3215
Sophie Mintier - Housing Planner - (202) 962-3753