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 & Economy

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.

Environment

News

News Release

Clean air achievement: Region meets federal ozone standard

October 22, 2026

Following years of coordinated regional action to reduce air pollution, the metropolitan Washington region is officially meeting the 2015 federal ozone standard...
News Release

COG recognizes local governments, organizations for climate and energy leadership

October 14, 2026

At the COG Board of Directors meeting, area leaders presented the 2026 Climate Awards to the City of College Park’s Municipal Food Scrap Collection, Arlington...
News Release

Code Purple: Notice of Very Unhealthy Air

July 17, 2026

Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada is contributing to increased levels of fine particle pollution on July 17.
News Release

COG declares regional Drought Watch, encourages wise water use

June 3, 2026

A Drought Watch was put into effect today by the Drought Coordination Committee of COG following unusually dry conditions that are expected to persist despite...
News Highlight

COG Local Food Procurement Challenge earns support from first jurisdiction

April 7, 2026

On March 24, Montgomery County became the first jurisdiction to pass a resolution joining the Local Food Procurement Challenge launched earlier this year by the...