The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors today elected Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins as its Chair for 2026.
Collins will lead the planning body as it focuses on strengthening the region’s economy in response to the ongoing impact of cuts to the federal workforce and changes to federal programs and funding priorities.
“Our region is resilient. We’ve come together on issues that go beyond boundaries, and I’m excited to build on that collaborative momentum to create lasting change. COG provides a place for government officials from every area jurisdiction to provide their unique perspective and work on solutions,” Collins said.
Following the election of officers, the COG Board received a briefing by regional experts on the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s plans related to homeless services funding, which have resulted in ongoing litigation. While the funds are appropriated, uncertainty remains regarding award timing, grant execution, and fund availability for renewals.
The metropolitan Washington region receives about $77 million in Continuum of Care (CoC) funding for homeless services, including housing and supportive services. Disruptions will directly affect people at risk of or receiving homelessness services and significantly increase costs for local governments and providers. The board adopted a resolution and approved letters to Congress and HUD asking for measures to prevent any disruption and fund grants through the next 12 months.
In addition, the board approved its 2026 legislative priorities, which include securing $460 million in additional capital funding for Metro, as outlined in the DMVMoves transit plan; promoting safer streets through ticket reciprocity agreements on automated tickets among DC, Maryland, and Virginia to hold dangerous drivers accountable; and expanding Talent Capital and other workforce development initiatives in the region.
Collins will be the first representative from Charles County to serve as Chair. He has held previous leadership roles at COG, serving as COG Board Vice Chair for the past two years and Chair of the Transportation Planning Board in 2023. District of Columbia Councilmember Charles Allen and Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins were elected as the COG Board’s 2026 Vice Chairs.
COG Board Vice Chair Charles Allen (District of Columbia), COG Board Chair Reuben Collins, II (Charles County), and COG Board Vice Chair Alyia Gaskins (City of Alexandria)
The board also approved leadership for its policy committees: City of Greenbelt Councilmember Jenni Pompi as Chair of the COG Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee; City of Takoma Park Councilmember Cindy Dyballa as Chair of the COG Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee; Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson again as Chair of the COG Food & Agriculture Regional Member Policy Committee; Arlington County Board Member Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr. as Chair of the COG Human Services Policy Committee; and City of Falls Church Councilmember David Snyder as Chair of the COG Emergency Preparedness Council.
COG is an independent, nonprofit association of 24 local governments in a region that’s home to nearly 6 million residents. The Board of Directors is COG’s governing body and is responsible for its overall policies, functions, and funds. Board members are appointed each year by the participating local governments and by caucuses of state legislative delegations from the region.
MORE: 2026 COG Legislative Priorities