Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

For more than 50 years, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, known as COG, has helped develop regional solutions to such issues as the environment, affordable housing, growth and development, public health, child welfare, public safety, homeland security, and transportation. Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, 501c3 nonprofit association comprised of elected officials from 23 local governments, members of the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and members of the U.S. Congress. COG’s Region Forward vision is 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 a reality by being a discussion forum, expert technical and policy resource, issue advocate, and catalyst for action.   COG is supported by financial contributions from its participating local governments, federal and state grants and contracts, fee-for-service contributions, and donations from foundations and the private sector.