Metropolitan Washington is a diverse and dynamic region home to nearly 6 million people and one of the nation's largest economies. The region is forecast to add 1.5 million people and 1 million jobs between 2020 and 2050. Managing this growth—and enhancing the region's quality of life—requires partnership. And that's why the region relies on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, also known as COG.
COG's video, Connecting Leaders, Empowering Change, gives an overview about COG, its network of leaders, and its regional planning work and programs.
COG is the hub for regional partnership
COG is a nonprofit association, with a membership of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress. Every month, more than 1,500 officials and experts connect through COG to develop solutions to the region’s major challenges and plan for the future. The Board of Directors is COG’s governing body and is responsible for its overall policies. In addition, a wide network of city and county managers, police and fire chiefs, housing and planning directors, environmental officials, chief equity officers, public health officials, transportation planners, and more, coordinate through COG’s committees, partnerships, and working groups.
The future of the region is our business
COG's staff of subject matter experts and administrative professionals support these officials in addressing the region’s top priorities. They ensure COG serves as a forum for regional discussion, informs leaders with trusted data and analysis, and provides valuable services to area residents. COG is also home to the region’s metropolitan planning organization, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), which prepares plans and programs for the region in order to receive federal funding.
Region Forward is our vision, our mission is making it happen
Together, area officials and COG staff are helping advance Region Forward, a vision for a more prosperous, accessible, livable, and sustainable future. COG has also affirmed racial equity as a fundamental value, which is being woven throughout COG’s work. COG’s mission is to make Region Forward happen by being a discussion forum, expert resource, issue advocate, and catalyst for action.
To advance this vision and values, COG is helping member governments turn interrelated equity, transportation, housing, and climate goals into action through Region United, a comprehensive planning framework for 2030, as well as its longstanding planning areas focused on transportation, the environment, community planning and services, and homeland security and public safety. Throughout its history, COG has collaborated with area leaders on major efforts to restore the Potomac River, rally support for the Metro system, clean the air, enhance public safety and emergency preparedness, and shape vibrant, mixed-use communities.
Learn more about COG's work by subject area: