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

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

Climate Awards

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Climate and Energy Leadership
Awards recognize organizations that develop climate stewardship projects and programs that
engage and serve the region’s underserved communities. The awards program highlights
a broad range of climate solutions for their unique engagement practices as well as their
results, creativity, and replicability.

The 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards Program is open for nominations & applications from April 22, 2024 to June 30, 2024.

The award categories include:

GOVERNMENT AGENCY (local, state, regional, quasi-govt, utilities or authorities)
- Small Jurisdiction (population < 90k)
- Large Jurisdiction (population > 90k)
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION (non-profit, citizen or community-based groups)
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION (K-12, public, private or higher education)

Awardees are recognized in front of local, regional, and national officials and presented with a unique, environmentally-friendly award that is hand-crafted by a local artist.

To learn more about previous winners, visit the Awardees page.

News & Multimedia

News

COG recognizes three local programs for climate and energy leadership

October 11, 2023

City of Rockville, Montgomery County Green Bank, and Alexandria City Public Schools honored
News

COG unveils Electric Vehicle Deployment Clearinghouse

July 13, 2023

Established through a resolution by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors in September 2022, the Electric Vehicle (EV)...
News

Local students recognized in One Water Regional Art Contest

April 3, 2023

In partnership with local water utilities, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is proud to announce the winners of COG’s Water Resources...
News

Officials recognize local initiatives for actions advancing regional climate goals

October 12, 2022

COG presented the 2022 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards to Frederick County for its Power Saving Outreach and Engagement Initiative for Vulnerable...
News

Officials recognize local actions to advance equity within climate and energy initiatives

October 14, 2021

COG presented the 2021 Climate and Energy Leadership Awards to Arlington County for its Lubber Run Community Center Project and the Washington Metropolitan Area...