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OverviewWhat is a Council of Governments?A council of governments (COG) or regional council is a multi-service association of governments that delivers a diverse array of federal, state and local programs while fulfilling its primary function as a regional planning organization. COG’s are defined by a region within their state, and are accountable to their membership - the local units of government within that region. Conceived in the 1960’s, councils were established under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 36.64.080 for the “purpose of studying regional and governmental problems of mutual interest and concern”. Since then, the role of COG’s has evolved with the ever changing dynamics within federal, state and local government, as well as, the growing awareness that within this region, entities must work together to resolve social and environmental issues. Out of the 35,000 local, general purpose governments in the United States, a total of more than 30,000 are served by a council of governments or regional council. Who is the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments?The Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG) was established in 1961 as the Cowlitz Regional Planning Commission. In 1974, the Planning Commission was reorganized under RCW 36.64.080, and renamed the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Governmental Conference and, in 1992, Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments. The CWCOG is one of nine council of governments and regional councils in Washington State. The CWCOG’s function is to serve our members by providing a regional forum to address issues of mutual interest and concern, develop recommendations and provide a wide variety of technical and contractual services. Our mission is to efficiently utilize resources so as to yield long-term benefits that enhance the quality of life for our communities and region. Our basic area of service is within the Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, however, as the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO), Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific Counties are also included. Over the years, we have provided many types of services to our membership and community. Currently, the CWCOG’s adopted work program includes regional and local planning, transportation planning, community development planning, technical assistance and information services, economic development, contractual services for long-range plans and community mobilization against substance abuse. Financial support for CWOG services are received through annual membership fees, project specific federal and state grants and contractual services.
OrganizationMembershipThe CWCOG is a voluntary association of general and special purpose governments and agencies in the Lower Columbia region. Our current organizational structure is supported by a membership of 28 entities made up of counties, cities, school districts, public utility districts, ports, a fire district, economic development councils, community college and other non-profit agencies in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. These members are arranged into three categories:
What are the Benefits of Membership?
StructureThe CWCOG is a board directed organization that meets once a month to oversee the operations of the CWCOG, approve policy direction and discuss issues of importance to the region. The executive committee make limited decisions, developing recommendations to the board as requested by the board or director. The CWCOG director is accountable to the board and is responsible for the administration of the Council of Governments and its programs.
People2008 Executive CommitteeThe Executive Committee is made up of the board chair, vice-chair, immediate past chair and four other members elected at the beginning of each year. This committee is empowered to approve the COG’s vouchers if a board meeting is not held and develop policy recommendations as requested by the board or director. Dave Andrew, Cowlitz PUD – Chair StaffCWCOG endeavors to maintain a qualified and industrious team to meet and exceed the needs of our membership and community in order to assist local officials with making the most productive and positive decisions within our region. Click on name for professional profile. Administration Planning
Staff Transportation Staff Community Mobilization Staff GIS Staff Administration Support Staff Finance/Technology
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Calendar
Employment OpportunitiesEmployment opportunities will be posted here as they become available.Thank you for your interest in employment with the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments (CWCOG). Click on the position announcement and description for job information. CWCOG only accepts applications for positions that are currently open. To Apply: Download the Application For Employment [Word Document] [PDF File]. Please mail or fax the completed application along with a cover letter and resume to the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments.
Contact UsFor further information on anything you see on this web site or if we can be of any other assistance, please contact us at cwcog@cwcog.org or call 360.577.3041 and you will be connected with a qualified staff person. For scheduled events, please see our calendar. Administration Annex
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PH: 360.577.3041
