Administration

Agency Overview  |  Organization  |  Membership
Publications  |  Calendar  |  Employment  |  Contact Staff

Agency Overview

What is a Council of Governments?

A council of governments (COG) or regional council is a multi-purpose association of governments that delivers a diverse array of federal, state and local programs while fulfilling its primary function as a regional planning organization.  COGs can serve a region within a state or multiple states. They are accountable to their membership - the local units of government within that region.

Conceived in the 1960s, COGs were established under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) chapter 36.64.080 for the “purpose of studying regional and governmental problems of mutual interest and concern.”  Since then, the role of COGs has evolved with the ever changing dynamics within federal, state and local government, as well as the growing awareness that within a region, entities must work together to resolve economic, infrastructure, social and environmental issues.  Out of the 35,000 local, general purpose governments in the United States, 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 councils of government and regional councils in Washington State.

The CWCOG’s purpose 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 Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties, however as lead agency for the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization (SWRTPO), Grays Harbor, Lewis and Pacific counties are also included.

Over the years, we have provided many types of services to our membership and communities.  Currently, the CWCOG’s adopted work program includes regional and local planning, transportation planning, community and economic development planning, technical assistance and information services, a wide array of contractual services, and substance abuse education and prevention strategies.  Financial support for CWCOG services is from annual membership fees, project specific federal and state grants and contractual services.

Organization

The 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.  An executive committee makes 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.

Top of Page

Membership

The 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, utility districts, ports, fire districts, economic development councils, a community college and other non-profit agencies in or near Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.  These members are arranged into four categories:

CWCOG Board Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Top of Page

Publications

To be added to our newsletter mailing list, please click here and send us your email address (preferred) or your mailing address and we will add you to our list.

Top of Page

Calendar

The CWCOG board of directors meets the 4th Thursday of every month at 12:00 noon.  Most meetings are held in the General Meeting room in the Cowlitz County Administration Building, 207 4th Avenue, N., Kelso.  Meetings are open to all elected officials. Public participation is encouraged. Spring and fall meetings are held in Cathlamet. Check our calendar by clicking on the calendar icon to the left for specific location each month.

Top of Page

Employment

Job announcements will be posted here as they are available.

To Apply:  Download the Application for Employment [PDF File] - or - [Word File]; or stop by our office and pick up an application in person.  Mail or fax the completed application along with a cover letter and resume to:

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments
Administration Annex
207 4th Avenue N
Kelso, WA 98626
FAX: 360.425.7760
Questions:  Contact the office at 360.577.3041.

Top of Page

Contact Staff

For further information, please contact us at cwcog@cwcog.org, or call 360.577.3041.

Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Council of Governments
Administration Annex
207 4th Avenue North
Kelso, WA 98626

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Steve Harvey, Director
• Anisa Kisamore, Office Administrator
• Shanda Turner, Finance Assistant
• Katie Wells, Administrative Assistant
• Bonnie Kelley, Secretary/Receptionist

To notify us of errors or changes that need to be made, please click here.

Directions to our office

Top of Page