Omar Fuentes

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

From its inner core to outer suburbs, more than five million people call the metropolitan Washington region home. And an additional million new residents are forecast between now and 2045. Managing this growth—and ensuring a well-maintained transportation system, clean air, water, and land, safe and healthy communities, and a vibrant economy—requires regional partnership. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is the hub for this partnership. Every month, more than a thousand officials and experts come to COG to make connections, share information, and develop solutions to the region's major challenges. Together, they help advance COG's Region Forward Vision for a more prosperous, accessible, livable, and sustainable future. Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, nonprofit association, with a membership of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress. COG is supported by financial contributions from its member governments, federal and state grants and contracts, and donations from foundations and the private sector. The Board of Directors is COG's governing body and is responsible for its overall policies. In addition, a wide network of policy, technical, and advisory committees, partnerships, and programs advance COG's regional work. Elected leaders, police chiefs, housing directors, environmental experts, transportation planners, and more find value in working together at COG. A staff of more than 130 subject matter experts and other professionals support COG and its members.