Whatcom Council of Governments

The Whatcom Council of Governments

The Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is one of hundreds of councils established across the country to facilitate and encourage cooperation among counties, cities, and other entities such as ports and non-governmental organizations. In most cases, an Executive Board comprised of local elected officials controls the activities of a COG.

WCOG was formed in 1966, along with other Councils of Government in the State, under Washington Administrative Code. This action was preceded by federal enabling legislation leading to the establishment of Councils of Government in states with the intent of creating coordinating bodies to facilitate cross-jurisdictional issues. WCOG was named in 1981, by the Washington State Governor, as the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and in 1990 as the Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) under the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA). WCOG is charged with meeting transportation planning requirements specified in the GMA and by the U.S Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Those two designations are the primary WCOG programs.

Other related programs include activities associated with being the local Census Affiliate which is a responsibility related to gathering demographic information; administering the WA – BC border stakeholder group, the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Project (IMTC); and administering a citizen group appointed to advise the MPO/RTPO Policy Board, the Community Transportation Advisory Group(CTAG).

WCOG also administers the regional Whatcom Smart Trips program, EverybodyBike program, and oversees related projects including trail development, scenic byway designations, and Safe Routes to School.