Fourteen Area governments form Southwest Colorado Council of Governments

 

Three years after the idea of regional governance was explored through a subcommittee of the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado, fourteen governmental jurisdictions in the area have signed intergovernmental agreements to participate in a Southwest Colorado Council of Governments (SWCCOG). 

 

History:  A subcommittee of Region 9 EDD began meeting in early 2006 to explore ways to work together on regional issues. Southwest Colorado is one of two areas in the State without a Council of Government, though the region does recognize and work on regional issues, such as the Regional Transportation Planning Commission.  By July 2009, the group decided to form a Council of Governments and apply for technical assistance funding through the Department of Local Affairs (DoLA).  Without a regional organization this pot of technical assistance funding was inaccessible.  The group drafted an intergovernmental agreement, with Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws approved at the December 4, 2009 meeting.  The existence of the SWCCOG has been formally recognized by DoLA on February 4, 2010.

 

What is it?:  A Council of Government is a regional government structure that can be a more cost effective approach which combines the management and administration necessary of many state and federal programs that cover multiple counties. COGs within Colorado administer everything from regional transportation, area agency on aging, public health, economic development efforts, and can include water, air quality and even elevator inspections. 

 

Why form A COG?:  While the SWCCOG continues to define organization priorities, the group plans to serve as a forum for local officials to identify regional problems, opportunities, and make recommendations on area-wide strategies.   Parties to the COG recognized the value of having a single organization that represents the common interests of governmental entities in Southwestern Colorado in a manner that facilitates access to new and additional funding that would otherwise not be available.  The SWCCOG also furthers an opportunity to obtain new efficiencies that aim at identifying where consensus is for pursuit of an initiative that would be mutually beneficial.  Other goals are to reduce service duplication, seek new sources of regional funding, and seek a unified voice on regional issues.

 

Who is involved:  The following governments are participating through the IGA.  Archuleta County, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Ignacio, Durango, La Plata County, Mancos, Dolores, Cortez, Silverton, San Juan County, Dolores County, Rico, and Dove Creek.  The Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Tribes are participating in the meetings, but are not members of the SWCCOG.    The Chair of the SWCCOG is William Tookey, San Juan County Administrator.  The Vice Chair is Dr. Rick Smith, Mayor of Bayfield, and Tom Yennerell, Mancos Administrator, is the Secretary/Treasurer.  For more information on the SWCCOG, please contact Region 9 EDD at 970-247-9621.