The Council exists to assist local governments in resolving their common problems, engage in area-wide comprehensive and functional planning, identify, apply for, and administer certain federal and state grants, and provide a regional focus in regard to multiple programs undertaken on an area-wide basis.

Region 9 is a council, set up by the State of West Virginia, comprising of representatives (both elected and appointed) from three counties: Jefferson County, Berkeley County & Morgan County and the municipalities of Berkeley Springs (Bath), Bolivar, Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Paw Paw, Ranson and Shepherdstown