About Us:

A Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary association of cities, counties, and special purpose districts within a distinct region, serving as planning, coordination, program development, and service delivery organizations. They promote regional cooperation and provide services and resources that might not otherwise be affordable or available to local governments. While COGs differ in their mix of programs from one region to another, they always share a fundamental purpose to work with the expressed consent and support of their members to facilitate outcomes that improve the local and regional quality of life.

In 1968, under the provisions of Chapter 190 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, the Rogue Valley Council of Governments (RVCOG) was established by local jurisdictions to operate in Jackson and Josephine counties. Currently, RVCOG has 23 members: 15 local governments and 8 other entities (special districts and higher education).   Elected and appointed representatives from each of the members serve on RVCOG’s Board of Directors, which governs the organization at the policy level. In addition to the Board, RVCOG’s moving parts comprise an Executive Committee, professional staff, and a variety of permanent and temporary advisory committees of stakeholders, members of the public, and technical experts. In terms of funding, the vast majority comes through grants and contracts with federal, state, and local governments, with additional monies collected from donations and membership dues.