About Clearwater council of governments
Clearwater Council of Governments: Enhancing Lives through Collaborative Efforts
The Clearwater Council of Governments (COG) is a regional planning agency that serves the counties of Pinellas and Pasco in Florida. The COG was established in 1962 as a voluntary association of local governments, with the aim to promote cooperation and coordination among its members. Today, the COG has grown into a dynamic organization that provides a wide range of services to its member governments and their constituents.
At its core, the Clearwater COG is committed to enhancing people's lives through collaborative efforts. The organization recognizes that many issues facing communities today are complex and require coordinated action from multiple stakeholders. As such, the COG works closely with its partners to develop solutions that address these challenges in a comprehensive manner.
One way in which the Clearwater COG achieves this goal is by providing technical assistance and planning services to its member governments. These services include transportation planning, land use planning, environmental management, economic development, emergency management, and more. By working together with local officials and community leaders, the COG helps ensure that these critical issues are addressed in an effective and efficient manner.
Another key area where the Clearwater COG makes an impact is through its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels. The organization actively engages with policymakers on issues related to transportation funding, environmental regulations, economic development incentives, affordable housing policies, and other matters affecting our region's quality of life.
In addition to these core functions, the Clearwater COG also plays an important role in promoting regional collaboration among various stakeholders. This includes convening meetings between local officials from different jurisdictions; facilitating partnerships between public agencies and private sector organizations; supporting community-based initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; conducting research on emerging trends affecting our region; providing training opportunities for local officials; hosting public forums on critical issues facing our communities; among others.
Overall then, the Clearwater Council of Governments is a vital organization that plays a critical role in enhancing people's lives in our region. Through its collaborative efforts, the COG helps ensure that our communities are well-planned, sustainable, and resilient. Whether it's through technical assistance to local governments, advocacy at the state and federal levels, or promoting regional collaboration among stakeholders, the Clearwater COG is committed to making a positive difference in our region one system, one community and one person at a time.