The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG, ) is a nonprofit membership organization of local governments in the Denver region of the US state of Colorado. DRCOG is the designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and the Transportation Planning Region (TPR) for the region, as well as the Area Agency on Aging (AAA).

Extent

DRCOG covers a region that includes Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin, and Jefferson counties and the southwest portion of Weld County.

History and Organization

The predecessor to DRCOG, the Inter-County Regional Planning Commission, was formed in April, 1955 by Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, and Jefferson Counties to make plans for future growth in the region. In 1968 it was replaced by DRCOG. It brings a regional perspective to discussions about the metro area's problems and to address those concerns through cooperative local-government action. The voluntary association continues to offer opportunities for local officials to work together on regional issues such as growth and development, transportation, the environment, water quality, and older adult services. More than 50 metro-area county and municipal governments are members of DRCOG. Each jurisdiction appoints a representative to the DRCOG Board of Directors. The Board is composed of elected officials (county commissioners, mayors, city council, or town board members), as well as three nonvoting members designated by Colorado's governor. Board officers serve one-year terms starting each February. The Board meets monthly to discuss and act on regional issues. The Board allows time for public comment at each meeting and holds regular Public hearings. A number of standing committees also meet regularly, and ad-hoc committees are convened as necessary.

Program Areas

DRCOG's primary program areas include: