Denver Municipal Council (DRCOG, pronounced Cog Doctor) is a non-profit membership organization of the local government in the Denver County State of Colorado. DRCOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Transport Planning Area (TPR) for the region, as well as the Agency for Aging (AAA).
Video Denver Regional Council of Governments
Extent
The DRCOG covers areas that include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Gilpin and Jefferson County and the southwestern part of Weld County.
Maps Denver Regional Council of Governments
History and Organization
DRCOG was formally established on 15 February 1955, to bring a regional perspective to the discussion of the most pressing issues in the metro area and to address the problem through cooperative local government action. Voluntary associations continue to offer opportunities for local officials to work together on regional issues, such as growth and development, transport, environment, water quality and older adult services.
More than 50 local metro areas and municipalities are members of DRCOG. Each jurisdiction appoints a representative for the DRCOG Board of Directors. The Council consists of elected officials (county commissioner, mayor, city councilor or city councilor), as well as three non-voting members appointed by the Colorado Governor. Council officials serve a one-year term starting every February. The Council meets monthly to discuss and act on regional issues. The Council gives time for public comments at each meeting, and holds regular public hearings
A number of standing committees also meet regularly, and ad-hoc committees are held as needed.
Program Area
The main DRCOG program areas include:
- Regional planning - DRCOG is the regional planning commission for the Denver metro area. Since its formation, DRCOG has prepared a regional plan. Metro Vision is the current regional plan to guide growth, transportation and environmental quality by 2035. Vision Metro, first adopted in 1997, is the basis of long-term regional planning activities of the regional council. The Mile High Compact is a voluntary intergovernmental agreement through which local governments manage growth by adhering to the principles of Metro Vision. A number of planning awards have recognized Metro Vision and the Mile High Compact.
- Regional data and maps - DRCOG produces various information to support policy planning and policy decisions that shape the region, including mapping; population, housing, and economic forecasts; environmental data, etc. DRCOG works closely with its member governments and other public sector entities to routinely produce high-quality digital air photos for the region.
- Transport planning - As a regional MPO, DRCOG works with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Regional Transport District, Regional Air Quality Boards and others to prepare transport plans and programs, and to monitor transport effects on air quality. DRCOG serves as TPR in developing plans for mountains and terrain areas in the region. DRCOG also coordinates traffic signals, travel estimates, etc.
- Transportation demand management - Since 1975, DRCOG has offered travel assistance to the metro area in Denver. Started as a carpool matching service, DRCOG services now include suitable carpool and vanpool, school carpool matching, teleworking assistance, and other alternative transportation programs to help commuters avoid traffic congestion and reduce pollution. In 2008, DRCOG won the creative excellence award from the Komuter Transportation Association for a targeted business assistance program.
- Agency on Aging area - DRCOG plans and coordinates the range of services available to older adults living in the Denver metro area (excluding Boulder County and southwest Weld County). The DRCOG assesses the region's senior needs and develops strategies to meet those needs, while allocating the Older Americans Act's federal funds to service providers in the region. The Ombudsman program serves to serve the needs and protects the rights and dignity of residents of long-term care facilities in the region, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
- Water Quality - The DRCOG was not designated a regional water quality planning agency by the Governor of Hickenlooper in February 2011. Prior to that, state and federal laws gave the DRCOG responsibility for regional water quality planning, except for the southwestern Weld County region. DRCOG oversees all regional water quality issues, dealing with rivers, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands and ground water systems. Regional issues include watershed quality trends, standards and classification, wastewater treatment and disposal practices, groundwater quality, catchment zones, land use patterns, wetland protection, non-point source pollution, rainwater runoff, urban lakes, water supplies and other environmental constraints.
- Transit-Oriented Development - Since the passage of FasTracks, DRCOG has served as a resource for the region as planned and implemented transit-oriented development (TOD). TODs is a pedestrian-friendly and mixed development, located within half a mile of a transit stop, designed to allow residents and workers to drive fewer cars and ride more freight.
See also
- Colorado census statistics region
- The Colorado Transportation Department
- Colorado metropolitan area
- Metropolitan planning organization
- The State of Colorado
Note
References
External links
- Denver County Government Council
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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