About Northern Council of Governments


Northern Illinois Council of Governments develops and represents unity among local governmental bodies for shared legislative priorities and to participate in joint ventures as a means to overcome regional challenges and reduce the legacy costs to local government operations. NorthCOG is an organization through which individual counties, municipalities, and other local governmental bodies can coordinate their efforts.

MEMBERS

Boone County, Winnebago County, City of Belvidere, City of Loves Park, City of Rockford, City of South Beloit, Village of Machesney Park, Village of Roscoe, Village of Winnebago, Village of Cherry Valley, City of Oregon, Region 1 Planning Council, Rockford Park District, Rockford Public Schools, and Four Rivers Authority.

Board Chairman: Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara
Vice Chairman: Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury

Staff Liaison: Isaac Guerrero | 815-319-4181 | iguerrero@r1planning.org


PURPOSE OF THE COG

  • To furnish a forum for government entities to discuss and resolve Regional issues of mutual concern.

  • To furnish a vehicle through Member Entities may jointly introduce, support, or oppose state and federal legislation where it is deemed in the best interest of the Region.

  • To furnish a vehicle through which Member Entities, working together, can take joint action on matters affecting the Region and to recommend action to be taken by the Member Entities.

  • To furnish a vehicle through which Member Entities can develop and advocate for shared state and federal legislative priorities.

  • To furnish a vehicle through which Member Entities can establish multi-jurisdictional partnerships, procurements and joint ventures to modernize and reduce the cost of local government operations and services.

  • To study, report, and make recommendations on innovative, proactive solutions to Regional issues and best practices in good governance and other issues as approved by the Board.

  • To organize elected official orientation and education on relative matters, developments, and Regional issues and initiatives.

  • To foster dialogue on best practices and to share the efficiencies of shared priorities, resources, knowledge, challenges, and opportunities.

  • To advocate for policy set by the Region 1 Planning Council governing board.

  • To do such other things from time to time as the Board deems appropriate.

Northern Illinois Council of Governments Video: