About DRCOG

Bench overlooking Ferril Lake at City Park, Denver

Do Great Places Just Happen?

Not a chance.

In 1955, when Denver Mayor Quigg Newton invited fellow elected officials from Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder and Jefferson counties to talk about joint issues and concerns, our region was in the midst of a post-World War II growth spurt. These leaders decided working together to enhance our region’s quality of life was a much better approach than going it alone, and created the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to foster collaboration and cooperation and to speak with one voice.

DRCOG endures today as one of the nation’s three oldest councils of governments. Representatives of our region’s counties, cities and towns work together to make life better. They are guided by the Metro Vision regional growth and development plan, which defines goals and actions needed to ensure the region remains a great place to live, work and play. 

Mission Statement
The Denver Regional Council of Governments is a planning organization where local governments collaborate to establish guidelines, set policy and allocate funding in the areas of:

  • Transportation and Personal Mobility
  • Growth and Development
  • Aging and Disability Resources
     

Vision Statement
Our region is a diverse network of vibrant, connected, lifelong communities with a broad spectrum of housing, transportation and employment, complemented by world-class natural and built environments.

DRCOG…

  • Is a Council of Governments, serving as a planning organization, technical assistance provider and forum for visionary local member governments
  • Functions as a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute and prepares the plan for the physical development of the region, known as Metro Vision
  • Is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
  • Serves as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region