Neighboring Municipalities Work Together to Strengthen ChescoWest
In the western side of Chester County, a group of municipalities come together once a month as a collective intermunicipal unit named the Western Chester County Council of Governments (COG). The COG is made up of neighboring municipalities that tackle projects such as equipment sharing, grants, joint opportunities and solutions, emergency response and more. Altogether, the COG’s major focus is to enhance communication among local officials, stimulate and improve local coordination and cooperation, and generate new ideas about local problems.
The following municipalities are currently part of the COG: Atglen Borough, Caln Township, the City of Coatesville, East Brandywine Township, East Fallowfield Township, Honey Brook Borough, Honey Brook Township, Modena Borough, Parkesburg Borough, South Coatesville Borough, Valley Township, West Brandywine Township, West Caln Township, West Sadsbury Township and Avondale Borough.
The concept of the COG was born in the fall of 2011 when the Western Chester County’s Chamber of Commerce “Future Focus Economic Development Study” recommended a formation of a COG. The study provided a framework, recommendations and strategies to help local governments create new jobs, entice new businesses and industries into the region, support conservation efforts and smart growth, and provide mechanisms for all municipalities in the region to work together in the common effort to improve the quality of life for all citizens.
In 2012, the Chamber’s Regional Planning Committee and Government Affairs Committee held an introductory meeting to explain and discuss what a COG is and its benefits. Fourteen of the twenty-four governments that make up western Chester County were represented at this meeting. From this initial spark, the group made a list of twenty-one items of possible mutual interest to the members. In result, the Western Chester County Council of Governments was formed and continues to operate and grow today by collectively identifying target items to work on together. Some recent projects include addressing Animal Control Issues within municipalities, evaluating energy options, co-partnering in grant programs and support in recent Emergency Services issues.
The past year has proved to be a time that spotlighted the necessity of a multi-municipal unit to address problems that spill over geographical lines. Local flooding, the loss of Brandywine Hospital, the closure of Tower Direct and other mounting healthcare access and emergency response issues have unearthed a domino effect across municipalities that will require neighboring municipalities to coordinate efforts to alleviate challenges. These challenges are the current front-line issues being discussed in the COG today.
Western Chester County Council of Governments has a Board of Directors consisting of one elected representative from each member municipality as a primary member and an alternate elected representative. The organization welcomes and encourages bordering municipalities to engage and attend a monthly COG meeting to join them in building a stronger tomorrow for western Chester County Residents.
A Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary association of municipalities that have agreed to cooperate and coordinate their efforts in providing local government services. The Western Chester County Council of Governments work together to share cost effective resources, public safety analysis, coordinated land use, infrastructure planning efforts and expertise with one another. If you would like to participate in the WCC Cog, please contact Chamber@westernchestercounty.com or call 610-384-9550. Wcccog.com
Western Chester County COG members:
Atglen Borough, Caln Township, Honey Brook Borough, South Coatesville Borough, Honey Brook Township, Valley Township, City of Coatesville, Modena Borough, West Brandywine Township, East Brandywine Township, Parkesburg Borough, West Caln Township, East Fallowfield Township, West Nantmeal Township
Year Highlights
WCCCOG welcomed various professionals to speak on wastewater systems, emergency management, municipal law and accessible playgrounds. COG created the Animal Control Action Committee and the Energy Action Committee, sub-groups that meet outside of regular COG hours due to their specific focus and interest in those topics. The COG also hosted discussions with the County Commissioners, Planning Commission and the Sustainability Director for the county along with various emergency service providers and fire departments.
The Western Chester County Council of Governments meets the last Wednesday of each month starting at 7pm.
All meetings are open to the public, and we welcome all municipalities in the western portion of Chester County to consider attending and joining our efforts.
CONTACT: 610-384-9550 | Chamber@westernchestercounty.com with inquiries.
