History & Organization
Region XII Council of Governments was organized in 1973 to assist local governments in Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac Counties in western Iowa. Although originally chartered to serve grant-writing and planning needs for the area, the COG has grown into the agency that facilitates multi-community collaboration and development of all types, providing initiatives in the region that are needed and otherwise not provided. Region XII COG has three departments:
Through the Local Assistance Department, the COG provides technical assistance to communities in the areas of planning, infrastructure, transportation, housing, grant-writing, recreation, ordinances, zoning, economic development, and other community and county projects. The COG also provides the Iowa Waste Exchange service, which provides Iowa industries with smart waste management alternatives and helps reduce waste into Iowa landfills.
The Western Iowa Transit System (WITS) is a demand-response public transit system that serves our counties. WITS offers door-to-door transportation with flexible schedules to meet the needs of its riders. Service is provided with over 60 buses, vans, and cars for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the general public. WITS also has contracts with many area nursing homes, sheltered workshops, and schools to provide transportation.
The COG's Workforce Development staff provides Workforce Investment Act and Promise Jobs services in cooperation with Iowa Workforce Development. The staff work with disadvantaged clients to assist in getting them back into the workforce through training, work experience, résumé building, and job hunting skills.
The COG also staffs Western Iowa Advantage, which is a multi-county collaborative marketing effort and the Region XII Development Corporation, which has several revolving loan funds for business development and expansion.