History of MRCOG

The Mid-Region Council of Governments of New Mexico (MRCOG) is an association of local governments and special units of government within the state's third planning district. The MRCOG was established December 11, 1969, under the authority of the Regional Planning Act and under the Joint Powers Act. Municipal and county government agencies in Bernalillo, Valencia, Torrance, and Sandoval Counties, plus Edgewood in Santa Fe County, are members, as well as groups like Albuquerque Public Schools, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the Indian Pueblos. Elected and appointed representatives of these organizations serve on the MRCOG's Board of Directors and give the organization direction. Read more about member organizations.

The MRCOG was created to conduct and coordinate regional planning and other services as directed by its Board of Directors. It provides a forum where local elected officials and other groups from across the region can meet and discuss issues that do not begin or end at political boundaries. MRCOG's role is advisory with the primary task to provide member governments with data and plans to allow them to make better informed decisions.

History of Regional Councils

Sometimes referred to as regional councils, organizations like as MRCOG exist throughout the United States.

A regional council is a multi-service entity with state and locally-defined boundaries that delivers a variety of federal, state and local programs while continuing its function as a planning organization, technical assistance provider and "visionary" to its member local governments. As such, they are accountable to local units of government and effective partners for state and federal governments.

Conception & Early Ideas

Conceived in the 1960s, regional councils today are stable, broad-based organizations adept at consensus-building, creating partnerships, providing services, problem solving, and fiscal management. The role of the regional council has been shaped by the changing dynamics in federal, state and local government relations, and the growing recognition that the region is the arena in which local governments must work together to resolve social and environmental challenges.

Reputation & Function

Regional councils have carved out a valuable niche for themselves as reliable agents and many operate more independent of federal funding. Comprehensive transportation planning, economic development, workforce development, the environment, services for the elderly, and clearinghouse functions are among the types of programs managed by regional councils.