Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG)

Agency Type:

• Council of Governments

Responsibilities:

• Transportation Mitigation Fee
• Energy Program
• Habitat Mitigation

Overview:

Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) is a general Council of Governments (COG).  Unlike many CALCOG members, they are not saddled with specific transportation planning requirements (although they do administer a region-wide Transportation Mitigation Fee and participate in transportation planning).  This has allowed WRCOG to focus on innovative programs that improve service levels within Western Riverside County and achieve economies of scale.

WRCOG often focuses on a number of regional matters important to the region’s future.  By working together through its committee structure and utilizing resources, WRCOG is cost-effective by reducing duplication of effort and sharing information, enabling strong advocacy and strengthening Western Riverside’s standing in the region and the State.  Today, WRCOG’s program areas are varied and include transportation, environment, energy, economy, and health.

Primary Funding Sources:

Dues, grants, and fees from programs

Total Members:

18 cities, Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Eastern and Western Municipal Water Districts, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Population Represented:

Approximately 1.4 million

Staff:

22

Related Stories:

Board Makeup:

Membership includes 18 cities, Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Eastern and Western Municipal Water Districts, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.  The Riverside County Superintendent of Schools serves as an ex-officio member.

Under the Joint Powers Agreement, WRCOG is governed by a General Assembly that must meet at least once annually.  Each member agency has one vote for each mayor, council member, county supervisor, water district board member, and tribal council member present.  The General Assembly must adopt by-laws for the administration and management of the organization.  An executive committee consisting of one representative from each member serves as the “board” of the organization.  For certain issues–like the transportation mitigation fee program (TUMF)–the governance and voting are limited to the agencies that were involved or specifically involved in the program.

Executive Director:

Kurt Wilson

CALCOG Board Representative:

Brian Tisdale, Mayor, City of Lake Elsinore

Web Link:

http://www.wrcog.us/