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 two 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.
Western Iowa Transit (WIT) is a demand-response public transit system that serves our counties. WIT 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. WIT also has contracts with many area nursing homes, sheltered workshops, and schools to provide transportation.
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.