VCOG’s mission is solving regional problems, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the region’s local governments as well as the quality of life. Essential functions of the COG are: providing a forum for addressing issues which extend beyond individual governmental boundaries by fostering collaborative regional planning and facilitating relations among local governments, state and federal agencies. As a regional planning partnership, the COG is accountable to local governments who join as members.

The COG's principal activities support local planning through technical, data, and intergovernmental resources. In collaboration with local governments, the COG is responsible for adopting region-wide plans and policies for community and economic development, water, air quality, land use and transportation, including approval of state and federal transportation projects.