Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments in Lane County, Oregon. Dedicated to solving area-wide problems, LCOG helps area cities, Lane County, educational districts, and special-purpose districts reach their common goals. In addition, the agency serves as a regional planning, coordination, program-development, and service-delivery organization. Since LCOG’s creation in 1945, the agency has participated in a wide variety of projects and programs for local governments. Today, LCOG serves Lane County, the 12 cities within the county, and education, public utilities, and other special districts. Over the years, LCOG has dealt with many important issues, programs, and projects that affect local government. Typically, LCOG has conducted or facilitated the multi-jurisdictional planning and program development necessary to solve problems or provide services. A growing aspect of LCOG’s work program is the provision of a wide variety of direct contract services to local governments and state and federal agencies. Various units of government use LCOG’s services as a flexible mechanism for addressing specific issues in many program areas. LCOG has no taxing or ordinance authority. Rather, it conducts its work under the policy guidance of a Board of Directors made up of local elected officials and in cooperation with agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.