PACOG
The Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Governments (PACOG) is a voluntary organization of Councils of Governments (COGs) created to foster a cooperative effort in the solution of common municipal problems.
The Association strives to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, to ensure effective communication, to facilitate agreements and cooperative actions, to improve efficiency and service of joint efforts, to provide technical aid and services to member COGs, and to promote legislation for the advancement of local governments.
A primary role of PACOG is to empower and encourage municipal cooperation, communication and collaboration. By working together to solve multi-jurisdictional problems, communities can achieve more effective and efficient solutions.
PACOG’s mission is to improve and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation in Pennsylvania. We advocate for voluntary partnerships and sharing of knowledge and resources to better serve the needs of all communities. We also seek to assure that each and every municipal entity retains its own identity.
PACOG Webinar Series
PACOG and Local Government Academy are pleased to present the 2025–2026 PACOG Webinar Series. This series offers timely insights and practical strategies on key issues facing COGs and local governments, including regional transit management, legislative updates, strategic marketing, blight remediation, and funding opportunities. Join us at noon on select Tuesdays from December 2025 – May 2026 to hear from expert speakers and strengthen the capacity of your community.
- The Transportation Equation – Regional Transit Management with Mercer County COG
Join us for an insightful webinar spotlighting Mercer County Councils of Governments (COG) to learn how this agency is taking the lead in managing public transit systems that offer safe and reliable transportation options for everyday needs. Gain awareness of the role of Councils of Governments and hear firsthand how changes in transit funding are creating changes in public transportation usage and shifting commuter patterns.
Date/ Time: Tuesday December 9, 2025. Noon
Speaker – Jill Boozer Executive Director Mercer County COG
- What’s up in Harrisburg? A Legislative Update
Join us to hear about the latest developments in Pennsylvania’s legislative landscape at this training session designed to get you up to speed on the pending and new legislation, policy changes, and government activities impacting communities and your work. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and proactive! Reserve your spot today and ensure you’re equipped with the latest knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving legislative landscape in Harrisburg.
Date/Time: Tuesday January 27, 2026. Noon
Speaker – Tree Zuzzio (Confirmed) Julia Frey (Pending)
- Councils of Government in the Spotlight: How to Market What You Do Best
Are you ready to elevate your organization’s profile and showcase the invaluable work you do for your community? It’s time to step into the spotlight and master the art of strategic marketing! Learn effective strategies to identify and engage your key audiences, and craft compelling messages that resonate with elected officials, community leaders, and the public. Discover best practices for leveraging digital platforms, media outreach, and community events, while showcasing your Council of Government’s impact and value. Discover proven marketing techniques and innovative tools to help your organization stand out. Learn from experts, share ideas, and build your capacity to communicate effectively. Don’t let your COG’s hard work go unnoticed, take charge of your narrative and inspire your member communities!
Date/Time: Tuesday February 10, 2026. Noon
Speaker: Tim Hindes TrailBlaze and Amanda Settelmaier Executive Director Turtle Creek Valley COG
- Blight Remediation Reimagined
This webinar will address strategies beyond traditional code enforcement to address blight in your community by examining this issue through a proactive and four-pronged approach. By applying various methods available to local governments and COGs, communities can make significant strides to reduce the presence of blighted and abandoned properties. We will examine this issue through a novel lens coupling land use and zoning; redevelopment tax incentive programs; land recycling opportunities and general municipal regulations to help participants see new legal intersections with blight while providing practical advice and sample documents.
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 10. Noon
Speaker: Megan M. Turnbull, Esq., and Elizabeth Sattler, Esq., Weiss Burkardt Kramer LLC.
- Webinar 5 – Funding Update, More Information TBA
Date: Tuesday, April 14, Noon
6. Webinar 6- More Information TBA
Date: Tuesday, May 12, Noon
SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORIES
COGs bring an enormous amount of value to the communities they serve, and we want to feature our COGs on a regular basis in our newsletters. Please send any programs, stories, projects, and other good news to [email protected].