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Council of Governments
Overview
The Erie Area Council of Governments (COG) is comprised of seven municipal governments and Erie County government. The seven municipal governments include the City of Erie; Fairview, Harborcreek, Lawrence Park, Millcreek and Summit Townships; and Wesleyville Borough. The COG employs one individual to administer its programs. To date, the COG has not achieved its full potential; many opportunities exist for increased cooperation to enhance public service delivery throughout the region.
The COG, in collaboration with the local business community through the Growth Partnership (GP) division of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, is exploring ways to increase cooperation among its member governments to provide more vibrant, cost-effective public services. The initiative will produce specific recommendations and action plans for enhanced public service delivery to be considered for implementation by the COG and/or its member governments. It will also provide a strong framework and model for business leaders and government officials to work together to achieve important regional objectives in the areas of community and economic development.
Current Status
In 2007, the COG undertook a year-long effort funded by The Erie Community Foundation to identify priorities for increased cooperation that would lead to more cost-efficient and vibrant public service delivery.
The culmination of the 2007 effort was a report entitled, Erie Area Council of Governments Functional Cooperation Project
This report identified four priority areas for focus:
- e-Government
- Public Safety and Emergency Services
- Public Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management
- Public Works
The report recommended establishment of subcommittees to address each of the four targets. Those subcommittees have been formed, and each consists of COG member government officials or appointees and GP-appointed private sector leaders.
To ensure the subcommittees are most productive, the Growth Partnership Vice President will be facilitating many of their meetings using Six Thinking Hats® tools and techniques. This will help assure the subcommittees are successful in solidifying objectives, recommendations and action plans.
The e-Government Subcommittee was the first to be launched. Please click here for the subcommittee’s latest meeting notes.
Significance
The project is intended to result in the following:
- Service efficiencies within and among the distinct municipalities, making public services more cost-effective to Erie County taxpayers
- Enhanced public services across a wider geographic area
- Creation of a local environment more conducive for business retention, expansion and attraction
- Opportunities to attract additional state and/or federal funding into the region
Resources
- Click here to read the Erie Area Council of Governments Functional Cooperation Project report.
- Click here for the latest e-Government Subcommittee meeting notes.
