Region XII Council of Governments (COG) is celebrating a significant milestone this month as the local government assistance agency celebrates its 50th anniversary. Region XII was formed in 1973 through a 28E agreement between Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, and Sac Counties. Executive Director Rick Hunsaker explains the circumstances surrounding their formation.
Hunsaker says much of the same work Region XII did in 1973 continues today, such as contracting with cities and counties to develop long-term planning and zoning strategies. Local Assistance Director Chris Whitaker says it is very common for a project to come up, and a city or county does not have the necessary cash on hand to complete it. That is where Region XII steps in.
The challenges facing west central Iowa have shifted many times over the last half-century. Hunsaker says Region XII staff must be ready to address their partners’ issues.
From providing public transportation to thousands of residents through Western Iowa Transit to aiding entrepreneurs and business owners with accessible loans, Region XII is a tremendous asset to the service area, even if their work often goes on behind the scenes. Looking ahead, Hunsaker and Whitaker see housing as one of the region’s top challenges for years to come, in addition to maintaining local infrastructure like water supplies, road maintenance, and more. Learn more about Region XII and the many programs they offer at www.region12cog.org.
