THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (COG) IS THE REGIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE WASHINGTON AREA'S MAJOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THEIR GOVERNING OFFICIALS. THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA IS COMPRISED OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, THE WASHINGTON, DC SUBURBS IN MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. COG PROVIDES A FOCUS FOR ACTION ON ISSUES OF REGIONAL CONCERN SUCH AS COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING, AIR AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, TRACKING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND POPULATION GROWTH AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE REGION, COORDINATING PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS, AND PROMOTING CHILD CARE AND HOUSING FOR THE REGION. COG IS SUPPORTED BY FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ITS PARTICIPATING MEMBER GOVERNMENTS, GRANTS, AND CONTRACTS.