Region XII Council of Governments

09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day! COG offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Western Iowa Transit will run limited operations. Have a safe and fun Labor Day holiday weekend!

09/03/2026

Congratulations to the City of C**n Rapids Iowa on being awarded $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. These funds will be used to complete streetscape improvements along Main Street from 4th to 7th Avenue to include: ADA curb ramps, sidewalks, street lighting, and pedestrian improvements. Thank you for allowing Region XII COG to prepare this successful application.

08/28/2026

Catch the latest news from Region XII COG! Learn about COG projects, upcoming grant deadlines, recent grant awards, and special awards!

https://region12cog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/August-2026-Newsletter.pdf

08/23/2026

School starts tomorrow around the region! Be safe and have a great year at school!

08/07/2026

Open Meetings and Open Records Training, August 24, 2026. 5:30 PM. Region XII COG, 1009 East Anthony Street, Carroll.

Region XII COG is an approved training provider by the Iowa Public Information Board to deliver on open meetings and open records as required by Iowa H.F. 706 for all newly elected and appointed officials after July 1, 2025.

Adopted in 2025, all newly elected and appointed officials must complete a training session of open meetings and records.

07/31/2026

The Iowa Department of Transportation Commission is beginning the process to update the State Transportation Plan. This plan provides a framework for how future investments should be made to Iowa’s multimodal transportation system, including all modes such as aviation, public transit, rail, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highways, and water transportation.

As part of the update, Iowans are invited to offer input on Iowa’s multimodal transportation system via a short survey to collect feedback on the current system and gather ideas for the future of transportation in Iowa. Public input will be used to help refine and validate the draft goals and strategies that will guide Iowa’s transportation system over the coming years. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here:

07/27/2026

Region XII Council of Governments has recently been recognized with a 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for Open Meetings and Open Records Training for Elected and Appointed Officials.

The Iowa Legislature in 2025 required all new elected officials and board members of public bodies to receive at least 1 hour of training on the state's open meetings and open records laws. Because training through the state was limited and other entities charged for the service, Region XII COG along with three other Iowa's COGs became certified to provide the training so small towns officials would have easy access. The COGs provide in-person options, flexible scheduling, on-site training, drop-ins, and certificate issuance within 24-48 hours. The four COGs (Iowa Northland Regional COG, East Central Iowa COG, SIMPCO, and Region XII COG) consulted with one another while planning presentations and project rollout.

From Backlog to Breakthrough: Redesigning the ADRC to Serve Middle GeorgiaWebsiteProject Partners: Georgia Division of Aging Services (DAS)

07/20/2026

Congratulations to the City of Menlo on being awarded a $100,000 Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority!

The funds will help rehabilitate this iconic downtown landmark bank building with exterior and interior improvements while preserving its historic character. Once complete, the building will become the new showroom and office for Merical Construction, bringing new activity, jobs, and investment back to downtown Menlo.

Thank you for allowing Region XII COG staff to assist with this successful application!

07/18/2026

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Grant Application are due soon! Click to see the Region XII Funding Update and learn more about this grant opportunity.
https://region12cog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-REAP-Funding-Update.pdf

07/17/2026

Celebrating 53 Years!!!