Benton-Franklin Council of Governments

Benton-Franklin Council of Governments Economic Development | Community Development | Metropolitan Transportation Planning

The Benton-Franklin Governmental Conference was established as a voluntary association of the units of local government in the two-county region in 1966. The official name was changed to Benton-Franklin Regional Council (BFRC) in May 1991 and to the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments (BFCG) in 1998. The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments is structured under state law as a regional planning

commission (RCW 36.70.060), a council of governments (RCW 36.64.080), and a Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) (RCW 47.80.020). The Council of Governments presently claims 16 regular members, 1 associate member, 2 affiliate members, and 6 private sector members which represent the region’s approximate 270,000 population. A Sub-RTPO is established in Walla Walla County, allowing Rural Regional Transportation Planning in Walla Walla County to occur in concert with Walla Walla Valley MPO activities. As is the case elsewhere across the country, the problems facing this region’s local communities cannot be effectively solved within a single city or county. Such problems require cooperative action by all local governments within a region. The function of the BFCG is to facilitate a cooperative approach to regional problem solving.

09/08/2026
🌟Highlight Friday🌟 Sharing some of BFCOG and Jurisdictional Highlights! 🎉 A Regional Transportation Win for West Richlan...
09/04/2026

🌟Highlight Friday🌟

Sharing some of BFCOG and Jurisdictional Highlights!

🎉 A Regional Transportation Win for West Richland!
The City of West Richland successfully obligated its transportation project funding before the federal deadline—keeping those important transportation dollars invested right here in our region.

BFCOG is continuing it's Annual Strategic Partnership, coming up in October is City of West Richland, and City of Prosser in November, and Benton County in December!

Photos in order:
1. BFCOG at the Richland Farmers Market (August 7) 📸? BFCOG Staff did an RTP: 2050 budget exercise at the Richland Farmers' market. There was a bracket for people to vote on RTP Regional projects; the winner was the US 12 Interchange!

2-4. Port of Pasco Youth Tour (August 27) - Regional Planner, Lizzy Garcia, took the Summer Planning Academy high school students on a tour of the Port of Pasco! They enjoyed learning more about what is happening at the Port, including a tour of the Pasco Airport!

5. Commissioner and BFCOG Board Member, Skip Novakovich, shared at the BFCOG Board meeting that the Port of Kennewick was just named the first Purple Heart Port in the state of Washington! So proud.

6. Port of Kennewick is also hosting a Sip and Sing Event at the Columbia Gardens Village with the Mid-Columbia Opera on Saturday, September 26, go check it out!

BFCOG will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.Our office will reopen for regular business on Tues...
09/04/2026

BFCOG will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

Our office will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, September 8.

We wish our community partners, members, and neighbors a safe and enjoyable Labor Day! ❤️🤍💙

Come to our Open House! The draft 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) document is out for public comment,...
09/01/2026

Come to our Open House! The draft 2027-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) document is out for public comment, and the BFCOG is hosting a free open house where residents can attend, ask questions, and learn more about upcoming transportation plans and projects in the region.

When: September 23, 2026
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Where: BFCOG Office at 587 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352 or virtually on Microsoft Teams. Link can be found on our website or here: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/277676633169691?p=cFMmiebxbH7a8lMCM3

The TIP outlines upcoming transportation plans and projects in the region. The 45-day public comment period is from August 16 - September 30, 2026. Public comments may be submitted by email to Tanner Martin at [email protected].

✨ Highlight Friday ✨Please join us in welcoming our newest BFCOG Board members for 2026!We’re pleased to welcome:Brian L...
08/28/2026

✨ Highlight Friday ✨
Please join us in welcoming our newest BFCOG Board members for 2026!

We’re pleased to welcome:
Brian Lubanski — Chief Executive Officer, Ben Franklin Transit
Shelly Harper — Mayor, City of Connell
Jason McShane — Mayor, City of Kennewick
Stephen Bauman — Chair Pro Tem, District 1 Commissioner, Franklin County
Bill O’Neil — District 1 Commissioner, Port of Benton

The BFCOG Board brings together leaders from jurisdictions across Benton and Franklin Counties to help guide regional collaboration, transportation planning, economic development, and the work that connects our communities.

We appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to the experience and perspectives they’ll bring to BFCOG and our region.

Welcome to the BFCOG Board!

08/21/2026
08/21/2026
08/21/2026

The Lodging Tax Grant Program provides funding that bring visitors to Richland and result in overnight stays at local hotels and motels.

08/21/2026

Only 150 tickets remain for the Tri-Cities Women in Business Conference! This event sells out every year, and we're closing in fast. Don't miss your chance to join a full day of powerhouse keynotes, breakout sessions, and the prestigious ATHENA Awards.

Register today before they're gone: https://web.tricityregionalchamber.com/events/2026Women%20in%20Business%20Conference%20and%20ATHENA%20Awards%20Luncheon-8929/details

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. | Three Rivers Convention Center

Address

587 Stevens Drive
Richland, WA
99352

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+15099439185

Website

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