The Council develops regional responses to issues such as the environment, economic development, population growth, transportation, housing, health, public safety, human relations, and family concerns. It also is designated by the federal government as the regional planning organization for metropolitan Washington, DC. To assist with planning, the Council provides a regional geographic information system and specialized computer and technical services.

The Council is supported by financial contributions from its participating local governments, federal and state government contracts, and through donations from foundations and the private sector.

CHESAPEAKE BAY POLICY COMMITTEE
In 1998, the Chesapeake Bay Policy Committee was created by resolution of the Board of Directors. The Committee advises the Board on policy matters relating to the Chesapeake Bay and informs member jurisdictions of Bay restoration activities important to local governments. The Committee monitors, evaluates, and participates in the activities of the Chesapeake Bay Program and works to implement its restoration activities.

METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE
The Metropolitan Development Policy Committee advises the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board on policy issues relating to planning, land use, forecasting, and economic development. The Committee promotes regional coordination of land use, transportation and environmental policies.

METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIR QUALITY COMMITTEE
In 1991, the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee was certified by the mayor of Washington, DC, and the governors of Maryland and Virginia to carry out planning requirements of the federal Clean Air Act amendments of 1990 in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Committee develops strategies to reduce emissions that pollute the air. The Committee also conducts air quality regional planning to meet federal deadlines mandated for ozone reduction and other requirements to reduce pollution from ozone and carbon monoxide.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COUNCIL
The National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Council was created by a charter adopted by the Board of Directors on November 13, 2002. The Council advises the Board on emergency preparedness policy, and oversees and implements the Regional Emergency Coordination Plan. In addition, the Council coordinates activities of regional emergency support workgroups and develops training for and tests of the components of regional emergency preparedness procedures.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION TRANSPORTATION PLANNING BOARD
The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board was created in 1965 by a memorandum of agreement among officials of Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and local governments in the region. The Board was established to meet transportation planning requirements of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, and, in 1966, became associated with the Council of Governments. The Board serves as the Council's transportation policy committee.

As a condition of eligibility for federal transit and highway assistance, the Board develops and adopts regional transportation plans and programs based on assessing and analyzing data on travel patterns in the Washington metropolitan area. Since 1991, the Board has directed the use of over $500 million annually to reduce traffic congestion, meet air quality requirements, and guide development through highway and transit improvements (federal Transportation Equity Act of 1998).

TASK FORCE ON REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY ISSUES
On July 14, 1999, the Task Force on Regional Water Supply Issues was created by the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. The Board acted in response to serious drought-related conditions that affected the water supply in the metropolitan Washington region.

Initially, the Task Force charge was to review water supply policies, plans, programs, and regional drought emergency agreements. The Task Force reported its findings to the Board of Directors on November 10, 1999. To ensure effective communication between local governments, State governments, water utilities, and other concerned parties regarding regional water supply issues, the Task Force continues to meet.