Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary association of local governments which is designated by the State of NC to serve as the lead regional planning organization for the Kerr-Tar area.  We serve 21 member governments in a 5 county area. Working under the direction of locally elected officials of these member governments, the staff plans and administers a variety of federal, state and local programs and services. Monthly meetings are forums where officials determine priorities for the region of which their communities are integral parts.

As members of the Kerr-Tar COG, local governments:
• Share information and make joint regional decisions to solve common problems;
• Work through a single agency which enables more effective utilization and administration of federal, state and local grant funds, as well as, private funding;
• Avoid duplication of efforts and better coordinate services;
• Promote cooperation between the public and private sectors;
• Promote regional issues and cooperation among members.

Kerr-Tar COG benefits the state by:
• Planning, coordinating and overseeing the administration of state and federal programs;
• Assisting local governments in handling tasks set by state regulations;
• Providing a flexible network for effective regional action;
• Fostering cooperation that helps avoid duplication of efforts and takes advantage of economies of scale.

To assist you in the development and administration of these programs are Advisory Councils appointed by each County Board of Commissioners. The Workforce Development Department receives authority from the Workforce Development Board. The Area Agency on Aging has the following advisory councils: Regional Aging Advisory Council; Nursing Home Community Advisory Committees; Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committees; and the Senior Tarheel Legislators. All of these groups along with our professional staff and assist with making important decisions on the delivery of services in these program areas.

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