About Us

 C.O.G. HISTORY

 

Catawba Regional Council of Governments had its beginnings as Central Piedmont Regional Planning Commission in 1970.  It was one of ten regional planning groups serving South Carolina established by Governor Robert McNair.  William J. James was named as the first Director, and the agency established an office in Rock Hill.  Early work included regional planning in the areas of health, historic preservation, and land use.  The name was changed to Catawba Regional Planning Council in 1972.  During the 1970s, the Planning Council became involved in establishing senior citizens programs in each county, created programs in highway safety and public safety, and worked in recreation planning and water and sewer planning.  The Planning Council also developed skills in helping local governments write and administer federal and state grant projects. 

 

In 1975, two major programs which have been significant for local governments were initiated.  The region became eligible for Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding, and the first Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) were written.  In 1982, the Catawba Regional Development Corporation was established as the first Certified SBA 504 corporation in the state, and began working to expand opportunities for business loans.  The local revolving loan fund was created in 1986.  By 1989, the technology for providing mapping services had advanced to the point that Catawba Regional was able to initiate a GIS mapping service program using computer mapping.  The jobs training program was initiated in three of the region's counties in 1990.

 

In 1991, William James retired as Executive Director after 21 years of service and Harold Shapiro was named the new director.  Initiatives begun during the 1990s included solid waste planning assistance, help to local governments in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, assistance with cable TV franchise agreements, and the initiation of the ISTEA grant program for transportation enhancements.  Catawba Regional COG became increasingly involved in planning initiatives covering the entire Charlotte urban area.  The Catawba River Task Force was created in 1992 and Catawba Regional COG eventually became staff to this ongoing planning effort. 

 

In May 1995, the agency moved to its new home at 215 Hampton Street in Rock Hill.  The Catawba Regional Center provides a permanent home for the agency and also represents an investment on behalf of the member governments.  The new facility allows the agency to offer new services, such as distance learning opportunities and meeting space for various agencies.  In 1999, the name of the organization was changed to the Catawba Regional Council of Governments to better reflect its role and function.  Initiatives in recent years have included an expanded role in transportation planning, a new effort to help local governments redevelop brownfields, and expanded services in securing and managing grants. 

 

For over thirty years, Catawba Regional Council of Governments has provided a broad vision and strong partnerships to make local government work for the people of Chester, Lancaster, Union, and York counties.  The COG participates in a host of activities that contribute to the quality of life for the region.  The work of the COG has been recognized with a number of awards at the state and national levels.