Frequently Asked Questions
What does UAACOG do?
UAACOG stands for the Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments. It is an organization dedicated to serving the Upper Arkansas region of Colorado with a mission to strengthen the communities in this region. UAACOG provides a wide array of services that focus on community development, support, and well-being.
This includes initiatives that promote senior health and independence, local business growth, child and family wellness, housing accessibility, rural transportation projects, and more. The main purpose is to ensure sustainable growth in the region and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
UAACOG is a quasi-governmental 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides community services in Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Lake Counties. Several of UAACOG's individual programs serve communities in other counties including Huerfano, Park, Teller, and Saguache.
Major programs offered by UAACOG include: Head Start, Area Agency on Aging, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), housing assistance programs (Section 8, Housing Counseling, Home Repair, and Self-Help), business loans, and transportation.
When and why was UAACOG established?
The Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments (UAACOG) was formed in 1974 under Federal Legislation and Colorado State Executive Order allowing the formation of “regional councils”. In Colorado, Councils of Government (COG) and economic development districts are voluntary collaborations formed under state regulations.
Planning and Management Region 13 represents one of the 14 planning and management regions in Colorado. These regional councils were established according to the boundaries of each region. Each council is unique and has evolved to reflect the needs and opportunities of its respective region.
For UAACOG, serving Region 13 means focusing on the unique needs of Fremont, Chaffee, Lake, and Custer Counties, ensuring that community services are provided efficiently on a regional basis and emphasizing the interconnectedness of the region's inhabitants both socially and economically.