Member Services

Program Overview

While NWCCOG has a regional focus, it recognizes the unique needs of each of its members as well. For instance, Pitkin County , a county of more than 16,000 residents and over 200 employees, has very different needs than the Town of Montezuma , which has a population of less than 75 and no employees. NWCCOG's Member Services Program offers a variety of services which can be customized to each jurisdiction's individual needs.

Every year, each NWCCOG member in good standing receives a "grant" worth $1,000, which can be used toward any member service they need. The cost of service is dependent on the project. Members are responsible for any project costs accrued above and beyond the $1,000 benefit.  The following are services offered through the NWCCOG's Member Services Program:

Member Services Available:

Community Issues Management
NWCCOG will review difficult issues facing member jurisdictions. NWCCOG will assist members to effectively manage the issues by assessing the situation, developing and implementing a strategy, monitoring and evaluating the progress, and training staff.

Community Surveys
NWCCOG has been conducting community surveys for members since 1991. A full range of custom-designed products -- from comprehensive community surveys to topic-specific surveys -- are available. NWCCOG will develop the survey, mail to a random sample population, collect, record and analyze results, and present the findings to the member. The results of all NWCCOG surveys, studies and presentations are available on the Website. Click here for examples of surveys conducted to date. For more information, contact Rachel Lunney at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or (970)468-0295 ext. 106.

Technical Assistance Grants
Each year, NWCCOG receives funding from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs through the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Program. NWCCOG earmarks a portion of these funds for Technical Assistance Grants. Member jurisdictions can apply for these grants, which may be used for a variety of projects.
List of recently-funded projects:
 - Town of Vail - Records Management System ($5,243)
 - Town of Silverthorne - Feasability Study for Pay-As-You-Throw Recycling Programs ($5,000)
 - Town of Red Cliff - Codification of Municipal Code ($10,000)
 - City of Glenwood Springs - Housing Support Study for Commercial Linkage Program ($2,257)
 - Town of Carbondale - Noxious Weed Management Plan ($2,500)
 - Town of Breckenridge - Workforce Housing Preservation Strategy Project ($5,000)

GIS Service Center
NWCCOG offers GIS Services on both a subscription and an hourly basis. The GIS Service Center provides affordable GIS services to member jurisdictions without GIS capability, and to those with GIS capability in need of additional help and/or services. The GIS Service Center also provides affordable access to new GIS applications that are not within the existing capabilities of member jurisdictions, and works to create regional continuity between all municipal, county, state, and federal GIS systems. Member rate for GIS services is $65/hour.  For more information, contact Jodi Flory at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 970.468.0295 x106.  

Grant Application Assistance/Administration
NWCCOG staff is available to assist members with grant research, writing grant applications, and administration/reporting requirements for grant award contracts.

Health Insurance Pool
In 2001, NWCCOG successfully negotiated an agreement with the County Health Pool ( CHP ), administered through County Technical Services Inc. ( CTSI ), a health insurance pool arrangement for qualified NWCCOG member jurisdictions. Jurisdictions must have fewer than 10 employees enrolled for coverage to qualify. Under this agreement, both employees and town council members are eligible. NWCCOG switched its own employee health insurance coverage to CHP and has experienced significant savings. The Towns of Kremmling, Hot Sulphur Springs, Walden and Red Cliff joined the NWCCOG pool, and now receive coverage from CHP as well. All NWCCOG member jurisdictions with fewer than 10 employees are invited to join the NWCCOG health insurance pool.

Information Forums
NWCCOG will coordinate informational forums for member jurisdictions upon their request. If there is an issue of interest to several jurisdictions, NWCCOG will develop, organize and facilitate workshops, providing members with an environment for positive and constructive dialogue.

Meeting Facilitation
The success or failure of meetings often depends on the quality of meeting management. NWCCOG facilitates meetings for member jurisdictions. Services include meeting design, agenda development, facilitation and meeting summary.

Research Services
NWCCOG performs studies on issues of interest to municipal governments, such as surveys on salaries, policies and procedures. Some examples of research services that have been provided through this program are Issue Analysis for Open Space Ballot Initiative, Study on Municipal Annexation Policies, Study on the Costs/Benefits of Home Rule Status, and a Resort Area Town/County Benefits Survey.

Retreat Facilitation
Many county boards and town councils value periodic or annual retreats to discuss items of importance, work through issues, and strengthen personal relationships. NWCCOG offers facilitation services, to ensure groups reach their identified objectives for the retreat. In addition to facilitating the retreat, NWCCOG will help members plan and summarize the retreat.