Region XII COG is a multi-county council of governments service Carroll County and the surrounding region. While much of the COG's work is directly with local government and non-profit entities, the COG directly provides many services to the general public:
Transit
Western Iowa Transit is the COG's demand-response public transit provider. While no fixed routes are currently available, any member of the public may call and schedule a ride. For nearly 40 years, the COG has helped people get to wehre they need to be: work, shopping, and medical appointments.
Housing
The COG provide loans and grants to persons looking to acquire or improve their homes. Assistance provided includes down-payment assistance, owner-occupied rehabilitation, rental rehabilitation, and new construction. 2016 marks the 25th year the COG has helped people acquire and maintain safe, decent, and affordable housing.
Business Loans
The COG can assist entrepreneurs and existing businesses with financing to help make their project a reality. Loans made by the COG are typically in conjunction with conventional lenders, and may be used for a variety of needs a business may have: building acquisition, equipment, inventory, or working capital. Loans must be in support of job creation, and any business assisted must be location in one of the COG's member counties (which includes Carroll County).
Workforce Services
The COG operates the Workforce Opportunity & Investment Act, a federal program operated as part of the myriad of services found in the Carroll Workforce Development Center. WIOA strives to help all job seekers - from youth to those displaced from their job - obtain the abilities and skills needed to secure new employment.