ABOUT US
Leveraging State & Local Resources
Planning for the Future
Promoting Regional Collaboration
Sharing Technical Skills
The East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) is an intergovernmental council established in 1973 under Chapter 28E and provided for under Chapter 28H of the Code of Iowa.
Our mission is to help build vibrant, forward-thinking communities and a collaborative and resilient region. ECICOG’s skilled staff has been providing innovative services across our region for nearly 50 years by leveraging state and local resources, promoting regional collaboration, planning for the future, and sharing technical skills.
FUNDING
ECICOG is a not-for--profit organization. While a portion of our operations are supported by a per capita assessment paid by each of our counties, the majority of our funding comes from direct grants, grant administration fees and technical service fees.
WHERE WE WORK
ECICOG is home to a half million residents and covers 4,400 square miles in Eastern Iowa, including the six counties of Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington.
Our Region
The region is linked by primary arteries to the nearby (less than 300 miles) metros of Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Omaha, and St. Louis. Within our county region we are supported by six freight rail carriers, one commercial airport, and eight additional airports with varied federal classifications.
The region is characterized by two urban areas with numerous small towns and rural countryside. In addition to the six counties, the region includes 72 municipalities and 30 public school districts. The region’s largest municipalities are Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, located in central Linn County and Johnson County, respectivel
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Don Gray
Mayor of Central City
David Connolly
Linn County Citizen
Aaron Sandersfeld
Williamsburg City Manager
Jeremiah Hoyt
Jones County Administrator
Derek Lumsden
Jones County Citizen
Sarah Thompson
Johnson County Citizen
Nick Gluba
Lone Tree City Council
Doug Boddicker
Mayor of Newhall​
Megan Alter
Iowa City, City Council
Brandy Meisheid
Linn County Supervisor
Jon Zirkelbach
Jones County Supervisor
Eldy Miller
Ely City Administrator
Tracy Seeman
Benton County Supervisor
Kevin Heitshusen
Iowa County Supervisor
Vice-Chairperson
Jon Green
Johnson County Supervisor
Chairperson
Kate Robertson
Benton County Citizen
Treasurer/Secretary
Joe Gaa
City Administrator, City of Washington
Steve Dodson
Mayor of Hiawatha
Chris Montross
Iowa County Supervisor
Bob Yoder
Washington County Supervisor
Vacant
Washington County Citizen
DOCUMENTS
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
ANNUAL REPORTS
2025 IMPACT SUMMARIES
Learning Opportunities
ECICOG looks for opportunities to connect our programs with people who might be interested in participating. One way we do that is by conducting webinars to discuss programs with high potential for leveraging grant awards and promoting development in our region.
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ECICOG Turbo Talk:
Commercial Facades Program/ Downtown Revitalization Fund Program
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ECICOG Turbo Talk:
East Central Iowa
Housing Trust Fund
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ECICOG Turbo Talk:
CDBG Water/Sewer Financial Assistance Program (WTFAP)
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ECICOG Turbo Talk:
IEDA Community Attraction and Tourism (CATT) Grant
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ECICOG 2025 Local Government Recharge Day
ECICOG is offering a day geared toward local government officials with helpful tools to build on their own knowledge to better serve our communities. View the slides here!
CorridorRides VanPool
Lunch and Learn
CorridorRides VanPool connects commuters with transportation. Watch the recording.
2023 Rental Inspection Program
ECICOG is offering a new rental inspection program which debuts in early 2024. The inspections would help to ensure rental housing is safe for occupants and meets state and city codes. Watch the webinar recording.
The Innovation Lab
The Innovation Lab network is helping communities to convert unused spaces into entrepreneurial hubs. Watch the webinar recording.
Homes for Iowa
Homes for Iowa uses Iowa Prison Industries to produce moderately priced homes and transports them. Watch the webinar recording.
Hometown Pride
The Hometown Pride program provides a community coach to assist participating towns to build on their unique strengths. Watch the webinar recording.