Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) is an independent, nonprofit association where area leaders address regional issues affecting the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments comprises 24 local governments in the Washington metropolitan area, as well as area members of the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives. About 300 local, state and federal elected officials make up its membership. It was founded in 1957 and formally incorporated on May 28, 1965. Vision, mission, and functions "Region Forward" is Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments vision. It is a commitment by Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and its member governments, who together seek to create a more accessible, sustainable, prosperous, and livable metropolitan Washington." Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' mission is to make Region Forward happen by being a discussion forum, expert resource, issue advocate, and catalyst for action. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments works on issues of regional significance, including transportation, the environment, land use planning and housing, and public safety and health. Policies are set through the Board of Directors, the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), and the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee. These bodies are the organization's three main boards and they are responsible for a broad range of issues under Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' umbrella. Other key boards and policy committees at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments include the Region Forward Coalition; the Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee; the Chesapeake Bay and Water Resources Policy Committee; and the Human Services and Public Safety Policy Committee. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' top priority is advancing the "Region Forward" vision through the work of its board of directors, policy boards, committees, and the following programs. Transportation Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has provided leadership in supporting the development of key transportation facilities in the region, in particular the Washington Metro subway system and Washington Dulles International Airport. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' transportation planning program promotes a well-managed and maintained regional system with a broad range of transportation choices. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments supports National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the metropolitan Washington area. National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board is responsible for ensuring state and federal approval of funding for transportation projects. National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board became associated with Metropolitan