Colorado Association of Regional Organizations
The Colorado Association of Regional Organizations' primary purpose is to promote cooperation between the member regional organizations. To that end, CARO provides a forum for improving the efficiency of the member organizations by sharing best practices, building better relationships with state and federal agencies, and affording an opportunity for increased training and technical assistance by the state to the regional organizations. CARO also monitors federal grant opportunities and uses its influence on state agencies to increase funding in Colorado that might be used by the regions.
CARO Member Organizations:
Region 1 - Northeastern Colorado Association of Local Governments
Region 3 - Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG)
Region 4 - Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments
Region 5 - East Central Council of Governments
Region 8 - San Luis Valley Development Resources Group
Region 9 - Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado
Region 10 - Region 10 League for Economic Assistance
Region 11 - Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC)
Region 12 - Northwest Colorado Council of Governments (NWCCOG)
Region 13 - Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments
Region 14 - South Central Council of Governments
CARO is exploring the idea of becoming a more formally established statewide organization. CARO is exploring application to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a planning grant which would proivde funds necessary to explore this possiblity. At the June 25, 2010 Annual Meeting, Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director for Region 12 COG in Iowa and Chair of the Iowa Association of Regional Councils (IARC), gave a presentation on IARC's formation, growth, operations, and the process IARC went through with the assistance of EDA funds to become a formal statewide organization. IARC has been a very successful statewide association for over 20 years. He shared serveral resources with CARO including:
- IARC - COG History
- IARC Brochure
- IARC - Bylaws/Articles of Incorporation
- IARC Newsletters: Spring 2010 / Winter 2009
- IARC Agenda/Minutes/Reports:
- Directors Report May 2010 / Meeting Minutes April 2010 / Retreat Agenda May 2010
- IARC Executive Director Job Description
- IARC 2009 Staff Retreat Agenda
- IARC 09-10 Salary Survey: Salaries / Benefits, Etc.
- IARC Scope of Work for EDA Grant
- IARC EDA Mid-point Report - June 2010