WINCOG provides a forum for inter-municipal discussion, coordination, and decision-making. Workshops on timely issues are occasions for such discussion and coordination. Regional referrals provide information on local zoning and subdivision actions that might impact other municipalities.

WINCOG acts as a clearinghouse for information about the towns in the region. We maintain a library of current census and other demographic data, maps, plans, and planning literature. Periodic news releases keep municipalities informed on regional issues. WINCOG provides member towns with the most recent U.S. Census statistics, as well as information about current best practices in planning and zoning on topics of particular interest.

WINCOG members and staff are involved in preparing studies, plans and recommendations for many aspects of the regional community, including:

Guiding the region's growth and development through the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development.

Meeting the region's transportation needs through planning with municipalities for road, bridge, and carpool lot construction and improvements, public transport, rail and air travel, as well as pedestrian and bicycle transport. WINCOG reviews and prioritizes projects for funding under FHWA's Small Urban and Rural Collector Road programs, as well as applications for grants for the purchase of accessible vans under the Section 5310 program. WINCOG also provides administrative and staff support to WRTD -- the Windham Region Transit District -- in managing the Storrs/Willimantic and Willimantic City Bus fixed-route services, regional paratransit, and Jobs Access transportation (this last in partnership with the Northeastern CT and Southeastern CT councils of governments).

Housing the region's population. WINCOG's survey of rental housing in the region is updated and published annually.

Preserving open spaces through planning for parks and recreational facilities as well as agricultural and open space preservation. WINCOG has worked closely with the towns and Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust to set aside open space in the region. Staff worked in partnership with the Green Valley Institute on a four-town Natural Resource Inventory.

Improving the economic climate. With staff and technical assistance, WINCOG has supported municipal, regional, and inter-regional economic development efforts, and regularly assists market researchers to obtain information about our member towns. WINCOG, with NECCOG and other partners, developed a comprehensive economic development strategy for northeastern CT, which was submitted to the U.S. EDA in the fall of 2002.

Improving the environment. WINCOG has been involved in planning for environmental quality through numerous projects involving management of land use, transportation, sewers and sludge, solid and hazardous waste, lakes, water and flooding, air, soil erosion, and aesthetic and historic preservation.

Facilitating regional coordination for emergency response. WINCOG's regional emergency planning workgroup improves coordination not only among member towns, but among state and regional agency partners as well. Participating organizations include regional health districts, UConn, ECSU, State Police, the American Red Cross, and the Office of Emergency Management.

WINCOG assists the region's towns by providing occasional professional planning services, at no charge to member towns, on general and technical planning matters, including:

subdivision reviews
zoning and subdivision regulations
preparation of grant applications
land use planning and control techniques
GIS / mapping services

More intensive or long term staff assistance is also available for special planning services or projects at a cost covering staff and expenses only. Towns have contracted with WINCOG for complete revisions of plans of development, for review and update of zoning and subdivision regulations, for GIS mapping projects, and for interim staff assistance to planning and zoning commissions