ACOG MARKS 60 YEARS OF REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PROGRESS IN CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

The Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (ACOG) is celebrating 60 years of service, collaboration and regional leadership today, marking six decades of helping communities work together to improve the quality of life for residents across Central Oklahoma.

Founded on June 26, 1966, ACOG was created on the belief that Central Oklahoma cities, towns and counties could accomplish more together than they could alone. Sixty years later, that vision continues to shape transportation planning, economic development, emergency communications, air quality initiatives, water resource planning and regional collaboration throughout Central Oklahoma.

What began with three member counties and a handful of municipalities has grown into one of Oklahoma’s most influential regional organizations. Today, ACOG serves a region of more than 1.4 million residents and includes 37 municipal governments and four counties: Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma.

Over the past six decades, ACOG has evolved into a trusted regional partner, helping local governments address challenges and opportunities that extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries. Through planning, technical expertise, advocacy and collaboration, the organization has helped shape the growth, safety and economic vitality of Central Oklahoma.

“Sixty years ago, the founders of this association looked at our region and saw a shared destiny,” said Mark W. Sweeney, AICP, Executive Director of ACOG. “They realized that the lines dividing our towns, cities and counties on a map shouldn’t divide our efforts to build a better future. Today, we stand on the shoulders of visionary leaders, dedicated public servants and community champions who chose cooperation over competition and helped build a stronger Central Oklahoma.”

Throughout its history, ACOG has played a pivital role in some of the region’s most significant initiatives, including helping establish emergency 911 service across Central Oklahoma, issuing the region’s first Ozone Alert Days, supporting the development of regional transit concepts, coordinating bicycle and pedestrian programs, advancing Clean Cities initiatives, advocating for improved transportation safety and helping communities secure millions of dollars in state and federal funding.

To commemorate the milestone, ACOG hosted a 60th Anniversary Celebration in Oklahoma City on June 5, bringing together current and former board members, elected officials, community leaders, former employees, partners, corporate sponsors and staff to reflect on the organization’s legacy and its continued impact on the region. On June 25, the ACOG Board of Directors adopted and signed a Resolution celebrating the momentous anniversary which you can read here.

During the celebration, attendees were invited to share their ideas for what ACOG should accomplish by 2036, helping launch a conversation about the region’s next decade of growth, innovation and collaboration.

“Regionalism remains as important today as it was in 1966,” Sweeney said. “Our communities face opportunities and challenges that do not stop at city limits and county boundaries. The partnerships we build today will shape the next generation of transportation, economic development, public safety and quality-of-life improvements across Central Oklahoma.”

As ACOG enters its seventh decade, the organization remains committed to helping local governments work together to build a region that is economically competitive, resilient and prepared for the future.

ACOG BY THE DECADES