Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments

Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments RiverCOG is the Regional Planning Organization for the 17-town region along the lower CT River. A Council of Governments is a regional planning organization.

The board members that make up the Council of Governments are the chief elected official or town manager from each member municipality.

06/18/2026

Change starts with conversation.

Today, we’re breaking down how public engagement works, why agencies rely on it, and the impact your participation can have on local outcomes.

When more people get involved, communities get solutions that reflect real needs — not assumptions.

Ready to get involved? Learn more: https://www.rivercog.org/sharedfoundations

This Saturday, June 20th, RiverCOG will host another Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event! This event will take plac...
06/17/2026

This Saturday, June 20th, RiverCOG will host another Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event! This event will take place from 9 am - 1 pm at Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School (53 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT).

All attendees must bring proof of residency within one of our 17 eligible towns such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification. There is NO charge for residents.

For accepted materials, maps and more information, please visit: https://www.rivercog.org/hhw

06/12/2026

What comes first: the vision or the zoning?

A community's vision for the future should guide the policies and regulations that shape growth over time. Through the POCD process, residents identify priorities and goals. Zoning then becomes one of the tools used to help achieve that vision.

Welcome back to ! Today, we explore how visioning and zoning work together to move communities from ideas to implementation.

Find resources to support your visioning process: https://www.rivercog.org/sharedfoundations

🚨 LAST WEEK TO ORDER!The Spring 2026 Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale is almost over through RiverCOG.Make a simple switch...
06/08/2026

🚨 LAST WEEK TO ORDER!

The Spring 2026 Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale is almost over through RiverCOG.

Make a simple switch that benefits your home and the environment — compost food scraps, save water, and reduce waste right from your backyard. ♻️💧

📅 Pickup Day: Sunday, June 14
📍 Essex (RiverCOG Office): 1:30–3:30 PM
📍 Middletown City Yard: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Don’t wait — place your order today: https://connecticut.compostersale.com/rivercog/

Happy World Bicycle Day 🚲🌍Whether commuting, exercising, or exploring, biking is a simple way to stay healthy and enjoy ...
06/03/2026

Happy World Bicycle Day 🚲🌍

Whether commuting, exercising, or exploring, biking is a simple way to stay healthy and enjoy all that the RiverCOG region has to offer.

📍Share your favorite cycling route with us below!

Fresh, local, and in season 🌱🌿🍓Use KnowYourFarmers.org to find farmers markets happening across our region and discover ...
06/01/2026

Fresh, local, and in season 🌱🌿🍓

Use KnowYourFarmers.org to find farmers markets happening across our region and discover the best of what’s in season right now — from just-picked produce to homemade goods from local farms.

🧺Find a market near you: https://www.knowyourfarmers.org/farmersmarket

Weekend plans? We’ve got you covered.From local events and outdoor activities to markets, music, and community gathering...
05/29/2026

Weekend plans? We’ve got you covered.

From local events and outdoor activities to markets, music, and community gatherings, there’s plenty happening across the region this weekend.

Check out our Community Calendar to explore what’s happening near you: https://www.rivercog.org/community-events

05/28/2026

What does it mean to “vision” for your community? 🏘️✨

It’s about asking:
➡️What do we want our town to look like in the next decade?
➡️Where should housing, businesses, parks, and public spaces grow?
➡️How do we create a community that works for everyone?

A Vision Plan helps turn those ideas into a roadmap for the future — shaped by the people who live there.

🏠 Learn how Shared Foundations can help your community create a stronger vision for the future: https://www.rivercog.org/education-and-training

🌱 Reminder! The Spring 2026 Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale is happening now through RiverCOG!Turn food scraps into nutri...
05/27/2026

🌱 Reminder! The Spring 2026 Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale is happening now through RiverCOG!

Turn food scraps into nutrient-rich compost, conserve water naturally, and make a positive impact right from your backyard. ♻️💧

📅 Pickup Day: Sunday, June 14
📍 RiverCOG Office (Essex): 1:30–3:30 PM
📍 Middletown City Yard: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Don’t wait — order your compost bin or rain barrel today!
https://connecticut.compostersale.com/rivercog/

Congratulations to RiverCOG’s Megan Jouflas and Eliza LoPresti on being recognized by Connecticut Planning (CCAPA) throu...
05/26/2026

Congratulations to RiverCOG’s Megan Jouflas and Eliza LoPresti on being recognized by Connecticut Planning (CCAPA) through their Special Chapter Award for the COG Housing Working Group PA 25-1 Implementation Initiative!

This recognition highlights the incredible collaborative work being done to develop a framework that helps guide municipal compliance and implementation for housing growth across Connecticut. We’re proud to see this important initiative recognized for its impact on communities throughout the state.

Thank you to Megan, Eliza, and all those involved for your dedication and work on this important initiative!

Address

145 Old Dennison Road
Essex, CT
06426

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(860) 581-8554

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