Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II was elected chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Board of Directors for 2026 during the organization’s meeting on Jan. 15, marking the first time a representative from Charles County has held the position.
Collins will lead the 24-jurisdiction regional planning body, which serves nearly 6 million residents across the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, as it navigates economic challenges tied to federal workforce reductions and shifts in federal funding priorities. The council focuses on cooperative solutions for transportation, housing, environmental protection, public safety and economic development that cross local boundaries.
Collins previously served as COG Board vice chair for the past two years and as chair of the Transportation Planning Board in 2023. His election reflects growing influence from Southern Maryland jurisdictions in regional decision-making, particularly on issues affecting commuter patterns, infrastructure and economic stability in the broader Washington metropolitan area.
“Our region is resilient. We’ve come together on issues that go beyond boundaries, and I’m excited to build on that collaborative momentum to create lasting change,” Collins said. “COG provides a place for government officials from every area jurisdiction to provide their unique perspective and work on solutions.”
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments operates as an independent, nonprofit association. Its Board of Directors, the governing body, establishes policies, oversees functions and manages funds. Members are appointed annually by participating local governments and caucuses of state legislative delegations.
Collins’ leadership comes at a time when federal employment fluctuations impact the region’s economy, prompting COG to prioritize strategies for workforce stability, transportation improvements and equitable development. Charles County’s involvement in COG has expanded in recent years, with officials contributing to regional plans that include enhancements along U.S. 301 and coordination on commuter services linking Southern Maryland to the District of Columbia. The Transportation Planning Board, which Collins chaired in 2023, develops the region’s long-range transportation plan and allocates federal funds for projects in the National Capital Region.
As chair, Collins will preside over board meetings, guide policy discussions and represent COG in regional and national forums. The position allows Southern Maryland to shape decisions on issues such as climate resilience, housing affordability and infrastructure investments that affect the entire metropolitan area.