Watershed Planning Councils
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Watershed planning plays an important role in flood mitigation and environmental protection for many states and counties. Stormwater runoff can not only cause flooding, but can also carry pollutants into local waterways. Decisions made by communities regarding land use and drainage maintenance can have a huge impact in addressing these challenges. Effectively managing stormwater requires planning and public engagement with every community in a watershed.
The Watershed Planning Councils (WPC) represent communities located within six major watersheds in Cook County. The WPCs advise the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) on local stormwater needs. The councils represent the interests of the public to better manage stormwater through infrastructure projects, maintenance of natural drainage ways, and regulatory compliance.
Councils of Government
Four regional planning Councils of Government (CoGs) have been empowered by state legislation (Public Act 093-1049) and the Cook County Stormwater Management Plan to coordinate these planning councils. They are under contract with the MWRD, which covers the expenses related to the WPCs.
Find your planning council
Cook County municipalities and townships can be members of multiple planning councils. Please use the accordions below to find which watershed planning councils your community participates in.