Members of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) have adopted a new name, Lake Erie West Regional Council, reflecting its mission to connect communities and advance regional priorities in transportation, environment, and economic development.

“The name Lake Erie West Regional Council represents our geography and the greatest resource we share – Lake Erie is the thread that connects our communities, our economies, and our future. The name Lake Erie West Regional Council signals that when we gather together, we do so as partners in one connected region,” said Northwood Mayor Ed Schimmel, outgoing chair.

TMACOG was established in 1968, building on cooperative planning efforts that began in the 1960s. Today, the organization represents more than 80 member communities and organizations that include more than 800,000 residents across Lucas, Wood, Fulton, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties in Ohio and Monroe County, Mich. Now operating as Lake Erie West Regional Council, the organization will continue its roles facilitating cooperation on regional transportation, water, and economic development planning initiatives.

The General Assembly event on Jan.30 brought together 250 regional government and community leaders. New leadership and Governing Board representatives were elected including:

Chair: George Sarantou, Toledo City Council, Vice Chair: Lisa Sobecki, Lucas County Commissioner, and Second Vice Chair: Scott Miller, Sandusky County Commissioner.