MWCOG comprises 24 local governments in the Washington metropolitan area, including the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, the U.S. Senate, and the U.S. House of Representatives.

MWCOG supports ongoing efforts to revitalize the Chesapeake Bay, the Anacostia River, other local waterways, and wastewater and storm-water planning, and water-supply protection.

MWCOG's Community Planning and Services program promotes a strong economy, sustainable growth, and housing options for all residents.

MWCOG regularly measures progress towards the goals of "Region Forward", a long-term sustainability-planning process initiated in 2008.

MWCOG provides regional crime reports and convenes conferences on topics such as preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, gangs, and childhood obesity.