A Council of Governments (COG) is a voluntary association of local elected governments officials formed to promote intergovernmental communication and cooperation.

A COG is not another level of government. It is a continuing association of governments without legislative or taxing power. It functions mainly as a planning and advisory body, catalyst for joint action and regional spokesman. Members are able to remain in a COG while not always participating in every COG project or service.

Councils of Governments are becoming increasingly popular as local governments become aware of the necessity of joint purchasing and action in dealing with mutual problems and of the federal and state funding available to such organizations. In addition, COG's are flexible, easy to establish, politically responsible and do not threaten the local autonomy of member governments.

The first meeting of West Shore Council of Governments was held on October 27, 1970 by a dedicated group of elected officials. The main objective at the time was to form a COG in order to be the recipient of State funding for joint municipal projects. On Jan. 29, 1973 the West Shore Police Records Center began operation. A joint detective bureau, a joint youth counseling center and a storm water drainage study were also initiated.

In July of 2005 the West Shore Council of Governments formed a Uniform Construction Code Joint Board of Appeal. The UCC Joint Appeals Board consists of 16 diverse professionals in the fields of architecture/engineering, electrical, plumbing and codes office.

In July 2006 with the formation of the UCC Appeals Board interest came from Dauphin County municipalities. In 2006 the West Shore Council of Governments offered membership to Dauphin County municipalities.

In Jan 2007 the total membership rocketed to 27 members from Cumberland County , Dauphin County , Perry County and York County .

In June of 2007 with the addition of Dauphin County a name change was made to reflect the growing membership.

In August of 2007 the West Shore Council of Governments name was changed to " Capital Region Council of Governments "

Currently there are 38 local municipalities members.