An Association of Local Governments: Serving Southwestern Utah since 1972
Phone:(435)673-3548 Fax:(435)673-3540 Address: 1070 W. 1600 S., Bldg. B; St. George, UT
The Five County Association of Governments is a voluntary association of local governments from the five southwestern counties of the State of Utah. The five counties in southwestern Utah that comprise the Five County Association of Governments are Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington.
This year, 2023, marks the 50th year since the formal establishment of the Five County Association of Governments. Articles of Association were formally adopted in 1973 by the entities who comprise the Association, thus this year (2023) is this organization's 50th anniversary. While the Five County AOG was officially created in 1973, informal cooperation amongst the five member counties, along with the municipalities within them, as a group, has taken place since the 1950's.
Farsighted leaders of the past envisioned the time when our world-class scenic landscapes, mild climate, beautiful communities and hard-working people would foster the evolution of a major regional center in the West. That time has arrived. Southwestern Utah has come into its own. The Five County Association of Governments is a key player in aiding locally elected officials in coping with regional challenges.
The Association has a main office location in the Tonaquint Center High Tech Business Park in St. George City and a satellite office in Cedar City. We also have dedicated staff in several other locations providing important services within our five county service area. More information on the Association, including our Vision and Mission, can be viewed using the "What is The FCAOG" link on the "About" tab above. Our office addresses, as well as maps to locate them, are found using the "Contact" tab above.
Five County News
2023-09-25

DRAFT CEDS DOCUMENT
AVAILABLE |

The goal for this strategic plan is to provide guidance for regional growth while promoting a coordinated approach towards region-wide economic development objectives in Southwest Utah.
The CEDS and Consolidated Plan both employ long-range planning processes in their development.
This planning method allowed staff to consolidate information from a wide range of stakeholders and synthesize the findings into a comprehensive regional growth strategy.
This consolidation also provides consistent and unified policy direction for regional economic development efforts.
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy adheres to and satisfies all guidelines provided by both the Economic Development Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
CLICK HERE to view and/or download the draft CEDS document.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
AT THE FIVE COUNTY AOG |

The second position is for a Local Administrative Advisor. This position is responsible for building capacity in cities and towns by training and advising mayors, council members, and in-house staff on best practices and policy considerations. To provide professional support and assistance to the staff, Mayor, or Elected Body (“CITY LEADERS”) of a city or Town (“CITY”) while representing all programs within Five County AOG. Position is open until 5:00 pm on Monday, October 2, 2023.
POTENTIAL PASSENGER
RAIL SERVICE PRESENTATION |

Please click on THIS LINK to view/print that presentation (which was originally done as a PowerPoint presentation). This is a PDF version of the presentation.
STATE
OF UTAH COORDINATED ACTION PLAN |

The purpose of this Statewide Plan is to unify the goals and direction of State government with those of seven regions in the State of Utah. This involves, among other things, aligning each region’s existing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) developed by each of the state’s Association of Governments (AOGs). The overarching objectives are to optimize growth and expand prosperity throughout all counties.
The unified approach to economic development requires the State and regional interests to work together in harmony to advance mutual goals.
The Coordinated Action Plan for Economic Vision 2030 document can be viewed/downloaded by clicking on this LINK.
ASAP
REPORT FOR THE FIVE COUNTY REGION |

Working regionally the AOG develops and maintains a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the comprehensive strategic plan, support the economic development goals of the region, as well as those of the counties and communities that comprise the region.
To further its strategic goals the AOG developed an agreement and partnered with the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) to implement an Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) for its five member counties and produce a final summary regional report. The May 2023 Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) is an economic development tool that identifies the most desirable and compatible industries for a single community.
To View/Print the ASAP Report please click on this LINK
THE ASSOCIATION'S
FY2022 AUDIT REPORT |

ANONYMOUS ETHICS AND
COMPLIANCE HOTLINE |

Fraud tips can be submitted four ways:
Website: www.lighthouse-services.com/uciputah (available in English or Spanish)
Toll-Free Telephone: • English – (877) 410-0007 • Spanish – (800) 216-1288
E-mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com (must include our Association's name with report)
Fax: (215) 689-3885 (must include our Association's name with report)
OPPORTUNITY ZONES
DESIGNATED IN UTAH |

The hope is that development creates jobs, reduces poverty and sets the groundwork for further economic growth in areas largely being left behind by the state's overall job growth. This region, including even fast-growing Washington County, still ranks overall as a distressed regional economy, based on federal guidelines, thanks to low wages and a limited mix of businesses.
Click HERE to go to view a PDF map of this region's Opportunity Zone areas. Click HERE to go to a web page with an interactive map of the nation that you can view all Opportunity Zones.
NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION
PLAN FOR
REGION |

This update was done through a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Once adopted as a "guidance document" by each entity, the 5-year plan will be valid for that entity until 2027. If there are any questions on the Plan update, please contact Mr. Nate Wiberg, Senior Planner, at (435) 673-3548 ext. 105, or via e-mail to nwiberg@fivecounty.utah.gov
Click on this link: https://hazardmitigationplan.org to go to the special web site developed to present the plan to the cities, towns, counties and the public.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
DIRECTORY
AVAILABLE
|
To view the Directory, please visit the H.E.A.T. and Community Action website at this link: http://fivecountycap.wordpress.com
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
STRATEGY |

THE ASSOCIATION HAS
A MICROLOAN
LOAN PROGRAM |

The Southwest Utah Microloan Program, established by the Five County Association of Governments, focuses on loans of $50,000 or less with most being $25,000 or less. The importance of these loans lies in their ability to offset the difficulty that businesses experience in receiving traditional bank financing.

Click Here for more info on what the Five County AOG is about.