In 1980, the West Central Municipal Conference was founded as the regional council of governements (COG) serving the communities of west suburban Cook County. The membership roster then consisted of 15 municipalities, as the organization patterned itself after other COGs in existence throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. The WCMC membership today totals 37, which includes 36 municipalities and one township. These communities are contiguous and wholly located in Cook County. The WCMC region of nearly 200 square miles is characterized as the mature "inner ring" of suburbs uniquely situated between the City of Chicago and collar counties surrounding Cook. The residential population of more than 550,000 is diverse, both in terms of its racial and ethnic composition.