LITCHFIELD, Conn. — The Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG) and Leonardo Ghio, project director of Rural Health & Human Services, have been awarded the 2026 Rural Achievement Award by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC).
They are recognized for their pioneering work integrating rural health and human services into the traditional framework of regional planning and economic development.
The award honors organizations and individuals whose work advances innovative solutions to the unique challenges facing rural communities.
NHCOG was recognized for its leadership in demonstrating that community health, access to services, and economic vitality are inseparable components of sustainable regional development.
Traditionally, regional planning agencies have focused on transportation, land use, infrastructure, housing and economic development.
Under Ghio’s leadership, NHCOG expanded this framework to incorporate public health, behavioral health, aging services, food security, and social service coordination as essential elements of regional planning.
“Healthy communities are the foundation of healthy local economies,” said Ghio. “Employers cannot thrive when residents struggle to access healthcare, transportation, housing, nutrition, or support services. By bringing health and human services into the regional planning conversation, we are helping communities build stronger workforces, improve quality of life, and create conditions for long-term economic resilience.”
Through partnerships with municipalities, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and community stakeholders, NHCOG has developed a model that recognizes the interconnected nature of community well-being and economic prosperity. The organization has led initiatives focused on improving access to healthcare, supporting older adults, strengthening transportation networks for vulnerable populations, and addressing social determinants of health across the Northwest Hills region.
“The Northwest Hills Council of Governments has demonstrated exceptional leadership in redefining what regional planning can accomplish in rural America,” said Erich Zimmermann, executive director of NARC. “Their work serves as a national example of how regional organizations can address health and human service needs while advancing economic development and community sustainability.”
The Rural Achievement Award reflects NHCOG’s broader commitment to helping communities navigate complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and data-driven planning. By aligning health outcomes with economic development goals, the organization has created a framework that can be replicated by regional planning agencies throughout the country.
The National Association of Regional Councils represents regional planning organizations, councils of governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional development agencies throughout the United States. The Northwest Hills Council of Governments serves 21 municipalities of Northwestern Connecticut by providing regional planning, transportation, economic development, emergency management, and community services coordination.
