Created in 1968, the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) is a joint-powers authority comprised of the County of San Joaquin and the cities of Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, Ripon, Escalon, and Lathrop. The role of SJCOG is to foster intergovernmental coordination within San Joaquin County and with neighboring jurisdictions, other regional agencies in the San Joaquin Valley, the state of California, and various Federal agencies. 

SJCOG is overseen by a Board of Directors which makes allocations of funding to build transportation improvements. The board also establishes regional transportation policies and programs. Citizens, special or community interest groups, and other agencies are involved in the planning and approval process. Areas of public participation include SJCOG's committees and task forces as well as attending workshops or public forums and providing input on planning decisions.