COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENT
Councils of governments (COG), regional councils, or commissions are political subdivisions of the state codified pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 391. These councils were organized to guide unified development and improve efficiency within regions.
These organizations are not governments and have no authority to make laws, levy taxes, or exercise police powers. Texas has 24 COGs that represent all 254 counties. These communities are made up of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts. These organizations were developed from 1966 to the early 1970s.
Overview
Councils of government guide the unified development of a region, eliminate duplication, and promote regional economies and efficiency.
Key Facts
Texas has 24 councils of government that represent all 254 counties. These organizations were developed from 1966 to the early 1970s.
Councils of government planning activities vary among regions, but typically include: planning for economic growth; water supply and water quality; air quality; transportation; emergency preparedness; and delivery of social services.
Each council’s policy decisions are made by its board of directors, which includes at least two-thirds of its members from participating counties or municipalities.
Budgetary Impact
In fiscal year 2023, Texas’ 24 councils of governments collectively received approximately $1.221 billion in revenue from federal, state, and local sources.
Service Programs
COGs are authorized to conduct planning; assist local governments in implementing plans; contract with local, state, and federal governments and other public and private agencies to provide community services; and assist local governments in solving governmental problems. COGs also serve as intermediaries among federal, state, and local governments while reviewing and commenting on applications for federal and state grants-in-aid and solid waste permits.
Texas’ COGs conduct regional planning activities that vary among regions. Typically, these activities include planning for economic growth, water supply and water quality, air quality, transportation, emergency preparedness, implementing regional homeland security strategies, maintaining and improving regional 911 systems, and the delivery of social services. Each council’s policy decisions are made by its board of directors, which includes at least two-thirds of its members from elected officials of participating counties or municipalities.
Coordination
The Texas Association of Regional Councils is a statewide association developed in 1973 by an interlocal agreement among the state’s 24 COGs. The organization provides COGs a mechanism for the regular exchange of information and ideas; educates other governmental entities and public and private organizations; educates the public about the services and functions of regional councils; and represents the councils when addressing state or federal agencies and legislative bodies.
Revenue Sources
COGs primarily receive funding from federal sources, but the councils also receive funding from state and local sources. On the local level, a COG collects dues from and for its member governments. A COG may receive a state grant based on the amount of local dues it collects; and it may receive direct or indirect federal grants through the state. In fiscal year 2020, the 24 COGs collectively received approximately $1.024 billion in revenue and incurred approximately $1.001 billion in expenditures. Figure 1 shows the fiscal year 2020 expenditures and each COG’s two largest program expenditures.
Figure 1
| Council | Headquarters | Total Expenditures | Largest Program | Expended | 2nd Largest Program | Expended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panhandle RPC | Amarillo | $33.0 | Workforce Development | $23.0 | Aging Services | $4.1 |
| South Plains AOG | Lubbock | $7.2 | Aging Services | $2.9 | Emergency Communications | $1.5 |
| Nortex RPC | Wichita Falls | $5.3 | Area Agency on Aging | $2.3 | Emergency Communications | $0.95 |
| North Central Texas COG | Arlington | $180.9 | Workforce Development | $87.8 | Transportation | $53.2 |
| Ark-Tex COG | Texarkana | $24.2 | Housing and Urban Development | $11.7 | Transportation | $4.6 |
| East Texas COG | Kilgore | $63.3 | Workforce Development | $44.4 | Transportation Services | $6.7 |
| West Central Texas COG | Abilene | $11.7 | Employer of Record Services | $3.3 | Aging Services | $2.6 |
| Rio Grande COG | El Paso | $9.3 | Aging Services | $6.5 | Emergency Communications | $0.90 |
| Permian Basin RPC | Midland | $6.5 | Aging Services | $3.2 | Emergency Communications | $1.6 |
| Concho Valley COG | San Angelo | $25.7 | Family and Children Services | $9.7 | Transportation Services | $8.0 |
| Heart of Texas COG | Waco | $7.6 | Aging Services | $3.2 | Transportation | $1.7 |
| Capital Area COG | Austin | $31.0 | Emergency Communications | $18.3 | Aging Services | $9.6 |
| Brazos Valley COG | Bryan | $60.3 | Workforce Development | $21.1 | Housing & Urban Development | $15.7 |
| Deep East Texas COG | Lufkin | $23.7 | Housing | $14.1 | Aging Services | $3.9 |
| South East Texas RPC | Beaumont | $16.0 | Emergency Communications | $3.4 | Aging Services | $3.4 |
| Houston-Galveston AC | Houston | $452.0 | Workforce Development | $391.9 | Transportation | $25.9 |
| Golden Crescent RPC | Victoria | $10.4 | Health and Welfare | $8.9 | Public Safety | $.94 |
| Alamo Area COG | San Antonio | $83.5 | Aging Services | $46.7 | Health and Welfare | $15.7 |
| South Texas DC | Laredo | $14.7 | HIV Intervention and Prevention | $7.0 | Aging Services | $3.1 |
| Coastal Bend COG | Corpus Christi | $8.2 | Health and Welfare | $4.5 | Emergency Communications | $1.9 |
| Lower Rio Grande Valley DC | Weslaco | $30.5 | Health and Human Services | $8.1 | Transportation Services | $7.8 |
| Texoma COG | Sherman | $22.4 | Housing and Client Services | $15.8 | Economic Development | $3.1 |
| Central Texas COG | Belton | $66.5 | Health and Human Services | $28.9 | Housing and Urban Development | $17.4 |
| Middle Rio Grande DC | Carrizo Springs | $17.8 | Economic Opportunity | $12.3 | Health and Welfare Services | $2.4 |
| Note: RPC=regional planning commission; AOG=association of governments; COG=council of governments; AC=area council; DC=development council. | ||||||
| Source: Texas State Auditor's Office, A Summary of Regional Planning Commissions' Reports, March 2025 (Report No. 25-020) | ||||||