TxCDBG
The Texas Community Development Block Grant Program supports our communities and region by providing public infrastructure, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.
All non-entitlement cities and counties in the TCOG region are eligible for these funds which come to the Texas Department of Agriculture from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
Annually, the TCOG region receives a formula-based allocation of funds for which applicants can compete. The CDBG applications are scored based on criteria developed by the Unified Scoring Committee (USC), which is composed of one representative from each Council of Governments in the state, and points allocated by Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Grants are awarded to the highest-ranking applications. Projects are funded until all available money is expended from that cycle.
TCOG staff also provides technical assistance, support, and data for cities and counties in our region with CDBG grant applications and other programs.
Collaboration, and Community Engagement
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities.
To support community development, activities are identified through an ongoing process. Activities may address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, microenterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance, etc.
Click here for upcoming TxCDBG Events
Click here for upcoming TxCDBG Award Announcements and Deadlines
Water Finance Exchange - Support for Technical Assistance Rapid Response (STARR) Program
Small community water systems often struggle to find an auditor but need one to be eligible for State and Federal funding programs. We at WFX are currently managing a roster of auditors in the State of Texas and have a Request for Expressions of Interest open until Feb 20, 2026 - https://waterfx.org/request-for-expressions-of-interest-support-for-technical-assistance-rapid-response-starr-program/
This RFEI is coupled with a webinar to explain the importance of the work, answer questions, and hear from a few CPA’s on the value of the work with small communities.
Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 12 PM CT
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yKYC1zyPQQackrp27VwF3g#/registration
Texas Water Development Board - Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants Webinar
House Bill 500, passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, appropriated a one-time $1.038 billion in general revenue to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for water supply and infrastructure projects and grants—and the TWDB is hosting a webinar to explain the process.
Please register in advance at the link below and join us for an informative session designed to support projects that enhance water availability and infrastructure development.
Date: January 20, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Register here: Microsoft Teams Webinar
Topics Covered:
- Overview of the grant opportunity
- Eligibility requirements
- Rollout timeline
- Q&A session
Who Should Attend:
Local governments, water utilities, engineers, planners, and organizations interested in water infrastructure funding opportunities.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how your community can benefit from this grant funding and provide the TWDB with meaningful feedback!
To stay informed and get involved, we invite you to join our General Information mailing list and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates and opportunities to engage with the TWDB throughout this process.
2026 Downtown Revitalization Program, including Main Street Set-Aside (CDM)
Purpose: The TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program provides funding for infrastructure improvements to promote pedestrian-centered economic activity.
Eligible municipalities may apply to address slum and blighted conditions in the downtown district – these projects most commonly include sidewalk and lighting improvements. Applicant communities that qualify as predominantly low- to moderate-income may apply for other downtown improvements to support pedestrian-based economic activity.
Maximum Grant Amount: $1,000,000
Community Application Deadline: April 3, 2026
Link to CDM landing page, including the Application Guide
Application Webinars and Technical Assistance
The application process for Program Year 2026 includes two distinct phases. The Community Application, due April 3, 2026, will collect information needed to assess community eligibility and scoring. Applicants that score within funding range will be invited to submit a Project Application that identifies a project and details the specific work to be performed.
A webinar has been planned to assist applicants with this new process – no registration is required, and the link to join the session will be available on the TxCDBG Training webpage.
Event | Date/Time |
Downtown Revitalization Community Application Webinar | February 5, 2:00PM CST |
If you have questions regarding either application, please reach out to CDBGApps@TexasAgriculture.gov.
Our Region
The Texoma region is located in north central Texas south of Lake Texoma and the Red River that borders the states of Oklahoma and Texas which includes Cooke, Fannin, & Grayson counties.
Cooke County
Fannin County
Grayson County
Texoma Demographics
Texoma
225,563
Cooke
43,219
Fannin
37,300
Grayson
145,044
Source: Texas Water Development Board Regional Water Plan County Population Projections for 2020-2070
Median Household Income
USA - $75,149
State of Texas - $73,035
Texoma
$62,173
Cooke
$66,374
Fannin
$66,374
Grayson
$54,309
The Median Household Income for Texoma is $62,173, with 14.3% of the population living in poverty, compared to 16% of Texans and 14.6% of Americans. Based on the 2017-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the Median Household Income for Cooke County is $66,374 with 13% of persons living in poverty. The Fannin County Median Household Income is $65,835 with 12.9% of persons living in poverty. The Grayson County Median Household Income is $54,309 with 13.4% of persons living in poverty.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017-2022 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Gross Rent as a % of Income
Affordability is the relative expenses families and individuals spend on housing in the Texoma region. A general rule of thumb is that families should spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing.
Affordability at a Glance - % of Population Spending 30% or More on Housing:
USA - 50.6%
State of Texas - 47.8%
Cooke
40.9%
Fannin
43.4%
Grayson
42.66%
Source: US Census Bureau, 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Meet the Team
Community & Economic Development
Eric Bridges
Executive Director
Mr. Bridges is a Certified Public Manager. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Studies and Master's Degree in Community Services Administration from Alfred University in Alfred, NY. From September 2006 through July 2018, Mr. Bridges served as Executive Director of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission (North Central). Headquartered in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, North Central is the Local Development District for the counties of Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter. Prior to North Central, Mr. Bridges served concurrently as the Director of the Center for Local Government Services with the Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board and as Administrator of the Southern Tier West Development Foundation in southwestern New York. He and his wife, Maureen, have two daughters and a son.
