Regional Councils in Texas

Regional councils, or councils of governments (COGs) are voluntary associations of local governments formed under Texas law. These associations deal with the problems and planning needs that cross the boundaries of individual local governments or that require regional attention.

Regional services offered by councils of governments are varied. Services are undertaken in cooperation with member governments, the private sector, and state and federal partners, and include:

• planning and implementing regional homeland security strategies;
• operating law enforcement training academies;
• providing cooperative purchasing options for governments;
• managing region-wide services to the elderly;
• maintaining and improving regional 9-1-1 systems;
• promoting regional economic development;
• operating specialized transit systems; and
• providing management services for member governments.

In addition, Texas’ regional councils of governments are responsible for regional planning activities that may differ from region to region, but typically include planning for economic growth, water supply and water quality, air quality, transportation, emergency preparedness, and the coordinated delivery of various social services. Many councils of governments establish and host region-wide geographical information systems as well as databases on regional population, economic, and land-use patterns.

For more information on and a complete listing of Texas’ regional councils of governments visit the Texas Association of Regional Councils.