Who We Are and What We Do

Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) is a voluntary association of local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties that works directly with citizens and local jurisdictions to improve and advance economic vitality and quality of life in Texoma. In collaboration with our public and private sector partners, TCOG delivers various programs and services designed to support the health, welfare, and future of our citizens, our communities, and the region as a whole.

To this end, TCOG employees work hand-in-hand with elected officials and community leaders to develop sustainable and economically viable community and regional development solutions. Many projects are funded through a state or federal funding allocation to the region. TCOG utilizes these funds to:

• Facilitate the distribution of homeland security funds, criminal justice grants, and rural community development block grants;
• Conduct household hazardous waste collections and recycling and composting demonstration projects using the region’s municipal solid waste disposal fee allocation;
• Serve as the Economic Development Administration’s designated Economic Development District in Texoma producing the annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region.

Quality of Life

TCOG and our community partners have developed innovative projects to improve quality of life and build the region. One such project is the provision of Geographical Information System (GIS) support to rural communities to enhance planning, zoning and other development related decisions. GIS is an essential emergency management tool, and many local emergency managers, 911 dispatchers, fire fighters, and law enforcement officers take advantage of this cutting edge service. TCOG also offers training, strategic planning, and project management services, and through relationships with local higher education institutions including Austin College, Grayson College, North Central Texas College and most recently Texas A&M – Commerce, we are developing a thriving internship program for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

In addition to the work we perform for our cities and counties, TCOG provides a vast array of direct social services including public housing (18 rural cities), Section 8 rental assistance (over 600 vouchers), benefits counseling, care coordination for the elderly and disabled, caregiver support services, senior volunteer programs, employment and education support, utility assistance, home weatherization, and comprehensive information and referral assistance to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families.

Regional Impact

Collectively, through the planning and development services offered to cities and counties as well as the direct social services provided to citizens, TCOG has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the region since 1968. An Economic Impact Analysis conducted in 2011 estimated TCOG’s overall impact in the region at $34 million for the 2010-2011 fiscal year including 174 permanent jobs with $6.2 million total earnings, 182,000 volunteer hours served valued at over $4 million, and an additional $658,000 in tax revenues to local jurisdictions. Directly through our projects and services and indirectly through our overall economic impact to the region TCOG is touching lives and changing communities.

Members

For a list of current member entities, visit our membership directory.

How to Contact Us

We also have locations in Bonham and Gainesville!

810 W. 16th St. Bonham, TX 75418 | 1100 Lawrence Gainesville, TX 76240

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