Providing
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS 

for East Texas

OUR SERVICES

Providing
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS
for East Texas

OUR SERVICES

HELLO, WE ARE THE 
EAST TEXAS COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

We are a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts and special districts within the fourteen-county East Texas region. 

We assist local governments in planning for common needs, cooperating for mutual benefit and coordinating for sound regional development.


We serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments, helping cities and counties solve challenges and impact the future regionally.


Established in 1970, ETCOG, either directly or through its contractors, provides programs and services for East Texas seniors, employers, and job seekers. ETCOG and its contractors also build the 9-1-1 emergency call delivery system, provide peace officer training and homeland security planning services, and deliver rural transportation services, business finance programs, and environmental grant funding for the region. 


We serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. 



SERVING EAST TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, 

SENIORS, EMPLOYERS, AND JOB SEEKERS

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NEWS, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

By East Texas Council of Governments October 2, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the grand opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, November 13, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at the new facility, located directly behind ETCOG’s headquarters at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, and the public is invited to attend. This new $3.3 million facility, funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, represents a major step forward for the GoBus program. With two work bays, a dedicated wash bay, training rooms, and expanded fleet parking, the facility will serve as the home base for both GoBus administrative and maintenance teams. “This facility allows us to take a more proactive approach to vehicle maintenance and safety,” said Vince Huerta, ETCOG Transportation Director. “Having the ability to complete repairs in-house means we can get vehicles back on the road faster and continue delivering safe, reliable transportation services.” The GoBus program provides public transit service across ETCOG’s 14-county region. By investing in in-house maintenance, ETCOG will be able to improve efficiency, conduct more thorough inspections, and reduce repair turnaround times—all while keeping service reliable for East Texas riders. Community members, partners, and stakeholders are encouraged to join ETCOG staff for the ribbon-cutting and facility tour. The event not only celebrates the opening of a new building but also marks an investment in the future of regional transit and the people who rely on it every day.
By East Texas Council of Governments October 2, 2025
Local governments and special districts have been given the opportunity to apply for grant funds from the East Texas Council of Governments, funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). To support regional waste minimization efforts in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region, ETCOG accepts applications for its annual Municipal Solid Waste grant funds. The approximate expected total amount of funding is $161,705. The grant application period closed on September 29, 2025. Submitted grant applications are available for public and private review from October 2, 2025, to October 15, 2025. For questions or comments, please contact ETCOG's Economic Development Manager, Lisa Smith , by email or calling (903) 218-6467.
Man with fair skin and stubble in a gray suit and purple tie, smiling. Dark background.
By East Texas Council of Governments September 30, 2025
ETCOG is pleased to announce its new Chairman, City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley, the new Board and Executive Committee Officers serving for FY 2026, and Executive Committee members serving a new two-year term. The ETCOG Board of Directors appoints the Executive Committee, which is responsible for establishing the policies, programs, and services on behalf of the Board for our 14-county region. Board Officers Chairman – City of Whitehouse Mayor James Wansley 1st Vice-Chairman – Camp County Judge AJ Mason 2nd Vice Chairman – Smith County Commissioner Ralph Caraway 3rd Vice Chairman – City of Carthage City Commissioner Tate Barber Secretary/Treasurer – Anderson County Commissioner Rashad Mims “My first experience of working with ETCOG came shortly after hearing Executive Director David Cleveland speak at a regional broadband workshop. The more I worked with David and the ETCOG staff, the more I saw their passion for serving our communities and the critical role Councils of Governments play in the great State of Texas. Our region has only one Council of Governments, and we are blessed that ours is strong and continually working to do more. Each of our Executive Board’s elected officials, representing ETCOG’s 14 counties, is dedicated to continuing to provide innovative solutions and excellent service. As Chairman for the upcoming fiscal year, I look forward to working with the board, the staff, our committees, and the communities we serve to shape our strategic plan. I am looking forward to working with you,” said Mayor Wansley. New Executive Committee Terms Anderson County – Commissioner Rashad Mims Camp County – Judge AJ Mason Harrison County – Commissioner William Hatfield Henderson County – Commissioner Chuck McHam Rusk County – Commissioner Robert Kuykendall Van Zandt County – Judge Andy Reese Wood County – Mayor Randy Dunn New Executive Committee Members *Gregg County Cities – City of Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara *Gregg County Cities has a one-year unexpired term remaining, for which Mayor Ishihara was nominated to fill the seat. "I am grateful for the volunteer service rendered by all of our elected officials and particularly want to thank and congratulate our new Chairman, Mayor James Wansley, and the rest of our ETCOG Officers and Board members for their selfless dedication and service to our region," said ETCOG's Executive Director, David Cleveland. These new officers and board member terms were approved at our September 18 th Board of Directors meeting, where the FY 2026 Budget and Planning Guide totaling $86 M was also approved. The budget is the largest in agency history and represents a balanced budget, with revenue sources matching projected expenditures for all funds. Service program totals are: Area Agency on Aging of East Texas – $4,885,886 Public Safety – $4,363,393 Transportation – $11,745,053 Workforce & Economic Development – $64,503,626 GIS & Regional Technology Solutions – $279,824 General Fund – $275,584 To learn more about the FY 2026 budget and program goals, visit www.etcog.org/financials .
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OUR REGION

Councils of Governments (COGs) are voluntary associations of local governments formed under Texas law. The East Texas Council of Governments serves fourteen counties in the East Texas region.

Centrally located within the United States, East Texas is easily accessible by air, rail and road. Our region has top-notch education and workforce training institutes. And you just will not find anywhere else with the combination of rolling hills, piney woods and vast, clear lakes that comprise the largely undeveloped East Texas landscape. 
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OPEN MEETINGS


Our meetings are open to the public. Upcoming meetings are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance.

MEETINGS

PROCUREMENTS


We seek quotes, bids, and proposals on an as needed basis. See what procurement opportunities we have available here.

PROCUREMENTS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES


Interested in joining the ETCOG team?
See what job opportunities are currently available.

JOBS


OPEN MEETINGS


Our meetings are open to the public.

Upcoming meetings are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance.


MEETINGS

FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY



ETCOG discloses the financial health of the organization in our Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. We provide this information in order to ensure transparency in all financial matters.



REPORTS


PROCUREMENTS



We seek quotes, bids, and proposals on an as needed basis. See what procurement opportunities we have available here.



PROCUREMENTS

WHAT OUR MEMBERS THINK

A man with a mustache is wearing a suit and tie

JUDGE BILL STOUDT

Gregg County

East Texas Council of Governments represents a collective initiative by member counties to make our Region of the State a better place to live and raise a family.

Judge AJ Mason

JUDGE AJ MASON

Camp County

The many programs administered by ETCOG touch the lives of every citizen in our 14-county region. We are fortunate to have this organization that constantly strives to have a positive impact on East Texas. The Leadership and Staff at ETCOG are second to none and East Texas is a better place because of it.

A man with a mustache and glasses is wearing a suit and tie.

COUNCILMAN BOB TARDIFF

City of Lindale

I am very honored to have been elected as Board Chairman for

an organization consisting of so many outstanding community

leaders. I continue to enjoy working with each of them and the ETCOG staff as we collectively

address the many shared concerns of our communities.