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ETCOG Announces New Leadership for CEO-RTPO Board

East Texas Council of Governments • May 25, 2023

Congratulations to Judge Leward LaFleur - Chair, Judge AJ Mason - Vice Chair, & Judge Chad Sims - Executive Committee

Judge Leward LaFleur, Judge AJ Mason, Judge Chad Sims

ETCOG is pleased to announce new leadership for its Chief Elected Officials – Rural Transportation Planning Organization (CEO–RTPO) Board. At a recent meeting, the CEO–RTPO Board voted Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur as Chair, re-elected Camp County Judge AJ Mason as Vice Chair, and designated Judge Chad Sims to its Executive Committee. 

 

The  CEO–RTPO Board consists of the county judges from each of the 14 counties served by ETCOG, the Mayors of Longview and Tyler, and the three Texas Department of Transportation District Engineers that serve the ETCOG region. The Board serves a dual function of shared oversight of the region's workforce programs with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board and working directly with TXDOT to ensure that transportation priorities are developed and solutions implemented for the region's rural communities. 

 

"With deep admiration and respect for my colleagues, I express my sincere appreciation for their confidence in calling me to serve as Chairman of the Chief Elected Officials –Rural Transportation Planning Organization Board. I have such esteem for these county judicial and city leaders, who sacrificially serve the needs and interests of our East Texas. Together, as servants of the public's trust, we will continue to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities for the future of the 14 counties and cities within our region. With rich natural resources, the beauty of our lands, coupled with the values and strong work ethic of our people, East Texas sits in a strategic position to grow economically while maintaining the quality of life we all enjoy. As a son of Gregg County, God called me back to my East Texas roots after my service to our country through the U.S. Navy. Upon returning home to the piney woods, I had a burden in my heart to invest my life in serving my fellow East Texans. As I do that, I ask for the prayers of my colleagues and the people of East Texas," said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur.

 

Judge LaFleur joined the board in 2018 and has served on its Executive Committee since 2021.  

 

"I have worked with Judge LaFleur for many years and am looking forward to what he will bring to ETCOG," said Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. "Our counties will only benefit from this next generation of leadership, direction, and integrity as he moves into this new position."

 

"I was honored to nominate Judge LaFleur to lead the CEO–RTPO Board," said Harrison County Judge Chad Sims. "Since he grew up in Gregg County and now lives and works in Marion County, he will be a thoughtful and supportive leader for all the counties represented by the Board. More than ever, we need leaders in East Texas that will work to benefit all areas. Growth together is much more important than a singular focus. Judge LaFleur will make a great chairman for our CEO–RTPO Board."

 

Judge AJ Mason joined the board in 2016 and has served as its Vice Chair and on the Executive Committee since 2018. The CEO-RTPO Board Executive Committee is comprised of Chair LaFleur, Vice Chair Mason, Rusk County Judge Joel Hale, Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, and its newest added member, Judge Chad Sims, who joined the board in 2019.

 

"Continuing to work with the other members of the CEO-RTPO board presents a great opportunity to serve our region as a whole. Bringing that knowledge and information back to Camp County is beneficial to the citizens I represent. Under Judge LaFleur's chairmanship, our region will continue to face new challenges in a productive way that will benefit all East Texans," said Camp County Judge AJ Mason.

 

"I'm honored to get to serve alongside these other county judges. I hope to make a positive difference not only on the workforce and employment side but also with our TxDOT Engineers to help with transportation. I do want to thank the ETCOG staff who work so diligently, often behind the scenes, for all 14 counties represented," said Harrison County Judge Chad Sims.

 

Under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act, the CEO Board is responsible for the leadership and board appointments to the local workforce development board. The CEOs partner with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board to build a premier workforce in the region and are the primary source of local workforce policy.

 

ETCOG formed its RTPO in 2009 to provide a forum for local elected officials to establish rural transportation project priorities and planning and provide direct input to TxDOT concerning those priorities for areas not included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Through the RTPO, all 14 of our counties and those cities that are not served by the Longview or Tyler MPOs can deliver a unified message to state and federal decision-makers concerning transportation needs and priorities. 

 

The Board meets during the April, August, and December months to address the joint business agenda of the CEO–RTPO Board in a blended meeting format. The Executive Committee meets on behalf of the full board when needs emerge between regularly scheduled meeting dates. The full membership of the CEO–RTPO Board can be viewed at www.etcog.org/about#GoverningBoards. 

ETCOG Explores Regional Employer Health Insurance Consortium Following Strong Interest

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 2, 2025
ETCOG is always looking for ways to add value for our members. In response to growing interest in collaborative purchasing of employee benefits, we’ve partnered with Gallagher to assess the feasibility of a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. So far, we’ve hosted two virtual discussions, with several cities and counties participating to learn more about this opportunity. These meetings have generated strong interest from local governments looking for cost-effective and sustainable employee benefits solutions. If your agency is interested, it’s not too late to join the conversation! ETCOG and Gallagher’s team of experts, who have extensive experience building and managing benefits pools across the U.S., are hosting additional virtual sessions to explore: What a benefits pool is The advantages of joining one Potential impacts on leadership and employees Key legislative considerations Steps and timeline for forming a consortium Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts. Don't miss this opportunity to explore cost-saving and efficiency-driven solutions! Upcoming Virtual Meetings: 📅 April 23rd, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 📅 May 8th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📅 June 26th, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM To attend, click on the meeting date above you’d like to join to register.

April is Fair Housing Month: Know Your Rights

By East Texas Council of Governments • April 1, 2025
Everyone deserves equal access to housing opportunities. During Fair Housing Month, ETCOG joins the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in raising awareness about housing rights and protections under the Federal Housing Act and the Texas Fair Housing Act. These laws ensure that individuals can rent an apartment, buy a home, or obtain a mortgage free from discrimination based on: ✅ Race ✅ Religion ✅ National Origin ✅ Color ✅ Familial Status ✅ Disability ✅ Sex What to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination If you believe you have been discriminated against, you have one year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division. 📞 Call: 888-452-4778 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/fair-housing For concerns related to TDHCA-monitored properties, you can also submit a complaint: 📞 Call: 800-525-0657 🌐 Visit: tdhca.state.tx.us/complaint.htm By knowing your rights and taking action against housing discrimination, we can work together to ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for all Texans!

ETCOG to Host Hiring Event for GoBus Public Transit Positions on March 27

By East Texas Council of Governments • March 25, 2025
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and GoBus will host a Hiring Event for public transit driver positions on Thursday, March 27. GoBus is ETCOG's rural, demand-response public transit system, with approximately 75 vehicles, making around 500 trips a day, five days a week, throughout 14 counties in East Texas. We are working with Compunnel Staffing to hire local and regional public transit drivers for full-time and part-time positions. The hiring event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Workforce Solutions East Texas, located at 4100 Troup Highway, Tyler, TX 75703. "We’re excited to return to Tyler for this event, which continues to be a great success year after year. We truly appreciate our partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas for hosting and supporting this job fair. It’s a perfect opportunity for job seekers to connect with our GoBus team, learn more about our services, ask questions, and even be considered for an on-site interview," said ETCOG Assistant Executive Director Brandy Brannon.  "GoBus is integral to the region and its communities, providing connectivity, fostering economic activity, and ensuring safe, reliable, and friendly transportation services. GoBus staff are dedicated and caring individuals representing the core of East Texans. In seeking new team members, we hope to present a culture that prioritizes the community and those who work to aid its citizens," said ETCOG's Director of Transportation, Vince Huerta. "We welcome new individuals with support through an open door policy, competitive pay, and plenty of growth opportunities. We are excited to build upon the amazing GoBus family!” Positions are available to serve in Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. ETCOG is seeking applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of professional driving and customer service experience. A CDL is preferred but not required.
A group of people are standing next to each other holding awards.

ETCOG Honors Regional Leaders for Outstanding Contributions at 107th Board of Directors Meeting

By East Texas Council of Governments • March 19, 2025
ETCOG recognized five outstanding individuals and organizations for their exemplary contributions to the region during its 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on March 18, 2025.

ETCOG to Honor East Texans for Exemplary Contributions to the Region at Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • March 13, 2025
ETCOG will honor regional citizens and organizations who exemplify excellence in performance and innovation and contribute to the quality of life within the communities that comprise our 14-county region. The awards listed below will be conferred at ETCOG’s 107th Semi-Annual Board of Directors Meeting on Tuesday, March 18 th , at The Wildflower Event Venue in Emory, Texas, from 11:45 am to 2:00 pm. Award criteria and recipient information are as follows: REGIONAL FIRST RESPONDER AWARD Patrick Dooley, Rusk County Fire Marshal’s Office This award recognizes first responders who have rendered extraordinary service, putting their lives on the line for our safety while performing their duties as peace officers, firemen, EMS and dispatchers, DPS officers, and troopers. REGIONAL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS Jason Boyd, Smith County Community Emergency Response Team This award is designed to honor an East Texas citizen who has contributed to the well-being of the East Texas Region. REGIONAL CORPORATE CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Republic Services - Kilgore, Texas The Regional Corporate Citizen of the Year award honors a corporate partner in East Texas who has contributed to the well-being of the Region. REGIONAL STATESMANSHIP AWARD Commissioner Virgil Melton Jr., Van Zandt County The Regional Statesmanship Award recognizes a local, state, or federal official who has demonstrated valuable, dedicated service to regional cooperation. REGIONAL COMMITTEE SERVICE AWARD Commissioner Jeremy Cook, Rains County The Regional Committee Service Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a sustained, dedicated commitment to ETCOG efforts and activities. "We are excited to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals, elected officials, and organizations that have made a positive impact on our region,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. "This event is a tribute to those who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in their respective fields and made a significant difference in the lives of the people they serve. We look forward to honoring these outstanding members of our community and to showcase their outstanding achievements!" Details of award recipient contributions and photos will be provided following the meeting.
A poster for a regional employer health insurance consortium.

ETCOG Invites Members to Discuss a Regional Employer Health Insurance Consortium

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 25, 2025
We’ve engaged our benefits broker partners at Gallagher to help us assess the feasibility of developing a multiple-employer benefits pool for ETCOG members. If this interests your agency, please join us for a virtual discussion meeting. Eligible member governments include Cities, Counties, ISDs, and Special Districts.
A group of people standing next to each other in front of an american flag.

ETCOG Awards Two East Texas Cities with Veteran-Friendly Community Designation

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 19, 2025
This month, the ETCOG Executive Committee took action to award the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County as the first recipients of its Veteran-Friendly Community Designation program. The pilot program launched in July as a collaborative effort between ETCOG, the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG), the University of Texas at Tyler (UTT), and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). A Veteran Friendly Community is defined as a community that encourages and welcomes veterans into their community by providing ongoing assistance and addressing their needs in the areas of economics, housing, transportation, health care, education, and overall quality of life. ETCOG and AACOG collaborated on creating a proposal for both urban and rural communities to apply for official community designation from September 1 to November 30, 2024. To qualify for this recognition, communities were required to meet standards, including: Provide proof of community and organizational support. Provide a comprehensive community profile with key information for veterans and their families, such as demographics, housing, and healthcare. Maintain an up-to-date community development strategy addressing veterans’ needs. Complete an initial and annual self-assessment to identify and address resource or service gaps. “Being recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Community not only honors this city’s commitment to veterans, but also sets a standard for others to follow,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland, “Veterans have made immense sacrifices in service to our country, and we must ensure they receive the support and respect they deserve when they return home. A Veteran-Friendly Community designation signals that the City of Tyler/Smith County and the City of Quitman/Wood County prioritize the needs of veterans, offering them access to resources, services, and opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Our Executive Committee was thrilled to recognize these communities' hard work and dedication to East Texas veterans.” "ETCOG is very proud of the work and collaboration among our partners with AACOG, UT Tyler, and UT San Antonio in creating a program that showcases the proud work our communities are providing for our veterans in both inclusion and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said ETCOG Special Projects Director David Scott. “This program also provides the opportunity for our communities to assess their needs in work, housing, healthcare, education, and daily life while seeking continuous improvements in those areas for veterans to remain and contribute to local communities." With community interest, ETCOG plans to re-open the application period annually for communities across the region to apply.
A woman is holding a pile of paper next to a trash can.

New Recycling Facility Opens in Kilgore, Advancing Sustainability in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 17, 2025
ETCOG is excited to share the news of a major advancement in regional recycling efforts! The Northeast Texas Regional MRF (NETX) has officially opened a new 50,000-square-foot Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Kilgore, Texas. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to process residential and commercial single-stream recyclables, as well as commercial cardboard, making recycling easier and more efficient for East Texans.  With advanced mechanical sorting technology, NETX’s new facility will help reduce landfill waste by efficiently processing paper, plastics, aluminum, and more. The single-stream system allows residents and businesses to place all recyclables in a single bin, simplifying participation and boosting recycling rates. “We are thrilled to open this new facility in Kilgore, which will not only help reduce environmental impact but also support the local economy,” said Todd Lucas, General Manager of NETX. The facility will support municipal waste programs, create local jobs, and divert thousands of tons of recyclable materials from landfills each year. An open house is planned for this spring, inviting the public to tour the facility and learn more about its operations. For more information on the new facility, partnership opportunities, or recycling guidelines, please visit NETXMRF.com .
A laptop computer is sitting on a wooden table.

ETCOG Releases 2024 Regional Solutions Reports

By East Texas Council of Governments • February 12, 2025
ETCOG is committed to delivering impactful regional solutions, guided by the leadership of our Board, Executive Committee, and Advisory Committees. To highlight the results of our work, we have released the 2024 Solutions Reports, providing a county-by-county snapshot of the services and resources delivered during Fiscal Year 2024. These reports showcase ETCOG’s service deliverables across critical areas, including economic development, environmental impact, public safety enhancement, senior services, public transportation, and workforce development. Across the region, ETCOG is proud to report the following accomplishments: $8.7M allocated in regional grants $2.5M invested in the 9-1-1 system 89.3K job seekers and employers served 11.6K seniors received essential services $32.4M provided for childcare assistance 128,643 GoBus trips provided 457K meals served to seniors 1,654 peace officers trained Each Solutions Report breaks down these results at the county level, showcasing how ETCOG has directly supported residents and local jurisdictions. Copies of the reports will be distributed to area elected officials and ETCOG members this month, along with their annual dues statements. ETCOG’s local membership dues, contributed by cities, counties, and special districts, help fund general council operations and provide required matching funds for key federal and state programs that benefit East Texas. Digital reports are available on our website year-round. To see how ETCOG has specifically served your county, view the 2024 Solutions Reports at www.etcog.org/solutions-reports .
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