ETCOG Announces Re-Appointment of Leadership for CEO-RTPO Board

East Texas Council of Governments • December 8, 2025

ETCOG is pleased to announce new leadership for its Chief Elected Officials – Rural Transportation Planning Organization (CEO–RTPO) Board. At its December 4th meeting, the CEO–RTPO Board reappointed Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur as Chair and Camp County Judge AJ Mason as Vice Chair, and reappointed its Executive Committee members. 

 

The CEO–RTPO Board consists of the county judges from each of the 14 counties served by ETCOG, the Mayors of Longview and Tyler, the three Texas Department of Transportation District Engineers serving the ETCOG region, and the Executive Director of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority.  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 continue 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 East Texas. Together, as servants of the public's trust, we will continue to confront challenges and seize opportunities for the future of the 14 counties and cities in 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, has served on its Executive Committee since 2021, and began his chairmanship in 2023.  

 

“Heartfelt congratulations to Chairman LaFleur on his re-election to lead the CEO-RTPO Board once again!! His leadership and dedication to the East Texas region are appreciated by his fellow County Judges and Mayors, who once again supported his candidacy, and by the entire East Texas Council of Governments staff!” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland.

 

Judge AJ Mason joined the board in 2016 and has served as its Vice Chair and on the Executive Committee since 2018.

 

"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.

 

The board also reappointed its Executive Committee, which may meet on behalf of the full board as needed between regularly scheduled meetings. It is comprised of Chair LaFleur, Vice Chair Mason, Rusk County Judge Joel Hale, Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, and 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 the cities not served by the Longview or Tyler MPOs can deliver a unified message to state and federal decision-makers on transportation needs and priorities. 

 

The Board meets during April, August, and December to address the joint business agenda of the CEO–RTPO Board in a blended meeting format. The full membership of the CEO–RTPO Board is available at www.etcog.org/about#GoverningBoards. 


City of Lubbock announcement card for Mike Murray as new city manager, with his portrait and blue text panel

ETCOG Supports City of Lindale in Successful City Manager Recruitment

By East Texas Council of Governments • August 4, 2026
ETCOG was honored to support the City of Lindale in its recent search for a new City Manager, providing professional executive recruitment services that helped guide the city through an important leadership transition. The search resulted in the selection of Mike Murray, an experienced local government professional with decades of municipal leadership experience in city administration, economic development, infrastructure planning, budgeting, and public service. For ETCOG, this partnership reflects the organization’s continued commitment to supporting member governments across East Texas, especially smaller communities that may not have full-service human resources, recruitment, or communications teams in-house. “Working alongside our member governments in these moments is incredibly meaningful,” said Brandy Brannon, ETCOG Assistant Executive Director. “Many elected officials serve in volunteer roles while also balancing full-time careers and other responsibilities. When a city is searching for a key leadership position, such as a City Manager, we know how much time and coordination that process requires. Being able to step in, manage the details, and provide qualified candidates through a professional screening process is a tremendous way we can support them.”  Through our Executive Recruitment Services, ETCOG assists cities with multiple stages of the hiring process, including job description development, position marketing, applicant screening, resume review, interview coordination, candidate review, and technical assistance. Our team brings experience in recruitment, human resources, public relations, and marketing, allowing the organization to provide comprehensive support for member governments with limited funding and staff capacity. “Our role is to be a trusted facilitator,” Brannon said. “We are not there to make the decision for a city. We are there to help make the process easier, stronger, and more manageable so local leaders can make an informed choice with confidence.” Congratulations to the City of Lindale, Mayor Gavin Rasco, the Lindale City Council, city staff, and Mike Murray on this important milestone! We look forward to seeing Lindale continue to grow and thrive under its new leadership. For more information about this offering, visit www.etcog.org/executive-recruitment .

Discover More About ETCOG Through Our 101 Workshop Series

By ETCOG • August 4, 2026
Whether you're a board member, elected official, community partner, or simply curious about how regional collaboration works—these sessions are for you! ETCOG 101 is a great chance to learn how we serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments. From job training and transportation to emergency communications and aging services, we’re here to support what makes East Texas strong.  Upcoming Workshops Workforce Solutions East Texas 101 Learn how Workforce Solutions East Texas connects job seekers, employers, students, and families with workforce development services, child care assistance, training opportunities, and business solutions. ETCOG 101 Get a broad overview of the East Texas Council of Governments, our mission, the programs we administer, and the impact our organization has across the 14-county region. GoBus 101 Discover how GoBus provides safe, reliable transportation for thousands of East Texans each year. Learn about the services available, who is eligible to ride, and why public transportation is a vital resource for many people in our communities. Every day, our team works to improve the quality of life for East Texans by delivering trusted solutions. These workshops are a great way to connect with our staff and gain a better understanding of the services available throughout East Texas. View upcoming dates and register at: https://www.etcog.org/etcog-101-workshops

ETCOG Announces Application Period for Veteran-Friendly Community Designation

By ETCOG • August 4, 2026
Applications will be open from Monday, August 31, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 2026.
People writing in a grant workshop around a table with notebooks, laptop, and coffee mugs

Grant Writing Workshop Coming to Tyler Texas

July 21, 2026
ETCOG's Economic Development District and Grant Writing USA will present a two-day grant writing workshop in Tyler, TX, August 27-28, 2026. This training is for grant seekers from all disciplines. Attend this class to learn how to write winning government grant proposals and find the available grant funding. Beginning and experienced grant writers from city, county, state agencies, K-12, colleges & universities and nonprofits are encouraged to attend. Registration is $525 and includes everything you need: Grant Writing USA Workbook Two days of expert instruction Lifetime access to Grant Writing USA Alumni Resource Center Grant Writing USA is offering ETCOG members a $50 discount. Please use the discount code "less50" at the time of registration. When: August 27 - 28 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Where: 1421 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75701 For event details visit: https://grantstraining.com/ty0826

Registration Open for Illegal Dumping Class in Longview

July 16, 2026
Registration is now open for the Texas Illegal Dumping Resource Center Illegal Dumping Class , co-hosted with the East Texas Council of Governments. This two-day training is designed to support city and county officials, enforcement partners, and others who work to address illegal dumping and related environmental concerns in their communities. About the Class Illegal dumping continues to be a challenge for many communities, impacting public health, safety, property, waterways, and the overall quality of life for residents. This class will provide information and resources to help local partners better understand enforcement tools and response strategies. Topics covered will include: Illegal dumping Outdoor burning Public health nuisances Water pollution Hazardous waste City and county enforcement considerations Other related environmental enforcement issues Event Details Dates: August 17–18 Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Location: Workforce Solutions East Texas Address: 1905 W Loop 281, Suite 40, Longview, TX 75604 Cost: $125 Continuing Education: 12 CEUs included Who Should Attend This class is suitable for professionals involved in environmental enforcement and community response efforts, including: County deputies Constables Fire marshals Code enforcement officers Emergency management coordinators Prosecutors Local officials Others involved in environmental enforcement How to Register Participants can register at https://tidrc.regfox.com/cee-illegal-dumping---longview---aug-18-19 ETCOG is proud to help bring this training opportunity to East Texas and support local partners working to protect public health, safety, and the communities we serve.
Narrow stream flowing through tall green grass in a sunny field

Tips from TDA to Prepare for Upcoming 2027 TxCDBG Applications

By Texas Department of Agriculture • July 13, 2026
TDA is pleased to see interest from many communities in the upcoming 2027 Texas Community Development Block Grant applications. No action is required for communities at this time; however, here are several items that may be useful as you look forward to the release of grant applications this fall: Save the Date for your local governing body resolution. All TxCDBG grant applications require a resolution adopted by the local governing body to authorize submittal of the application, commit to adhere to the requirements of the TxCDBG program, and commit matching funds, if applicable. TDA recommends marking your calendar to complete this task at your October 2026 meeting. The required resolution language will be provided in the Application Guide, to be released in September 2026. Procure a grant administrator. Many Grant Recipients hire a consultant to be responsible for grant administration and reporting requirements. If your community would like to have a grant administrator also assist in preparation of the grant application, the services contract must be competitively procured prior to any participation by the firm in the application process. TDA has compiled a user-friendly guide to procuring a grant administrator according to TxCDBG policies: Solicitation and Contract Documents for Administration Services* Contracts The Unified Scoring Committee will determine at its meeting in September whether to offer an annual or biennial cycle for the Community Development Fund – the sample documents in this guide account for both options. A similar guide for engineering procurement will be made available later this fall. No engineering work is required for the first phase of the application process. Attend your regional meeting to establish Project Priorities (or review the adopted priorities once posted). Consider the projects important to your community in each of the Priority 1 categories, as well as other projects that are important to your community. ETCOG's regional meeting will be held Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12 noon, at ETCOG headquarters TDA’s default priorities can be used as a reference for the available project categories; each region will identify its own priorities within this structure: 2027 Regional Project Priority Scoring Element - Default.pdf

ETCOG to Hold Public Hearing on TxCDBG Regional Project Priority Types August 6

By East Texas Council of Governments • July 13, 2026
ETCOG will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. during its Executive Committee meeting at 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas. The purpose of the hearing is to gather public input on the Texas Community Development Block Grant ( TxCDBG ) Program Regional Project Priority Types for the East Texas region. As part of the standard TxCDBG process, each Council of Governments region in Texas is encouraged to identify the project types that best reflect regional needs and priorities. During the hearing, ETCOG’s Executive Committee will receive comments from local officials, stakeholders, and members of the public regarding which eligible project categories should be prioritized for East Texas. These priorities may include needs such as water and sewer infrastructure, street improvements, housing, and other eligible community development activities. Regional project priority types play an important role in the TxCDBG application process. The priorities adopted by ETCOG will be submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), which administers the TxCDBG program, for use in the upcoming funding cycle. Regional priorities account for a portion of the scoring used to evaluate grant applications. ETCOG encourages anyone with an interest in community development needs across East Texas to attend the hearing and provide input during the public comment period. 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program Grant Announces Schedule of Grant Application Workshops

By Texas Parks and Wildlife • July 10, 2026
The CO-OP Grant team will host a series of Grant Application Workshops to cover all the elements needed for a competitive application. Offered both online and at sites around the state, the workshop will provide application support and assist potential applicants with an overview of the application process, grant program requirements and priorities, scoring criteria, budget planning and eligible grant expenses, and answer questions from applicants. Opportunities for in-person project consultation appointments with grant staff will also be made available at the site-based workshops. The CO-OP Grant will begin accepting project proposals August 3, 2026, through October 1, 2026, at 5 pm CST. Grant Awards will be announced March 1, 2027, and programs will take place over 18 months. Eligible projects should engage program participants in areas of conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education and connect participants to TPWD sites, programs, and staff. Grant funding can support personnel, training, travel, food, fees, and supplies. There is no match requirement. This grant supports outdoor programs for populations that are under-served. The CO-OP grant does NOT fund any type of construction, trails, boat ramps, or vehicles. This is a reimbursement grant. REGISTER To attend at workshop, complete the online registration at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BA5AD2DA1F5C16-64420560-tpwd#/ ONLINE WEBINAR Monday, July 20th 2 p.m.- 4 p.m Live (Recording will be available on/after 7/22)

TCEQ Launches Program to Reduce Emissions from Stationary Sources

By Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • June 5, 2026
$16.5 Million in Grants Available
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