ETCOG Launches New Mobile App Enabling GoBus Customers to Manage Their Trips and Track the Bus in Real-Time

This summer, ETCOG Director of Aging Programs Adrian Cornejo welcomed an extraordinary experience into his home through his volunteer work with Creating Friendships for Peace (CFP). For one month, Adrian hosted two students from Cyprus, Michael and Derin, who came to East Texas through the CFP program. During their stay, the students shared a room in Adrian’s home, experienced daily life in the region, shadowed Adrian at ETCOG, and attended an ETCOG Executive Committee meeting. Creating Friendships for Peace brings young people from communities affected by longstanding divisions together for cultural exchange, dialogue, and relationship-building. Cyprus has been divided for decades between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, with a history of conflict and mistrust that can shape how young people see those from the other side of the island. Adrian said the experience gave him a deeply personal view of how division can affect young people and how meaningful it can be when they have the opportunity to connect outside of those divisions. “What I witnessed through these young men was difficult to process,” Adrian said. “Each of their societies has, in different ways, instilled distrust, division, and even hatred toward people on the ‘other side.’ Perhaps the most heartbreaking part is hearing that this begins when they are children.” Through his involvement with CFP, Adrian also hosted two young men from Israel for a few days, one Jewish Israeli and one Arab Israeli, who similarly came from communities shaped by complex social and political divisions. “This is not a political story,” Adrian said. “It is a personal reflection on what has been one of the most emotional and humbling experiences of my life. Hearing the students’ experiences made me realize just how much we take for granted here in the United States,” he said. “We have the freedom to think, to question, and to decide for ourselves what we believe and how we treat others.” For Michael and Derin, their time in East Texas offered an opportunity to see a different community, to witness regional collaboration in action as our elected officials voted on ETCOG business, and to build friendships beyond the boundaries and assumptions they may encounter at home. “I think words are too little to describe the last four weeks,” said Michael. “This month we became a family. I was talking with Derin, and I told him it feels like we are packing to go to vacation, not home.” “I want to thank Mr. Adrian for hosting us and being part of our destiny in this trip,” said Darin. “You are very hard working and care about us. I am very grateful for you taking us to San Antonio trip, for your work, and giving us opportunities to meet wonderful people…I wish to mature up and become a person like you one day wh helps everyone like you do.” Adrian said the friendships formed through CFP demonstrate that meaningful change often starts on a personal level. “Peace doesn’t begin with governments or political agreements,” Adrian said. “Sometimes, it begins with a conversation, a friendship, and the willingness to see another person as a human being rather than as a representative of ‘the other side.’”  He added that he is grateful for the friendships and perspectives the students brought into his life. “I will carry their stories, their friendship, and what I learned from them with me for a very long time,” Adrian said. ETCOG is proud to recognize Adrian’s commitment to service and his willingness to share both his home and workplace with students participating in this important exchange for peace.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has received a $175,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to continue transportation services for veterans through its rural transit district, GoBus. The funding is part of more than $3.3 million in Texas Veterans Commission grants awarded this month to 13 veteran-service organizations across East Texas. Statewide, the commission awarded $40.8 million to organizations helping veterans and their families access critical services. For many veterans in rural East Texas, reliable transportation can be a barrier to medical appointments, employment, education, grocery stores, social service programs, and other essential destinations. The grant will help GoBus continue providing transportation options that support veterans’ independence and connection to the services they need. “We are grateful to the Texas Veterans Commission for investing in transportation access for veterans in our region,” said ETCOG’s Transportation Director, Vince Huerta. “Through GoBus, we can help reduce the transportation barriers that too often stand between veterans and essential health care, employment opportunities and community resources. With this grant, we are proud to offer free trips for veterans and active service members, their spouses and dependents.” GoBus provides public transportation across East Texas, helping residents in rural communities travel safely and affordably where transportation options may otherwise be limited. Every single vehicle in our fleet is ADA compliant and ready to serve passengers with mobility challenges, disabilities, or special needs. The Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance supports organizations that provide direct assistance to veterans, their families and surviving spouses. Grant funding helps address service gaps in areas such as transportation, housing, financial assistance, legal services, and other supportive programs. Veterans who need transportation assistance are encouraged to contact GoBus to learn about available services, eligibility requirements, and how to schedule a trip. For more information about GoBus, visit www.gobustransit.com or call 903-215-8870.

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 .

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

Applications will be open from Monday, August 31, 2026, through Friday, November 27, 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 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.

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