ETCOG’s short-term initiatives focus on near-term actions that strengthen regional services, build organizational capacity, and position East Texas communities for long-term success.

Establish a Regional Employer Health Insurance Consortium

ETCOG is evaluating a regional employer health insurance consortium that could help participating member governments purchase employee health coverage more affordably and efficiently. The feasibility analysis will assess participation interest, cost-control opportunities, and the ability to retain flexibility in local plan design.
Status: In progress

East Texas Economic Development District Bylaws Revision

ETCOG is working to update East Texas Economic Development District bylaws to support public ownership and management of workforce center facilities. The effort is intended to help ensure that workforce centers in the region’s largest cities become publicly owned community assets.
Status: Concept

Support Rusk and Harrison County 9-1-1 District Transition

ETCOG is supporting Rusk and Harrison counties as they prepare to transition from the Texas Eastern 9-1-1 District into ETCOG’s regional 9-1-1 program, with the eventual goal of joining the future Pineywoods 9-1-1 District.
Status: In progress

Establish the Veterans Directed Care Program

ETCOG is pursuing a Veterans Directed Care program that would help eligible veterans remain independent by giving them greater control over the services and supports they receive. The program would expand coordination among regional veteran and senior service programs while bringing additional federal resources into East Texas.
Status: Achieved

Develop an Emergency Operations Plan

ETCOG is developing an agency emergency operations plan to help protect staff and customers, maintain essential services, and support continuity of operations during a crisis. The agency is also exploring a mutual-aid agreement with another council of governments to support remote operations if needed.
Status: Concept

Reduce ETCOG’s Indirect Cost Rate

ETCOG is reviewing its indirect cost methodology to identify responsible ways to reduce administrative costs without affecting critical programs and services. The goal is to strengthen cost containment and remain competitive among Texas councils of governments.
Status: In progress

Establish an East Texas Regional Water Advisory Board

ETCOG is working with regional leaders to establish an advisory board focused on protecting and managing East Texas water resources for current and future generations.
Status: In progress

Support ETCOG Jurisdictions with Responsible Artificial Intelligence Solutions

ETCOG is researching government-focused artificial intelligence platforms and training opportunities that can support internal operations and provide practical, responsible tools for member jurisdictions.
Status: In progress

Explore a 501(c)(3) for Aging and Broadband Projects

ETCOG is exploring the potential creation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to expand funding flexibility, support tax-deductible giving, strengthen partnerships, and increase opportunities for Area Agency on Aging and regional broadband initiatives.
Status: Concept

East Texas Airport Shuttle

ETCOG is evaluating the demand for a coordinated transportation option between East Texas and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The assessment will identify existing service gaps and determine whether a regional solution would complement available transportation options.
Status: In progress; Short- to Intermediate-Term Initiative

Intermediate-term initiatives focus on implementing regional programs, securing resources, and advancing projects that require sustained coordination among ETCOG, its member governments, and external partners.

Establish Pineywoods 9-1-1 District

ETCOG is working toward establishing the Pineywoods 9-1-1 District, which would provide greater local control over 9-1-1 policy, decision-making, and fee allocation. The objective is to complete the district conversion and exit the statewide program by FY 2028.
Status: In progress

Broadband Implementation Funding Solutions

ETCOG is helping jurisdictions secure implementation funding for approved county broadband action plans. This work includes pursuing grant opportunities and developing additional funding strategies to expand reliable broadband infrastructure across East Texas.
Status: In progress; Intermediate- to Long-Term Initiative

Build Six Months of Operational Reserves

ETCOG is working to build six months of operational reserves to help maintain continuity of services during funding delays, emergencies, or other financial disruptions.
Status: In progress

Help Secure Marshall Train Depot and I-20 Corridor Sustainability

ETCOG is collaborating with the City of Marshall, Harrison County, and the Marshall Depot Board to strengthen the long-term viability of the Marshall Train Depot and its role as a regional transportation asset. The next step is pursuing grant funding for a strategic plan.
Status: In progress; Short- to Intermediate-Term Initiative

Enhance and Grow COGWORKS Regional Purchasing Cooperative

ETCOG is working to enhance and grow the COGWORKS Regional Purchasing Cooperative. The initiative is intended to strengthen procurement options and deliver value to participating governments through regional purchasing opportunities.
Status: In progress

Establish Texas Rural Economic Development Initiative

ETCOG is researching a proposed Texas Rural Economic Development Initiative, modeled after Oklahoma’s Rural Economic Action Plan. The proposed program would help rural communities address infrastructure, economic development, and long-term sustainability needs through a competitive grant program administered by Texas councils of governments.
Status: In progress

Long-term initiatives represent transformational investments and partnerships that will require continued planning, funding development, and regional collaboration.

Build New Longview Workforce Center

ETCOG is planning for a new Workforce Solutions East Texas facility in Longview. ETCOG has purchased property for the project, and the next step is completing architectural plans and drawings before pursuing construction funding.
Status: In progress

Seek Funding for New Multi-Purpose Regional Facility

ETCOG is exploring construction of a multi-purpose facility on existing ETCOG property. The facility could serve as a regional storm shelter, expanded meeting space, and a resource for public safety and economic development programs.
Status: Concept

Establish a Regional Housing Program

ETCOG is investigating a regional housing program that can build on local efforts, connect communities with new housing resources, and support best practices across East Texas. Initial steps include resubmitting a HUD grant application and exploring formation of a housing-focused 501(c)(3).
Status: Concept

Retire ETCOG Bank Loans

ETCOG’s long-term financial objective is to eliminate agency debt and return to debt-free operations.
Status: Concept

Establish a Fund to Support Regional First Responder Equipment Needs

ETCOG is exploring a regional funding mechanism to help address unmet equipment needs among first responders. The effort would seek to supplement or secure resources for critical public safety equipment across the region.
Status: Concept

Establish a Regional Transit Compact

ETCOG is working toward a collaborative agreement among Tyler Transit, Longview Transit, and ETCOG GoBus. A regional transit compact could improve planning coordination, reduce duplication, leverage shared resources, and enhance service for East Texas riders while preserving each partner’s identity. 
Status: Concept