Copyright © 2013 Concho Valley Council of Governments. All rights reserved.
The Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) was organized in 1973 by interlocal
agreement among Texas' 24 regional councils of governments. The statewide association
assists the regional councils in strengthening their capabilities to serve their local
government members; provides a forum for the regular exchange of information and ideas;
educates other governmental entities, public and private organizations, and the general
public about the services and functions of regional councils; and represents the councils
before both state and federal agencies and legislative bodies. Each of the regional councils
pays membership dues to participate
Regional councils, or councils of governments
(COGs) are voluntary associations of local
governments formed under Texas law. These
associations deal with the problems and
planning needs that cross the boundaries of
individual local governments or that require
regional attention.
Regional services offered by councils of
governments are varied. Services are
undertaken in cooperation with member governments, the private sector, and state and federal
partners, and include but are not limited to the following:
•planning and implementing regional homeland security strategies;
•operating law enforcement training academies;
•promoting regional municipal solid waste and environmental quality planning;
•providing cooperative purchasing options for governments;
•managing region-wide services to the elderly;
•maintaining and improving regional 9-1-1 systems;
•promoting regional economic development;
•operating specialized transit systems; and
•providing management services for member governments
In addition, Texas’ regional councils of governments are responsible for regional planning
activities that may differ from region to region, but typically include planning for
economic growth, water supply and water quality, air quality, transportation, emergency
preparedness, and the coordinated delivery of various social services. Many councils of
governments establish and host region-wide geographical information systems (GIS) as
well as databases on regional population, economic, and land-use patterns.