Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG)

The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) is a regional organization serving nine counties in northeast Texas and one in southwest Arkansas. Established in 1969, ATCOG is a voluntary association of local governments and a political subdivision of the State of Texas. Its primary mission is to improve the quality of life in the region through the coordination of resources and services. While it doesn’t have the power to create laws or levy taxes, ATCOG plays a critical role in regional planning and development. ATCOG acts as a bridge between local governments, state and federal agencies, and private organizations. It helps its member communities tackle issues that require collaboration, like infrastructure planning, disaster readiness, and economic development. By pooling resources and expertise, ATCOG makes it easier for communities to achieve larger-scale improvements. ATCOG also assists seniors and caregivers looking for aging services, business owners interested in economic development programs, area residents in need of public transportation, and many other state and federal programs.