East Texas Council of Governments

09/04/2026

We're grateful for our Executive Committee and Budget Sub-Committee members! They met this week to review and consider our FY 2027 budget and planning guide. With their approval, it will head to our full Board of Directors for a final vote on September 24th.

09/04/2026

DON'T FORGET! Our GoBus 101 Workshop is on Thursday!

Join us to learn how regional transit works, explore GoBus services, and see how ETCOG helps connect communities across East Texas.

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/mnwjwdx

09/03/2026

ETCOG is proud to receive a $175,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to continue veterans transportation services through GoBus Transit.

This funding helps connect veterans across East Texas with dependable rides to medical appointments, employment, essential services, and more.

Read more: www.etcog.org/etcog-receives-175-000-grant-to-continue-veterans-transportation-through-gobus

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.

09/02/2026

This summer, ETCOG Director of Aging Programs Adrian Cornejo welcomed students from Cyprus and Israel through his volunteer work with the international program Creating Friendships for Peace.

During their month in East Texas, the students from the divided countries experienced daily life together, shadowed Adrian at ETCOG, and attended an ETCOG Board meeting. Their visit was an opportunity to build understanding, share perspectives, overcome historical barriers, and form friendships across cultures.

Read their inspiring story: www.etcog.org/etcog-director-helps-build-friendship-with-international-peace-program

08/31/2026

Save the date!
ETCOG’s Board of Directors will meet in Upshur County on Thursday, September 24, at 11:45 a.m.

Board members and special guests are invited to join us at Rowdy Creek Ranch in Gilmer, where the FY 2027 ETCOG budget will be considered.

Please RSVP: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7yu32z6

08/28/2026

Save the Date! Join the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas and Texas Legal Services Center for a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for seniors and caregivers.

Learn about wills and trusts, deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, senior services, and more.

📅 Thursday, September 17
🕙 10 a.m.–Noon
📍 First Christian Church Sanctuary
1920 Beaumont St., Jacksonville, TX

Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center.

08/28/2026

The August edition of The Solution is hot off the press! Check out Texas Labor Market updates, workforce program success stories, upcoming hiring events, and much more!

Check it out here: https://conta.cc/3SS8sG5

08/27/2026

Applications for ETCOG’s 2026 Veteran-Friendly Community Designation open Monday, August 31.

This designation recognizes East Texas cities that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting veterans and their families through resources such as employment, housing, transportation, health care, education, and quality-of-life services.

Eligible cities in ETCOG’s 14-county region are encouraged to apply by Friday, November 27, 2026.

Learn more and access application materials: www.etcog.org/2026-veteran-friendly-community-application-period

08/21/2026

Please join us in celebrating ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland on his birthday!

We appreciate David’s leadership, commitment, and continued dedication to serving ETCOG and communities across East Texas. Wishing him a happy birthday and a great year ahead!

08/20/2026

At our August Executive Committee meeting, ETCOG took action on several items to support communities across East Texas!

The Committee held a public hearing to establish regional TxCDBG grant priorities, approved employee benefit updates, addressed 9-1-1 system maintenance agreements, approved grant agreements, adopted solid waste bylaw changes, and more.

Thank you to our Executive Committee members and staff for their continued work on behalf of the region!