AUSTIN, Texas — Northeast Texas regional stakeholders convened at the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, February 19, for the 2025 Northeast Texas Regional Alliance Legislative Summit. The gathering brought together community leaders focused on discussing rural economic development and infrastructure initiatives in the region.
The one-day summit, which drew representatives from healthcare, education, economic development, local government, and private industry sectors, featured presentations from key state officials including Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, who highlighted Texas’s position as the world’s eighth-largest economy, with GDP growth hitting 7% in 2024 and approximately 1,200 expansion or relocation projects currently in progress.
Scott Galaway from the Texas Water Development Board detailed to the group crucial water infrastructure funding opportunities through both federal and state programs, emphasizing opportunities for rural communities.
Brad Patterson, Division of Community Heritage Director at the Texas Historical Commission, outlined preservation initiatives and economic incentives, including federal and state tax credit programs that have already catalyzed several regional restoration projects.
“The summit provides a forum for regional discussions on rural economic matters,” said Mary Beth Rudel, Executive Director of Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG). “By bringing together various communities from Northeast Texas, we create opportunities to address shared challenges and resources.”
State Representatives Gary VanDeaver (District 1) and Cole Hefner (District 5), State Senator Bryan Hughes (District 1), State Representative Brent Money (District 2), and State Representative Shelley Luther (District 62), participated in the summit, which included formal recognition of the delegation in both the House and Senate chambers. Both chambers officially recognized February 19, 2025, as Northeast Texas Regional Alliance Day at the State Capitol.
“The engagement we saw from both our local leaders and state representatives demonstrates the strong commitment to advancing Northeast Texas’s economic and community development priorities,” Rudel said. “Having more than 65 regional, state, and national leaders present sends a powerful message about our united approach to regional growth.”
The summit concluded with a reception sponsored by SWEPCO, Ark-Tex Council of Governments, the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce, the Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, and the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. The evening was capped off with a special Capitol dome tour led by Senator Hughes and his staff.
During the evening reception, U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran praised the region’s approach to community development.
“What I love about Northeast Texas is that you choose the right dishes to serve to your communities. You don’t worry about the things that maybe look good in the media – you do the things that are long-lasting, the things that make a difference, the things that are changing the lives of individuals and families and communities,” Moran said.
During his speech at the reception, Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes shared his hopes for this legislative session.
“We live in a place where the government still works for the people,” Hughes said. “We are blessed to have a part-time citizen legislature that meets for 140 days every two years. We have a window to pass good laws, get rid of bad laws, and then it’s over. This is the time – big things are happening, and we’re working on some exciting funding projects for our region. We are blessed to represent you. I have the honor of representing a million people that live in Northeast Texas. We really do work for you.”
Reflecting on the legislative priorities for the region, Texas State Representative Gary VanDeaver expressed optimism about the 2025 legislative session.
“We’re going to do some very good things for Northeast Texas. We have some people from Northeast Texas serving in the legislature who have tenure, and we are going to be able to do some really good things for [the region],” VanDeaver said. “We’re all fortunate to be able to work with our colleagues in the Senate. We are especially fortunate to have Senator Hughes, who works well with all of our Northeast Texas coalition.”
Texas State Representative Cole Hefner emphasized the unique strength and influence of rural Texas in the legislative process, particularly highlighting recent leadership appointments.
“Of the 41 chairman positions and subcommittee chairman positions, 22 are from rural Texas. While we may not quite have as many votes on the floor, we’ve got a little more of an outside influence in the process. That’s a testament to our people,” Hefner said. Participating organizations in the Legislative Summit included representatives from Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus counties.