Regional Development

The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) plays a vital role in fostering regional development across its nine-county service area in Northeast Texas. From economic planning to environmental sustainability, ATCOG collaborates with local governments, businesses, and communities to create a thriving and sustainable region.

Empowering Local Governments

ATCOG provides cities and counties with expertise and resources to access grants and funding they would not be able to access on their own. The support our Regional Development Program provides enables these communities to tackle large-scale projects that may otherwise be out of reach.

ATCOG’s commitment to collaboration and innovation ensures its regional development strategies address both immediate and long-term needs. Whether you’re a local government, business leader, or resident, engaging with ATCOG can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life and economic vitality in Northeast Texas.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)​

The CEDS is a pre-requisite for federal designation as an EDD and must be updated at least every five years. The North East Texas Economic Development District (NETEDD) CEDS is a working document, approved by the NETEDD Board of Directors, used by both public and private sectors to provide guidance on the economic state of the NETEDD region.

The 5-year CEDs provides an opportunity to take an in-depth analysis into where NETEDD will be in 5 years. The CEDS region consists of 9 counties and approximately 5,790 square miles.

The CEDS survey is completed with input from individuals from all over the NETEDD region including, but not limited to, economic development managers, city managers, chambers of commerce, representatives from housing, education, and health, political and public advocates, and other interested parties. The CEDS is updated annually to assess the economic progress and to update economic goals for the region.

Interlocal Agreements
Did you know the Ark Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) can enter into interlocal agreements to assist you in obtaining funding for projects? The Texas Government Code Chapter 791, known as the Interlocal Cooperation Act, enables local governments in Texas to collaborate by entering into agreements to share resources and services. The Act encourages cost-effective collaboration between government entities while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Driving Growth in Northeast Texas

North East Texas Economic Development District (NETEDD)

What is NETEDD?
Welcome to the North East Texas Economic Development District, Inc. (NETEDD), a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the heart of Northeast Texas. Established in 1966, NETEDD serves as an Economic Development District (EDD) designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). NETEDD facilitates grant and loan opportunities into the vibrant communities of our nine-county region.

Our Service Areas
NETEDD spans 9 counties: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus—covering nearly 5,790 square miles. This area is home to about 278,000 residents, 51 incorporated cities/towns, 80 unincorporated communities, and a special district/redevelopment authority. Together, they form the economic backbone of northeast Texas.

NETEDD Leadership
NETEDD is governed by a Board of Directors made up of local leaders from across the region. These representatives, appointed by county judges, reflect the diversity of our communities and economic interests. Their mission is clear: to promote economic diversification, support businesses, and encourage growth in industries that benefit the region.

How We Support Northeast Texas?
NETEDD works alongside chambers of commerce, business associations, local governments, and economic development corporations to support local initiatives. By providing resources and expertise, we empower communities to thrive, ensuring sustainable growth across the region.

Contact us today to discover the opportunities waiting for you in northeast Texas.

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Supporting Communities with Grants and Funding for Growth

Grant Proposals & Administration

Our Regional Development program is here to help local government organizations secure the funding they need to make a real impact in their community’s quality of life and in its infrastructure. We specialize in helping communities prepare and apply for various grants that drive growth and development. 

Beyond that, we can connect you with additional funding options such as Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Grants, lending programs, and other resources tailored to your goals.

Why It Matters
Investing in infrastructure and economic development isn’t just about building better roads or facilities—it’s about creating vibrant communities where businesses thrive, jobs are created, and residents enjoy a higher quality of life. NETEDD’s goal is to help you find the funding to turn big ideas into reality.

Let’s Work Together
From finding the right grant to preparing a winning application, we’re with you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and discover how we can help secure funding for your next big project. 

Let’s build a brighter future for our region, together!

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Building Resilient Communities

Hazard Mitigation Plans

Resilience is about more than just bouncing back—it’s about being ready for anything. A resilient community is prepared for potential hazards, adapts to changing conditions, and can recover quickly from disruptions. It’s all about planning wisely, staying flexible, and taking steps to protect what matters most.

What Makes a Community Resilient?
A resilient community focuses on:

  • Prevention – Identifying risks and taking steps to minimize them.
  • Protection – Safeguarding people, property, and resources.
  • Mitigation – Reducing the impact of potential hazards.
  • Response – Acting quickly and effectively during emergencies.
  • Recovery – Restoring normalcy after a disruption.

These actions are often outlined in a Hazard Mitigation Plan.

FEMA’s Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan Guidelines
As of April 19, 2023, FEMA’s updated State and Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guides are in effect. These updates are designed to ensure state and local plans align with modern challenges and best practices. If you’re working on a mitigation plan, make sure it meets the requirements outlined in the updated Local Mitigation Planning Policy Guide (FP 206-21-0002).

Take Action Today
Need help updating your mitigation plan? Reach out to ATCOG for support and resources. Together, we can create a safer, stronger future.

County Hazard Mitigation Plans

If you do not see your county plan listed, we may be working on your updated plans. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Hazard Mitigation and Environmental Specialist, Kathy McCollum.

Regional Studies

2023 Population Study

This study was directed by the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) and the Sulphur River Basin Authority (SRBA) to investigate the long-term projection of population and housing for a ten-county region in Northeast Texas. The study area has experienced variations in growth over the past decades, with both accelerated and slowed periods of population growth. As a whole, the Texas economy is fast-growing, and population is rapidly increasing, driven by a business-friendly environment (Perryman Group, 2020). Planning for housing, infrastructure, and water resources can take a significant number of years, and even decades, so anticipating growth is essential for the services provided by the ATCOG and SRBA.

Broadband Survey rEport

During the Spring of 2023, a broadband survey was conducted in the following Texas Counties: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River, and Titus. Residents were encouraged to complete the survey online. Businesses were encouraged to complete a separate business-focused survey, and the results of that are included later in this report.

Broadband Surveys By County

Online Funding Resources

Success Stories