Regional Efforts Keep Heart of Texas Pumping
Published Dec 03, 2008
Local governments and officials charged with attracting new investment and promoting business expansion in the Heart of Texas are big believers in a regional approach.
“Pooling your resources can give you a significant advantage when dealing with issues that affect the various counties and the municipalities in them,” says Kenneth L. Simons, executive director of the Heart of Texas Council of Governments.
HOTCOG, as it’s known throughout the region, works to be the center of all that activity. Created in 1966 and covering Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties, the organization has more than 80 members that include city and county governments, school districts, colleges and special districts.
While its primary purpose is to foster growth and development within its coverage area, the council also coordinates a wide range of services. It relies on citizen advisory boards for input, so that programs and services are constantly audited and updated, Simons says.
HOTCOG’s efforts have resulted in member organizations pooling funds for such initiatives as the 911 program that serves the six-county region, counseling programs for senior citizens, rural transportation, solid waste management and emergency preparedness.
“We can offer these programs, as well as push our assets with a unified voice, which is key to being successful across the board,” Simons says.
Story by Joe Morris
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