The Middle Rio Grande Development Council, a subdivision of the State of Texas established under Chapter 391, Texas Local Government Code, has for over 30 years been the regional leader for community, workforce, and economic development.

Vision

To reach and maintain a standard of living and quality of life for every citizen in our region; a standard of living that exceeds the average for the rest of the State. In order to acheive that vision, the Council is attempting to develop one unified approach for creating a business environment that is entrepreneur and business friendly, by offering education and vocational training for both current and future workers, and business owners alike. An approach that encourages entrepreneurs to invest in, and outside businesses to relocate to our region; and that motivates workers to train, start careers, and become productive members of our communities. While we are doing this, we are also concerned with protecting and preserving our environment and our natural resources, which includes not only land, water and native wildlife, but also our cultural heritage, our willingness to work to acheive our vision, and our pool of well-trained, skilled, and willing workers.

Mission

As authorized under the Regional Planning Act of 1965, and Chapter 391, Texas Local Government Code, as amended, the Middle Rio Grande Development Council was established in 1970 to act as the Regional Planning Commission and Council of Governments for the Middle Rio Grande Planning Region. Subsequently, the Council was designated as an Economic Development District by the U.S. Department of Commerce, to serve as the primary economic planning entity for its jursidiction. In these capacities, the Council is composed of member municipal and county governments, independent school districts, and special purpose governmental districts. Its general mission is the planning and coordination of the region, the effectiveness of its public services, and the quality of life of its citizens. The specific terms of that mission, and the goals and objectives to be pursued are defined and determined by the action of the Council's member governments, acting as a Council, and through the action of its Board of Directors. The Council is not in itself a government, nor does it seek to become one.

Objectives

The Council shall have the following general purposes:

To eliminate duplication and to promote economy and efficiency in the coordinated development of the region

To undertake studies, collect data, and develop regional plans and programs pertaining to such subjects as land use, transportation, housing, economic development, natural resources development, community facilities and the general improvement of living and working environments

To engage in such other activities as the Council finds necessary or desirable to accelerate area development and correct regional problems

To provide technical assistance and service to local governments and other institutions, public and private, within the region, so as to facilitate economic, physical and/or social projects or programs that will enhance the quality of life and quantity and quality of economic opportunities for local residents

To assist, encourage and coordinate the activities of all parties concerned, both public and private, in implementing those plans and programs that affect the growth and development of the region

Board of Directors

The composition of the Board of Directors for the Council shall be as follows:

The County Judge from each county, who will be the County's Council representative

The Mayor from each County Seat, who will be the City's Council representative

One Director from each City with a population of 25,000 or more, as determined by the latest U.S. Census publication of population projection, who shall be a member of the Governing Body of that City and who shall be selected by the Governing body of that City.

One Director representing all public school districts which are members of the Council, to be elected for a term of one (1) year. The representatives of the member public school districts present, shall caucus and elect this director at the beginning of the Annual Council Meeting.One Director from each public post-secondary institution which is a member of the Council

One Director from each County, who shall be the same person selected to serve the Council

County Judges and County seat Mayors shall serve for their elected term of office as County Judges and County seat Mayors.

All other directors and alternates shall serve for a period of one year and may succeed themselves.

Board Meetings

The Board shall meet at least once each two months unless otherwise determined by the Board

Web Site Council of Governments Web Pages' Contents

COG Board of Directors

Positions, Committees, and Committee Members

COG General Information

Member Governments, Partners, FAQs, Other Texas COGs, EEO Statement

The Middle Rio Grande Region

A general overview of the nine-counties in the MRGDC region, including histories, backgrounds and links to local and regional sites of interest.

Strategic Plan

History, mission, regional assessment and the entire 2000 Strategic Plan

TRACS System

The rules governing the Texas Review and Comment System for awarding funding to local projects.

Human Resources

Job Openings and Application Forms.