ETCOG Board of Directors to Consider $86M Budget for Fiscal Year 2026
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| The ETCOG Board of Directors will meet this month to consider the largest budget in agency history! The proposed budget totals $86,053,366, reflecting an overall increase of $642,472 compared to the prior year.
Program area revenue totals for the budget this year are:
- Area Agency on Aging – $4,885,886
- Public Safety – $4,363,393
- Transportation – $11,745,053
- Workforce & Economic Development – $64,503,626
- GIS & Regional Technology Solutions – $279,824
- General Fund – $275,584
The FY2026 Budget will serve as a financial guide to help each Division meet its respective performance measures and enable ETCOG to continue its efforts to maximize the use of technology to achieve desired service levels, streamline operational processes, safeguard its data investments, and realize its vision and mission.
Other business items on the agenda include the chair’s report on the year’s accomplishments, the election of Executive Committee members and officers, and the presentation of the Chairman’s Service Award.
The 108th Semi-Annual Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena in Henderson, Texas. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m.
We welcome our members and their guests to register to attend at www.etcog.org/open-meetings. |
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ETCOG Welcomes Adrian Cornejo as New Director of Aging Programs
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ETCOG is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region.
Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines.
“Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” |
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Call for Applications for Regional Solid Waste Minimization Projects
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| ETCOG’s Solid Waste Program is now accepting applications for its annual Municipal Solid Waste grant funds. An estimated $161,705 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is available to support solid waste minimization projects across East Texas.
Local governments and special districts in ETCOG’s 14-county region may apply by September 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM.
“Unique to this year’s Regional Solid Waste Grant opportunity, we are accepting applications for both FY2026 and FY2027 in a single call,” said ETCOG’s Economic Development Manager, Lisa Smith. “Priority funding will be given to tire and educational projects, though other project types will still be considered. Applicants must submit a separate application for each year they are applying for funds.”
Eligible applicants include cities, counties, public schools, school districts, and special districts such as river authorities that are responsible for water quality or solid waste management. |
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GoBus Pilot Programs Deliver Strong Results Across East Texas
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| The GoBus Service Expansion Pilot Programs are proving to be a major success, helping connect more people to the places they need to go. Launched earlier this year, GoBus added additional routes in several counties and the new GoNOW microtransit service in Palestine, which has already boosted ridership and expanded travel options for residents across the region.
ETCOG’s Transportation Director, Vince Huerta, shared that the frequency of service from rural areas into nearby cities has increased by an average of 75 percent in the participating counties. In Palestine, the GoNOW microtransit service has grown ridership by 22 percent within its first few months.
“These are just a few of the measurable ways Service Expansion funds are directly benefiting our communities,” Huerta said. “Transportation isn’t just about mobility. It’s a lifeline for people to maintain independence, access medical care, secure jobs, and stay connected.”
The pilot programs have made immediate impacts in Henderson, Anderson, Cherokee, Camp, Upshur, Harrison, Marion, and Van Zandt counties. Residents now have new or expanded routes into larger cities such as Tyler and Longview, more frequent connections, and local microtransit options.
Community surveys and rider requests pointed to a need for more reliable connections to jobs, healthcare, and essential services. The Service Expansion Program is helping close those gaps and strengthen the entire 14-county region.
Huerta also recognized the support of TxDOT staff in making the pilot projects a reality. “Our TxDOT Public Transportation Coordinator, Nancy Hoehn, has been an essential part of making these programs successful, and we are grateful for her ongoing commitment and support,” he said. |
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| You’re Invited: Let’s Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) |
| Workforce Solutions East Texas and Texas Workforce Solutions–Vocational Rehabilitation Services invite you to a celebration on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Longview Workforce Solutions Center.
The event marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, honoring the skills and contributions that people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Join us for inspiring stories, employer insights, networking, and resources to help create workplaces where all abilities thrive.
This event is open to the public; however, registration is highly encouraged. |
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| Open to the Public: ETCOG 101 Workshop to be Held on Sept. 30 |
| Whether you’re a board member, elected official, community partner, or simply curious about how regional collaboration works, this workshop is for you.
ETCOG 101 is a great chance to learn how we serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments. From job training and transportation to emergency communications and aging services, we’re here to support what makes East Texas strong.
Join us to:
- Understand our mission and regional initiatives.
- Explore how ETCOG contributes to shaping the future of East Texas.
- Connect with fellow partners and ETCOG leadership.
The workshop will be held in person at ETCOG’s main office located at 3800 Stone Road in Kilgore, TX. |
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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| Get Help with Medicare Open Enrollment
Navigating Medicare can be complicated. We can help! Contact our AAA staff at (800) 442-8845 to compare your options. Medicare Open Enrollment is is held each year from October 15 to December 7th. |
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| Veteran Friendly Community Call for Applications
ETCOG will issue a call for applications this month for our Veteran Friendly Community Designation Program. Learn more at www.etcog.org/
veteran-friendly-community. |
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High Demand Job Training Grant
ETCOG staff are here to assist agencies looking to apply for the High Demand Job Training Grant. Texas Workforce Commission offers the HDJT Program which supports partnerships between local workforce development boards and Type A or Type B Economic Development Corporations. |
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| Board of Directors Meeting
Don’t miss our 108th Semi-Annual Board of Directors meeting will be held on September 18th at the Rusk County Youth Expo Center and Arena in Henderson, Texas. Register: www.etcog.org/open-meetings. |
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| GoBus Facility Ribbon Cutting
We’ve moved in! Please save the date to celebrate. ETCOG will host a ribbon cutting for the opening of its new GoBus Maintenance Facility on November 13th. |
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| Hiring Red, White, & You!
This annual hiring event is part of a statewide initiative to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and their families with employers who value their experience and commitment. Join us on November 5th at Maude Cobb in Longview from 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM. |
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