In January of 1967, local elected officials in El Paso County joined together to form the El Paso Council of Governments. This organization was initiated to further intergovernmental cooperation and coordination in the planning, development and delivery of governmental services within El Paso County, Texas.
In 1971, the counties of Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Presidio and Brewster were included in the organization to form a truly “Regional” body, and the organization was renamed West Texas Council of Governments. In 1987, by vote of the membership, Doña Ana County, New Mexico and the local governments within were included as full members and the name of the organization was changed to the Rio Grande Council of Governments (RGCOG).
The RGCOG is a voluntary association of local units of government who work together to address issues of common concern and to pursue opportunities of common benefit.
While the RGCOG work program changes from year to year, depending upon federal, state, regional and local priorities, the framework of the organization and basic mission have not changed. The fundamental purposes of the RGCOG are included in the Local Government Code, the RGCOG By-laws and policy positions established by the Board of Directors and membership over the years.
The RGCOG is a conduit for many State and Federal grant programs in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
Mayor Cook was president from October 1, 2007 thru September 30, 2008. He is currently a member of the board of directors, representing the City of El Paso. He is also a member of the First Responders Preparedness Committee, Finance Committee, and the West Texas Economic Development District Board of Directors with the RGCOG.
print-version