Heart Information

The Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) is an organization of local governments working together voluntarily to solve mutual problems and plan for the future of the six county area. Currently, HOTCOG has over 80 member governments made up of: counties, cities, school districts, community colleges, and special districts. HOTCOG was originally established in 1966 and serves a geographic area covering Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. Regional councils, by law, are political subdivisions of the state; with authority to plan and initiate needed cooperative projects, but does not have powers to regulate or tax, which are exclusively assigned to cities and counties. As any other political subdivision, regional councils must abide by laws governing open meetings, open records and the conduct of public officials. HOTCOG is also required to obtain an annual audit to assure accountability of public funds. We are pleased to present the new online resource guide from Heart of Texas Council of Governments, covering everything from child care to senior living. You can view this guide much like an actual book, clicking the right or left arrow to go through the pages. To search for a particular item, you can use the magnifying glass icon in the lower right hand corner of the books window. Other duties include comprehensive planning for regional employment and training needs, criminal justice, economic development, Homeland Security, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1, solid waste, air quality, aging, transportation and rural development. HOTCOG also provides local governments with technical assistance and training. We invite you to click on the link below to take our Heart of Texas Region Survey on Public Transportation survey.