Central Texas Council of Governments

09/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to this year's Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC) Grant Award recipients!

♻️These investments will support projects that reduce waste, strengthen recycling efforts, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for our communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these projects across the region!

♻️♻️But wait, there's more! With the exception of the Thorndale project, these activities are open to anyone who lives within the CTCOG region, giving residents additional opportunities to participate, learn, and support environmental stewardship efforts in their communities.

♻️♻️♻️
Bell County | Scrap Tires | $15,000
City of Gatesville | Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) | $18,665.89
City of Hamilton | HHW & Scrap Tires | $20,000
City of Killeen | HHW | $15,000
City of Temple | HHW & Scrap Tires | $15,000
City of Thorndale | Recycle Program | $20,000

♻️♻️♻️♻️ Stay tuned for the dates!

| Keep Texas Beautiful |

09/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Planning & Zoning Training. We are excited by the strong turnout, but even more inspired by the environment created for stakeholders to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

A shoutout to Chance Sparks, FAICP, CNU-A, ENV SP, a proud Texan and urban planning expert, for sharing his expertise through a dynamic and informative presentation. Drawing from real-world experience, he offered valuable insights and practical lessons that inspired discussion, and professional growth.

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09/04/2026

Reimagining Public Transit - 9/4/2026 Last Day to Share

📝 Short Survey (3 minutes) https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/wJqS1uKQ0b

🔍 Detailed Survey (12 minutes)
Provide more in-depth feedback on transportation needs and priorities. https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/w4nArr3TME

✅ You only need to complete one survey.

To read the Public Transit Plan for FY27-31 https://bit.ly/3TfKogq

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09/02/2026

🚨 Central Texas has a new emergency alert system!

CTCOG has officially transitioned from CodeRED to Everbridge to help keep our communities informed during emergencies and other important events.

Everbridge alerts may include severe weather, fires, floods, road closures, utility issues, emergency information, and other important community notifications.

📲 Sign up today! Visit the link below, select your area, and follow the instructions to begin the registration process:

https://ctcog.org/everbridge-sign-up-links/

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay connected.

08/28/2026

What does a stronger Central Texas look like?

We'd love to hear from you. Comment in the chat or visit our website to submit your feedback using the online form.
https://bit.ly/4gzm7JY

The draft FY 2027-2032 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy outlines a shared vision for the future of Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba counties, with goals to:

✅ Improve emergency communications and response
✅ Help communities prepare for and recover from disasters
✅ Expand broadband access
✅ Protect water resources and critical infrastructure
✅ Support emerging industries and innovation
✅ Develop a skilled workforce
✅ Strengthen agriculture and rural economies
✅ And much more!

Together, these priorities help build a more resilient, connected, and prosperous Central Texas.

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08/24/2026

Is public transportation important to you and the people you care about?

Take our short survey and share your thoughts.

Short Survey https://bit.ly/4wRq0QL

Your feedback will help guide future discussions about transportation needs, services, and opportunities in our region.

Want to learn more about the future of public transit? https://bit.ly/4xUKust

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08/19/2026

🚍 A special thank you to Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, Inc. (HOCTIL) for inviting us to speak at the Bell County Committee for People with Disabilities meeting about the future of public transit.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and complete our survey. Your feedback will help guide transit planning for FY 2027-2031 and ensure we continue connecting people to jobs, services, healthcare, and opportunities.

Want to help shape the future of transit?

Take the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/w4nArr3TME

Want to learn more: https://bit.ly/4qtHzVt

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08/17/2026

Way to go, Casia! 👏🔥

Casia spotted a fire and knew exactly what to do. She got help there in time, and that is something worth celebrating!

This is a perfect example of why kids are **never too young to learn about 9-1-1**. Teaching children when and how to call 9-1-1, along with important information like their name, address, and phone number, can make a BIG difference when every second counts.

Want to practice with your kids? We have a **FREE downloadable coloring page** that makes learning about 9-1-1 fun while helping them learn their important information. 🖍️📱

Download it here:
https://ctcog-my.sharepoint.com/:i:/g/personal/alissa_spruill_ctcog_org/IQBouxhF1sWjRL7V-QotqB0RAbeNSQaoQ4ADwvESBAUHCzY?e=5ozUSW

Great job, Casia! You showed us that even our littlest community members can do BIG things. ❤️

Five years old. One very important decision. And a whole lot of people proud of her. 💙🙌🏼

When Casia spotted a fire on the balcony of an apartment, she knew something wasn’t right and ran to tell her mom. That simple decision helped get 911 called and the fire put out before it could spread.

Sgt. Arwood was so impressed with her actions that he nominated Casia and her mom, Casey, to be recognized with a CCPD Challenge Coin, and today we got to make it official. The Copperas Cove Fire Department made the day even sweeter with a challenge coin of their own and her very own fire helmet!

Of course, all of this happened during school hours, so we did the responsible thing and sent her back with an official excuse letter signed off on by Chief Wilson. 😂

“Sorry I missed school. I was being recognized by the Police Chief and Fire Department” is pretty hard to beat. 💅🏼

Way to go, Casia. You may be little, but what you did was a very big deal.

08/14/2026

We’re celebrating with you! 🎉

🎉 750,000 rides... and we're just getting started! 🎉

Since launching urban microtransit in September 2024, The HOP has provided more than 750,000 rides, helping thousands of people connect to work, school, healthcare, shopping, and everyday destinations across our communities.

This milestone wouldn't be possible without our incredible riders who choose The HOP every day, our dedicated drivers and staff who keep the service running safely and reliably, and the many community partners who support public transportation throughout Central Texas.

Every ride represents someone getting where they need to go, and we're proud to be part of those daily journeys.

Thank you for riding with us and helping make this milestone possible. Now, let's keep the momentum going as we work toward our next goal... 🚍 1 million rides!