Texoma Economic Development District | Texoma Council of Governments

Executive Director: Eric M. Bridges

Staff: GIS & Planning Program Manager Molly Guard, Regional Services Coordinator Mailinh Nguyen

CEDS Strategy Committee: Audrey Schroyer, Gainesville Economic Development Corporation; Lewanda Diaz, Grayson College; Marsha Lindsey, Workforce Solutions Texoma; Stephen Filipowicz, Bonham Economic Development Corporation; Karen Stidham, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Grayson College

TCOG Governing Board Members: President Honorable Jeff Whitmire, Precinct 1 Commissioner, Grayson County; Vice President Honorable Randy Moore, County Judge, Fannin County; Secretary/Treasurer Honorable Ken Keeler, Ward 4 Councilmember, City of Gainesville; Honorable Adam Arendt, Precinct 3 Commissioner, Cooke County; Honorable Nathan Caldwell, Mayor, City of Callisburg; Honorable H.L. Compton, Mayor, City of Bonham; Honorable Juston Dobbs, Council at Large, City of Sherman; Honorable Daniel Harrison, Mayor, City of Tom Bean; Honorable Edwina Lane, Community Representative, Fannin County; Ms. Karla Metzler, College Representative, North Central Texas College; Honorable Scott Neu, Community Representative, Cooke County; Honorable James Thorne, Council Place 2, City of Denison; Mr. Bryan E. Wilson, Community Representative, Grayson County

TCOG is happy to share our 2022-2027 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Please email your comments to mguard@tcog.com by 7/21/22. We appreciate your input.

Texoma Economic Development District | Texoma Council of Governments

Executive Director: Eric M. Bridges

Staff: GIS & Planning Program Manager Molly Guard, Program Planner Catherine Krantz, Regional Services Coordinator Mailinh Nguyen

CEDS Strategy Committee: Audrey Schroyer, Gainesville Economic Development Corporation; Lewanda Diaz, Grayson College; Marsha Lindsey, Workforce Solutions Texoma; Stephen Filipowicz, Bonham Economic Development Corporation; Karen Stidham, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Grayson College

TCOG Governing Board Members: President Honorable Jeff Whitmire, Precinct 1 Commissioner, Grayson County; Vice President Honorable Randy Moore, County Judge, Fannin County; Secretary/Treasurer Honorable Ken Keeler, Ward 4 Councilmember, City of Gainesville; Honorable Adam Arendt, Precinct 3 Commissioner, Cooke County; Honorable Nathan Caldwell, Mayor, City of Callisburg; Honorable H.L. Compton, Mayor, City of Bonham; Honorable Juston Dobbs, Council at Large, City of Sherman; Honorable Daniel Harrison, Mayor, City of Tom Bean; Honorable Edwina Lane, Community Representative, Fannin County; Ms. Karla Metzler, College Representative, North Central Texas College; Honorable Scott Neu, Community Representative, Cooke County; Honorable James Thorne, Council Place 2, City of Denison; Mr. Bryan E. Wilson, Community Representative, Grayson County

Summary Background

Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) is designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as the Economic Development District for the Texoma region of Texas (Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties). As such, TCOG is responsible for facilitating the creation of a five year planning document or Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). The CEDS is created through a rigorous locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process guided by a committee of stakeholders from each of the three counties in the Texoma region.

In Texoma, Grayson County continues to be the fastest growing of the three counties with Cooke County second and Fannin County third. The change in population from our 2016-21 CEDS and the projected population growth for the 2021-27 CEDS both echo a trend we are seeing on a national level. Urban areas are growing at rapid rates while rural areas are growing at a slow and steady pace. Perhaps the most notable changes for Texoma lie in the changing racial demographics of the growth. Dealing with population growth and demographic changes will be challenges that must be considered in economic development for the region.

Another challenge for the region is the shortage of available housing. This is an issue for all of the cities in the region and is a major issue in economic development. A growing workforce is needed for new industry and business, and this workforce must be housed. Housing shortages hinder the ability of cities and counties to attract new business for fears that there will not be enough housing to support the workforce needed.

Transportation continues to be a challenge for the region. Many of the region’s residents live in rural areas (where job opportunities are scarce) and face the dilemma of finding affordable, reliable transportation to commute to more densely populated areas for employment, services or medical appointments. The recent COVID 19 pandemic has created more disruption in Texoma. Although the unemployment rate has changed minimally, many businesses have faltered. In response to the pandemic, TCOG developed a 2020-2022 Business Disaster Mitigation Plan to assist the region in becoming more resilient.

In addition to the plan, there are strengths in the region to help Texoma address these challenges. Natural resources and the friendly laid back characteristic of the area provide lifestyle accommodations that are commonly sought by employers to attract a larger workforce pool. Ecotourism continues to bolster economic health as well as the region’s many creative industries such as craft beverage and the natural and organic industry that relies heavily on our natural resources.

As the population in the region increases, it will be vitally important to expand business and employment. TCOG has combined efforts with local economic development professionals
and will strive to create resilient regional business communities throughout the region with the following goals:

• Regional Resource for Info
• Partner in Grant Research
• Regional ED Partnership
• Regional Planning & Economic Resilience
• Regional Community & Social Services Resource

This 2021 Community Needs Assessment (CNA) was conducted following guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; however, additional information on poverty is included in the report so that there is a more complete picture of poverty in the Texoma region, and in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. The Texoma region consists of these three counties in north-central Texas. Grayson is the most populous and most urban, while Cooke and Fannin counties have smaller populations and are more rural.

As a public community action agency that receives Community Services Block Grant funding, Texoma Council of Governments engages in a community needs assessment every three years as mandated by the federal government, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, information memorandums 49 and 138. The CNA is utilize to develop a five-year (5) strategic plan to address poverty as well as annual Community Action Plans.

Overall, poverty rates are higher for female-headed families with children than for married-couple families with children. In fact, female-headed households have some of the highest rates in the region. Maps from Community Commons illustrate where poverty is concentrated in census tracts by county, and by town. The needs data indicate five major needs for the region, and for each county. These needs are:

• Affordable housing
• Utility Assistance
• Food Insecurity
• Transportation Issues/Gas Money
• Medical/Mental Health, and
• Childhood Poverty and Education Issues were also noted

County needs are prioritized somewhat differently (below).

Summertastic! Texoma Youth Activity Guide, 2019 Edition

This 2018 Community Needs Assessment was conducted following guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs; however, additional information on poverty is included in the report so that there is a more complete picture of poverty in the Texoma Region, and in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. The Texoma region consists of these three counties in north-central Texas. Grayson is the most populous and most urban, while Cooke and Fannin counties have a smaller population and are more rural.

A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data for this assessment. These methods were both qualitative (TCOG Client Lifecycle study, focus groups), and quantitative (US Census data, an organization survey, and regional 2-1-1 call assistance data). Data sources for this assessment include the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, 2012–2016 (ACS 2016), with 2016 estimates used whenever possible, as well as Community Commons maps, with data usually from the ACS 2016.

The data indicate five major needs for the region, and for each county. These needs are 1) medical/mental health care providers and facilities, and more access to those that exist in the region; 2) safe, affordable, adequate housing; 3) available, accessible, reliable and affordable transportation (both public and private); 4) additional resources/programs that provide utility assistance, especially emergency assistance; and, 5) available, nutritious, affordable food (food insecurity and food deserts). Needs stemming from childhood poverty and the availability and access to early childhood education also are noted as needs. County needs are prioritized somewhat differently (below).

The Assessment concludes with county strengths and weaknesses, trends, barriers to addressing needs, prioritized needs and suggested actions.

Texoma Economic Development District | Texoma Council of Governments

Executive Director: Susan B. Thomas, PhD

Staff: Deputy Executive Director Dr. Randy McBroom, GIS & Planning Program Manager Michael Schmitz, Economic Development Planner Nicole George

Austin College Interns: Alison Boehmer, Juan Borda, Cody Derrick, Wes Nichols, Milo Opdahl

CEDS Strategy Committee: Terrence Steele, Texoma Workforce Solutions; Gretchen Huff, Grayson College; Monte Walker, Howe Economic Development Corporation; Walter Menjivar, Local Business Owner, La Placita, Sherman, TX; Stephen J. Filipowicz, Executive Director, Bonham Economic Development Organization

TCOG Governing Board Members: President Honorable Jason Brinkley, County Judge, Cooke County; Vice President Kevin Couch, Council Member, City of Sherman; Secretary/Treasurer Honorable Creta L. Carter II, County Judge, Fannin County; Honorable Bob Thomas, Council Member, City of Bonham; Honorable Cliff Sicking, Cooke County Small City Representative, City of Muenster; Honorable David Turner, Grayson County Small City Representative, City of Southmayd; Honorable Jeff Whitmire, Commissioner, Precinct 01, Grayson County; Honorable Jim Goldsworthy, Mayor, City of Gainesville; Honorable Phyllis James, Community Representative, Grayson County; Honorable Ronnie Bruce, Fannin County Small City Representative, City of Ravenna; Honorable Teresa Adams, Council Member, City of Denison; Mr. Jason Fox, School District Representative, Bonham ISD; Mr. Dan Busch, Community Representative, Cooke County; Ms. Karla Metzler, College Representative, North Central Texas College; Reverend Cecil Jones, Community Representative, Fannin County; Representative Drew Springer (ex-officio), Texas State House District 68, Texas House of Representatives.

Executive Summary

Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) is designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as the Economic Development District for the Texoma region of Texas (Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties). As such, TCOG is responsible for facilitating the creation of a five year planning document or Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS). The CEDS is created through a rigorous locally-based, regionally-driven economic development planning process guided by a committee of stakeholders from each of the three counties in the Texoma region.

In Texoma, Grayson County continues to be the fastest growing of the three counties with Cooke County second and Fannin County third. The change in population from our 2012-17 CEDS and the projected population growth for the 2017-22 CEDS both echo a trend we are seeing on a national level. Urban areas are growing at rapid rates while rural areas are growing at a slow and steady pace. Perhaps the most notable changes for Texoma lie in the changing racial demographics of the growth. Hispanic populations now represent the fastest growing demographic group for Texoma. Culturally relevant solutions will need to be considered as issues which are experienced at higher rates among Hispanics move into the mainstream during this shift of racial demographics. Social issues that are seen in greater concentrations in the Hispanic communities may be felt on a broader scope. Dealing with population growth and demographic changes will be challenges that must be considered in economic development for the region.

Another challenge for the region is the shortage of available housing. This is an issue for all of the cities in the region and is a major issue in economic development. A growing workforce is needed for new industry and business, and this workforce must be housed. Housing shortages hinder the ability of cities and counties to attract new business for fears that there will not be enough housing to support the workforce needed. Another challenge for the region is transportation. Many of the region’s residents live in rural areas (where job opportunities are scarce) and face the dilemma of finding affordable, reliable transportation to commute to more densely populated areas for employment.

There are strengths in the region to help Texoma address these challenges. Natural resources and the friendly laid back characteristic of the area provide lifestyle accommodations that are commonly sought by employees to attract a larger workforce pool. Ecotourism continues to bolster economic health as well as the regions many creative industries such as craft beverage and the natural and organic industry that relies heavily on our natural resources.

2-1-1 Texoma has published a useful guide to provide you with information and resources for a variety of activities this summer.
See This Year's Guide