Regional Services

The Regional Services Division includes six programs that further regional and community planning related to air quality, criminal justice planning, GIS mapping, regional planning, solid waste and community development block grants. The division helps communities acquire and maintain data, facilitates regional cooperation to address planning needs, and provides education and training in the review and update of planning documents. CAPCOG strives to offer a regional perspective to local planning needs. 

Air Quality

CAPCOG's Regional Air Quality Program provides technical assistance and information to area businesses, government entities, and community groups on regional air quality issues, with particular emphasis on air pollution related to ground-level ozone. CAPCOG's Air Quality Program staff members are involved in the assessment and reporting of activities required by TCEQ and EPA. They are also coordinating technical work, documentation and reporting needed to evaluate the ongoing implementation status of emission reduction measures and impacts on air quality.

Criminal Justice

CAPCOG is designated by the State of Texas Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, as the agency responsible for regional criminal justice coordination in the ten-county area of Region 12. CAPCOG's Criminal Justice Program provides technical assistance to those applying for grants through the Office of the Governor, coordinates the grant application review and prioritization process, and facilitates community planning for criminal justice-related activities.  

Economic Development

The Economic Development Program supports the Capital Area Economic Development District (CAEDD) through planning and technical assistance and development of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). CAPCOG provides assistance to communities in support of their local economic development efforts, including retail studies, fiscal and economic impact of analysis of economic development projects, state of the city/county presentations and training workshops.

GIS and Mapping

GIS and Mapping Program staff collect, assimilate, distribute, and present demographic, economic, political, infrastructure, and natural resource data in geospatial format and provide support services (e.g., mapping, GIS, and GPS) to member governments and the public. Additionally, CAPCOG works with the Geographic Information Planning Council (GISPC) to encourage data use and exchange within our region. The GISPC maintains an open forum for agencies, organizations and interested individuals within the Capital Area to promote cost-sharing, provide training, and offer technical support to local governments and their constituents.

Regional Planning

The Capital Area is connected by a regional transportation system that supports personal, commercial, and public mobility needs. CAPCOG Regional Planning Program staff work closely with transportation stakeholders in the Capital Area to identify and address regional challenges. CAPCOG supports the Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CARTPO). CARTPO enhances regional mobility through education, coordination, and advocacy. It serves as a forum for elected officials to come together on transportation issues to recommend changes in policy and practice, advocate for legislation, recommend regional priorities, direct planning and data initiatives, oversee the federally-prescribed local consultaion process and collaborate with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO). Program staff completed a regional growth assessment in 2010 and continues to track trends related to urban, suburban, and rural growth and development.

CAPCOG also coordinated the review of rural CDBG grants through the Regional Review Committee (RRC), a 12-member committee appointed by the Governor. The RRC develops scoring criteria and determines regional priorities for projects funded through two of the Texas Department of Rural Affairs (TDRA) finding categories: CDBG and the Community Development Supplemental Fund.

Solid Waste Planning

The CAPCOG Solid Waste Planning Program is designated by the state as the primary planning agency for solid waste management in Region 12. Each year, CAPCOG provides TCEQ funding for local government projects, including source reduction, recycling, solid waste studies, illegal dumping enforcement, household hazardous waste collections and public information efforts. CAPCOG also reviews applications for landfill permits and provides technical assistance on solid waste issues to local governments.

CAPCOG Solid Waste Program staff support the Capital Area Regional Environmental Task Force (RETF) is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement effort of 12 government agencies in Central Texas. This group was formed to address the problems associated with illegal dumping and other environmental crimes. CAPCOG provides centralized coordination for the Task Force which provides support with technical expertise, outreach and education, and training in environmental law. As part of its environmental enforcement initiatives, CAPCOG assists with tracking and reporting of illegal dumping across the region. To report illegal dumping, please fill out the online Illegal Dumping form.