SPAG Overview
SPAG is a voluntary association created by the local governments within state planning region two. Authorized by state law, SPAG is an independent political subdivision of the state and is an instrument of local governments. It is one of 24 such organizations in Texas.
The SPAG planning region, delineated by the Governor, encompasses 15 counties covering 13,737 square miles. Approximately 60% of the region's population is located in Lubbock County, which is geographically centered in the region. The economy is dominated by agriculture, agribusiness, and service industries.
Any local government in the 15-county area is eligible for membership in the association. All 15 counties, 46 cities, and 9 special purpose districts are participating members of SPAG.
Recognizing that more can be accomplished by acting together rather than alone, local governments created their association as a service organization for themselves. SPAG is charged with representing the interests of local governments of the region and facilitating orderly development of the economic, social, and physical environment. Acting through SPAG, local governments create opportunities based upon local needs and preferences.
Who
governs SPAG?
SPAG is controlled by the
local elected officials who created it. A General Assembly of local officials, with
population weighted representation from every local government member, meets annually. The
General Assembly approves an annual operating budget recommended by the Board of Directors
and sets the membership dues assessment rate. In addition, the General Assembly must
approve any changes to the association bylaws.
The Board of Directors, meeting monthly to provide policy direction, is the governing body of SPAG. Representation on the Board of Directors is population weighted with at least 1 member from every county. State law requires that at least two-thirds of the governing body be local elected officials. Those local officials on the Board of Directors are selected from the General Assembly. In addition, designated minority representatives may constitute one-fourth of the board membership.
Officers of the organization are elected by the Board of Directors. The officers, along with 2 designated minority members of the board, constitute an Executive Committee that meets monthly.
An extensive committee structure is maintained to advise the Board of Directors and staff. Private citizens serving on SPAG advisory committees are broadly representative of the region's geography and of its economic and social interests. All major programs of SPAG have associated advisory committees, which promote public participation and knowledge of SPAG activities.
How is SPAG financed?
Local government members of SPAG voluntarily pay annual
membership dues that they establish through their representatives on the Board of
Directors and the General Assembly. All other funding depends upon local financial
support, thereby assuring SPAG responsiveness to local interests. Other revenues are obtained through fees for services and through
reimbursement of costs associated with operation of programs on behalf of local
governments. Outside funding enables local governments to greatly multiply their
collective membership dues to provide services to citizens of the region.
What does SPAG do?
View the department links in the toolbar to learn about SPAG's various
services and programs.