Policy
Working Together for Better Government
The origin of Texas county governments extends from the idea of municipalities, the local unit of government, under Spanish and Mexican rule. Following the Texas Revolution, municipalities became counties. When Texas became a state in 1845 there were 36 original counties. After the Constitution of 1876 was adopted it detailed the governmental organization of counties as we know it today. Local governments continued to grow and by 1931 Texas had 254 counties. Urban counties represent over 80% of the Texas population.
Counties are extensions of state government, acting as an administrative arm of the state. They provide services including law enforcement, courts and jails, building and maintaining roads and bridges and are responsible for vital record keeping in the state such as property ownership and, birth, death and marriage certificates. With the vast amount of services provided at the county level we believe that local government is more responsive and accountable to citizens and communities and should be utilized for services whenever practical.
What is our Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) program?
How does it benefit our members?
What issues are important to urban counties?
Issues Facing Urban Counties Today
Public Health
Transportation & Infrastructure
Unfunded Mandates
Eminent Domain
Interlocal Agreements
Elections
Juvenile Programs
Indigent Defense
Justice Department
Emergency Services
Record Management
Environmental
Member Counties
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