NCTCOG Executive Board Approves Settlement Agreement, Advances Toward Resolution

August 6, 2026 (Arlington, TEXAS) – The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) announced today that its Executive Board has voted to approve a settlement agreement to resolve the previously disclosed litigation (County of Denton, Texas v. Victoria Johnson, In Her Official Capacity, et al.) brought by Denton County and the Regional Transportation Council (RTC). The agreement next goes to RTC for approval and signature, which is required before the settlement becomes final and binding. RTC is anticipated to consider this item at its next meeting on Thursday, August 13.

The decision of the Executive Board, which is composed of locally elected officials representing NCTCOG's 238 member governments, reflects its commitment to moving past the distractions of litigation and keeping the focus on the agency’s mission: helping North Texas communities work together to improve transportation, public safety, emergency response, air quality, and other regional priorities.

“The Executive Board has worked tirelessly to bring this matter toward resolution,” said Jennifer Justice, Executive Board President and Richardson City Councilmember. "This agreement positions NCTCOG to move forward with clarity and focus. Once finalized, this resolution will let our Board and staff direct their energy where it belongs — helping capitalize on regional opportunities, using taxpayer resources wisely, and delivering better services for the nearly 9 million people who call North Central Texas home.”

Federal law requires every large metropolitan area receiving federal transportation funds to have a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to develop the region’s long-range transportation plan, approve transportation projects eligible for billions of dollars in federal funding, and coordinate planning among cities, counties, and transit agencies. For decades, this process has been handled through a partnership between NCTCOG, RTC, and TxDOT.

The new agreement establishes a clear governance framework by formally recognizing RTC as the MPO while reaffirming NCTCOG's longstanding and essential role as fiscal agent and administrative partner. Together, the organizations can move forward with clearly defined responsibilities and a renewed focus on delivering coordinated transportation solutions that benefit communities across North Central Texas.

Under the terms of the settlement, the Executive Board approved a new Metropolitan Planning Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), naming RTC as the MPO and confirming NCTCOG's continued role as fiscal agent. The Board also approved a companion operating agreement between NCTCOG and the RTC that defines each organization's functional roles and responsibilities in carrying out that TxDOT agreement. Once finalized, the Transportation Director (or MPO Director) will report directly to the RTC, while NCTCOG continues to provide financial, HR, administrative, and technical support for the Transportation Department's 200-plus employees, ensuring day-to-day operations continue without interruption.

The Executive Board's approval followed a thorough review process, including consultation with independent legal counsel, and reflects the Board's collective judgment that resolution of the matter is in the best interests of the region. NCTCOG looks forward to RTC’s final approval so the matter can be fully and formally closed.

About the North Central Texas Council of Governments: 

NCTCOG is a voluntary association of 238 local governments serving a 16-county region centered around Dallas-Fort Worth. Established in 1966, the organization provides regional planning, coordination, and technical expertise in transportation, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, public safety, workforce development, and human services for the region's more than 8.9 million residents.