Texas Association of Regional Councils

TARC e-Learning: Older Americans Month Series - Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) Older Adult Low Income Assistance Programs
2022-05-26 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago)
Older Americans Month Series #4

The Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) will present the purpose, type of assistance, eligibility, and how to apply for the following programs that serve low income elderly or disabled households:

Texas Mortgage Assistance Program (TMAP)

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Food Distribution

Housing Stability Services (HSS)

Legal Assistance

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (TXHAF)

Weatherization Assistance Program

Homeowner Mortgage Assistance

Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Older Americans Month Series - How Community Health Workers (CHWs) Improve Services to Older Adults in Underserved Hispanic/Latino Communities
2022-05-19 10:30 - 11:30
Older Americans Month Series #3

MHP Salud's Program Director, Shannon Patrick, will join us to discuss their ACL-funded Minority Technical Assistance Resource Center. She will introduce the Community Health Worker (CHW) profession and the CHW role in improving services to older Hispanic/Latino adults within AAAs. She will share examples of CHW-led programming for Hispanic/Latino communities and how CHWs may be utilized to reach other diverse communities. Finally, we will end by facilitating a discussion with attendees on how CHWs can improve outreach, engagement, as well as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in AAAs and similar organizations.

For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: They Did What? Using Grant Programs to Enhance Regional Preparedness
2022-05-18 14:00 - 15:00
The North Central Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Department has facilitated several regional projects that have resulted in valuable resources that can be used by stakeholders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. These projects assist our stakeholders in elevating their Emergency Management Programs by providing templates, guidance, and resource lists that can be used in all Emergency Management Mission Areas. These resources are publicly available and affirms the North Central Texas Council of Governments Emergency Preparedness Department’s commitment to using the State Homeland Security Program and Urban Area Security Initiative resources to achieve the National Preparedness Goal.
For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Older Americans Month Series – COVID-19 in 2022: Consumer Issues Affecting Older Adults
2022-05-12 10:30 - 11:30
Older Americans Month Series #2
Since COVID-19 began, Texas has seen numerous forms of new scams both related to COVID-19 and simply utilizing the chaos of the pandemic and the ever-changing reality we now live in to harm older Texans. The Office of the Texas Attorney General works to protect Texans from such fraud and abuse by accepting complaints, investigating and prosecuting these crimes and educating Texans on how to identify, report, and avoid these scams. During this webinar, the Texas Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division will share information to help educate and protect older Texans against emerging COVID-19 scams and existing scams such as IRS impersonation calls that are prevalent today as well as share important resources for those serving older adults on how to protect and assist your clients.
For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Grants Management Series #1 – ARPA/IIJA 101
2022-05-11 14:00 - 15:00
Grants Management Series #1
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding is being distributed rapidly to state and local government agencies. However, many recipients are new to federal grant funding or overwhelmed with the requirements associated with these funding programs. During this session, Rachel Werner and MJ White, grants subject matter experts, will talk about ARPA and IIJA, why it is essential, and what recipients should know when administering the funds.
*TARC will be offering up to 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this session.
For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Older Americans Month Series - Expanding Possibilities with the Talking Book Program
2022-05-05 10:30 - 11:30
Older Americans Month Series #1
Did you know that Texans with a visual, physical, or reading disability have access to a free library program? Sometimes, the act of curling up with a good book or magazine can be difficult or impossible. The small things sighted people take for granted like reading a menu on a night out or reading that bestseller from that one author. Thanks to the Talking Book Program (TBP) at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), and new technology, there are many options available to help older Texans maintain the ability to read with access to books, magazines, and more.
For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Sustainability Makeover - Learning by Example
2022-04-27 10:00 - 11:00
Organizations cannot live by grants alone. Funding diversity is necessary for organizational sustainability. And when you have a plan in place, it is so much easier to answer the sustainability question in grant applications. This three-part series will explain the multi-faceted approach to funding an organization, including partnerships with area agencies. Learn about sustainability, pick up a few resources, and then share with your own community partners.
In the final hour-long webinar of the Sustainability Training Series, we will discuss examples of “the good, the bad, and the ugly” ways to answer typical sustainability questions. Bring your own questions and suggestions about the grant sustainability responses you’ve written or reviewed. This will be a fast-paced, interactive session. You will also receive access to resources on sustainability.
For more information, email tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Sustainability - More than Money?
2022-04-20 10:00 - 11:00
Organizations cannot live by grants alone. Funding diversity is necessary for organizational sustainability. And when you have a plan in place, it is so much easier to answer the sustainability question in grant applications. This three-part series will explain the multi-faceted approach to funding an organization, including partnerships with area agencies. Learn about sustainability, pick up a few resources, and then share with your own community partners.
In part two of this three-part training, discover and discuss innovative ways to document sustainability outside of grants and other traditional funding. Each session includes live chat and Q&As to get your specific questions answered and to share successes and resources along the way.
For more information, email tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Sustainability - The Million Dollar Question
2022-04-13 10:00 - 11:00
Organizations cannot live by grants alone. Funding diversity is necessary for organizational sustainability. And when you have a plan in place, it is so much easier to answer the sustainability question in grant applications. This three-part series will explain the multi-faceted approach to funding an organization, including partnerships with area agencies. Learn about sustainability, pick up a few resources, and then share with your own community partners.
Looking for ways to help your client agencies thrive? Join expert international trainers Amanda Day, GPC, and Kimberly Hays de Muga, GPC, in a lively interactive discussion. We’ll start with defining sustainability in today’s challenging times and discuss opportunities for alternative sources of revenue and funding for government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
For more information, contact tarc@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC Bi-Annual Staff Training & Board of Directors Meeting
2022-02-09 08:00 - 2022-02-11 12:00
The Texas Association of Regional Councils will be gathering in person once again!
Please mark your calendars to join us in Austin February 9-11, 2022 for the TARC Bi-Annual Staff Training and Board of Directors Meeting.
Click the link above to see the current DRAFT schedule of events. Meeting times and locations are subject to change. Check back often to see the latest updates. Use the links below to register and make hotel reservations. Please note, all reservation updates and changes must be made by January 24, 2022.
Click here to register!
To make hotel reservations, CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Kimberly Lile Dowty at kliledowty@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Public Education for Rural Emergency Communications
2022-01-12 14:00 - 15:00
Public safety education is key to teaching adults and children to properly use 9-1-1 in an emergency. Education campaigns have been successful throughout the years but with Next Generation 9-1-1 and Text-to-9-1-1 being implemented across the state, the need for public education is increasing once again. Getting the word out to rural service areas can be a challenge. How can regional 9-1-1 programs promote the use of these new technologies? Join us as we hear from 2 regional 9-1-1 programs about innovative and cost-effective strategies they’ve found to keep their rural areas educated and engaged!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2360062546468983054

TARC e-Learning: The Local Government Cost of Providing Mental Health Services
2021-11-16 14:00 - 15:00
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) recently published dashboards estimating the cost to local governments of services for people experiencing a mental health crisis. As part of the All Texas Access project, HHSC collaborated with local mental and behavioral health providers to study the costs of local government response to those experiencing a mental health crisis and the quantitative impact on the community. In this webinar, staff will share their findings and will review the cost model dashboard created as part of the All Access Texas project and how the project will use the data to identify and address the needs throughout the state.

For more information and to register, email Kim at klile@txregionalcouncil.org.

SART Basics for Counties Interested in Regional Response
2021-11-11 10:00 - 11:00
To assist counties and COGs as they stand up the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), TARC, CJCAT and TAASA will partner to provide a series of webinars to offer technical assistance. These webinars are open to all county judges, commissoners and COG staff. In this webinar, we will hear how to set up a regional SART for counties of 250,000 and smaller and learn what COGs can do to assist with meeting these statutory requirements.
Click here to register.

SART Basics for Large Counties
2021-10-26 10:00 - 11:00
To assist counties and COGs as they stand up the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), TARC, CJCAT and TAASA will partner to provide a series of webinars to offer technical assistance. These webinars are open to all county judges, commissoners and COG staff. In this webinar, we will have a panel of experts to talk through the first steps of starting a SART for counties with more than 250,000.
Click here to register.

SART Basics - What is a SART?
2021-10-21 10:00 - 11:00
To assist counties and COGs as they stand up the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), TARC, CJCAT and TAASA will partner to provide a series of webinars to offer technical assistance. These webinars are open to all county judges, commissoners and COG staff. This is the first in our SART series.
To register, click here.

TARC September 2021 Bi-Annual Staff Training & Annual Board of Directors Meeting
2021-09-07 09:00 - 2021-09-10 12:00
Due to the current status of COVID-19 in Texas and to ensure the safety of all TARC members, the September 2021 TARC Bi-Annual Staff Training and Annual Board of Directors Meeting will be held virtually for the staff training and in-person for the TARC Executive Directors Council & Board of Directors or a hybrid format. While we wish we were able to see each of you in person in next month, with cases spiking and the future trajectory unknown, the TARC team will deliver the stellar content you have come to expect at each TARCmeeting in this hybrid format.
To register for the meeting, visit https://TARC.regfox.com/tarc-september-2021-meeting.
As you will see on the draft schedule, the meeting kicks off on Tuesday, September 7 at 9:00 am with the TARC staff association trainings & meetings. These meetings will take place over 2 days to allow for more in-depth training and collaboration among your peers. Committees will take place virtually on Thursday morning and we will gather in-person for the Executive Directors’ Council and Board of Directors meetings Thursday afternoon and Friday morning at the Texas Association of Regional Councils office building at 1210 San Antonio, 4th floor conference center, Austin, TX 78701. Agendas for each of these meetings are in development and will be shared with each of you soon. If you have suggestions for speakers or topics you would like us to include in any of these meetings, please let us know.
TARC staff will be sending out additional information in the coming weeks. Please reach out to tarc@txregionalcouncil.org should you have any questions or concerns.

TARC e-Learning: HHSC Partner Refresher Series- Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Services
2021-06-29 10:30 - 11:30
Please join us for a presentation by Haley Turner, Associate Commissioner, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services at the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). She will be presenting about the role of IDD Services, the local intellectual and developmental disability authority, and information about different safety net services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more information, please contact Talia Milan.

TARC Executive Directors' Council & Board of Directors Meeting
2021-06-03 11:30 - 2021-06-04 12:00
In response to COVID-19, the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) continues to monitor federal and local health and safety information along with direction from local elected officials to determine the delivery of the June TARC Executive Directors' Council and Board of Directors Meeting.
The TARC Executive Directors' Council and Board of Directors Meeting will be held in a hybrid format. For those wishing to join in person, the meeting will be held at The Driskill in downtown Austin. A small block of rooms is available.
Click here to make a reservation.
The cut-off date for reservations is Friday, May 21, 2021.
Access information for those joining virtually will be provided approximately one week prior to the meeting. Please reach out to tarc@txregionalcouncil.org should you have any questions or concerns. We will be sure to communicate information as we move forward and look forward to providing training and updates to assist you in continuing to provide exemplary service to the regions you serve.

TARC Spring 2021 Staff Training & Board of Directors Meeting
2021-03-30 09:00 - 2021-04-02 12:00
The Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) has continually monitored federal and local health and safety information and direction from local elected officials and has determined that the Spring TARC meeting will be held as a virtual event.
Now that Winter Storm Uri has passed, we are thrilled to announce that the TARC Spring Virtual Staff Training & Board of Directors Meeting has been rescheduled and will take place March 30 - April 2, 2021. The schedule for the meeting is linked above and TARC staff will be sending out additional information for virtual participation in the coming weeks. Please reach out to tarc@txregionalcouncil.org should you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to providing this training and updates to assist you in continuing to provide exemplary service to the regions you serve.

Click here to Register!

Update: TARC February 2021 Bi-Annual Staff Training & Board of Directors Meeting
2021-02-16 09:00 - 2021-02-19 12:00
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Events Cancelled

Due to continued extreme weather conditions and power and cellular outages in Austin, like many of you the majority of the TARC staff has no reliable heat, electricity or internet. Our ability to respond and communicate is extremely limited at this time. Please note we will respond to you as soon as we are able.
We know many of you are experiencing similar conditions around the state. As a result and in consultation with TARC President Judge Justin Lewis, we will be cancelling Wednesday and Thursday TARC trainings and meetings other than a brief Executive Directors Council check-in at noon Thursday. We hope for better conditions and the ability to host you all virtually for the TARC Board meeting on Friday but ask you have patience as these decisions are made.
We apologize for any delays and thank you for your understanding! Stay warm and safe!!! We will get through this challenge together.

TARC e-Learning: Decoded©: Assessing Compliance Risk in Public Sector Grants and Building a Monitoring Plan
2020-12-07 14:00 - 15:00
The Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.331(a) requires Prime Grantees who receive federal funds to perform a risk assessment for all subrecipients of the federal funds prior to award. In a 2018 grant survey respondents indicated a struggle with developing Risk Assessments as well as staff and resources to execute an annual process. This session will help regional councils and local governments better understand the Uniform Guidance risk assessment and monitoring requirements and explore potential ways to cultivate a risk assessment from existing data and develop a monitoring plan. Throughout this training, attendees will:

Explore 2 CFR 200 Section 200.331(a) requirements for assessing Subrecipient non-compliance risk prior to grant award
Examine ways to cultivate a risk assessment from existing data
Learn how to develop a Monitoring Plan based on the risk assessment

For more information and to register, email Kim at klile@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Decoded©: Pass-Through Entity Requirements (PTE)
2020-11-20 14:00 - 15:00
In this webinar, we will explore Uniform Guidance for 2 CFR 200.331 Pass Through Requirements for federal grants. We’ll discuss proposed changes to Uniform Guidance and how they affect Pass Through requirements. We’ll explore frequently overlooked requirements, such as Pre-Award Risk Assessments, Suspended and Debarred and Special Conditions. We’ll review how to determine the difference between subrecipients and vendors, a still much misunderstood differentiation. We’ll also discuss subrecipient monitoring – how much is too much and what is my bare minimum? Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify Uniform Guidance for 2 CFR 200.331 Pass Through Requirements for federal grants
Evaluate how proposed changes to Uniform Guidance will affect their organization
Determine the difference between subrecipients and vendors
Determine the appropriate level of subrecipient monitoring

TARC is pleased to offer 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this training.
For more information and to register, email Kim at klile@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: CARES Policy and Procedures Updates
2020-11-13 14:00 - 15:00
In this webinar, we will explore CARES policy and procedures updates from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum “M-20-26” from June 18, 2020. The memorandum addresses various flexibilities federal awarding agencies have regarding administrative, financial, and audit requirements for recipients. The pandemic and the following relief package have called for entities to change. The course will be examining the Allowability of Costs and Policies and Procedures. Some of the specific changes for entities have been to create and/or modify their policies and procedures concerning emergency contingencies and implement operational changes to address the pandemic environment as decisions are made. Throughout this webinar, participants will explore the newest updates to the CARES Act, gain further understanding of which procedures are affected by the "M-20-26" memorandum, and come away with a fuller understanding of federal purchasing requirements under the CARES Act.

TARC is pleased to offer 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this training.
For more information and to register, email Kim at klile@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC e-Learning: Community Flood Planning Resources
2020-11-12 10:30 - 11:30
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers federally-backed flood insurance to properties while also reducing flood risks through the adoption of floodplain management standards. Please join us for this webinar where representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Texas Water Development Board will discuss local, state, and federal roles in the NFIP, incentives for higher standards such as the Community Rating System, flood insurance basics, myths and facts.

For more information and to register, email Kim at klile@txregionalcouncil.org.

TARC September 2020 Bi-Annual Staff Training & Annual Board of Directors Meeting
2020-09-16 - 2020-09-18
The Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) has continually monitored federal and local health and safety information, direction from local elected officials, along with direction from the host hotel to determine if the September TARC Bi-Annual Staff Training & Annual Board of Directors Meeting could be held in person. Based on information from these sources and our main goal of creating an event with attendee health and safety as the most pressing consideration, the September TARC meeting will be held as a virtual event.
The TARC September 2020 Virtual Bi-Annual Staff Training & Annual Board of Directors Meeting will take place September 16-18, 2020. TARC staff will be sending out additional information for virtual participation in the coming weeks. Please reach out to tarc@txregionalcouncil.org should you have any questions or concerns. We will be sure to communicate information as we move forward and look forward to providing training and updates to assist you in continuing to provide exemplary service to the regions you serve.
Click here to register for this meeting.

TARC e-Learning: Grants Management Ask the Expert
2020-08-04 10:30 - 11:30
As funding continues to become available in response to COVID-19, it is important to ensure compliance with all the rules and requirements governing the use of these funds. To assist councils of governments ensure they have the most up-to-date information about federal funds management, the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) has teamed up with federal grant compliance expert Chrissie Angeletti to offer the TARC e-Learning Summer Grants Management Skills Development Series.
This skills development webinar series is geared toward all COG staff, Executive Directors, and elected officials who play a role in federal grant management and administration. Throughout this three-part series, attendees will hear about updates to federal grants management requirements, learn best practices for tracking costs and documentation, and get the opportunity to ask the expert your pressing grants management questions.
Have a grant management question or looking for solutions to common issues? Join Chrissie Angeletti as she shares strategies and ideas for how to tackle your grants management challenges in this interactive webinar. TARC is pleased to offer up to 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this webinar.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Lile Dowty.

TARC e-Learning: Grants Document & Data Management
2020-07-15 10:30 - 11:30
As funding continues to become available in response to COVID-19, it is important to ensure compliance with all the rules and requirements governing the use of these funds. To assist councils of governments ensure they have the most up-to-date information about federal funds management, the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) has teamed up with federal grant compliance expert Chrissie Angeletti to offer the TARC e-Learning Summer Grants Management Skills Development Series.
This skills development webinar series is geared toward all COG staff, Executive Directors, and elected officials who play a role in federal grant management and administration. Throughout this three-part series, attendees will hear about updates to federal grants management requirements, learn best practices for tracking costs and documentation, and get the opportunity to ask the expert your pressing grants management questions.
In this session, we will review best practices for managing grant documents and data to help you and your organization be prepared for reporting and monitoring requirements. TARC is pleased to offer up to 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this webinar.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Lile Dowty.

TARC e-Learning: 2CFR200 Refresher
2020-06-24 10:30 - 11:30
As funding continues to become available in response to COVID-19, it is important to ensure compliance with all the rules and requirements governing the use of these funds. To assist councils of governments ensure they have the most up-to-date information about federal funds management, the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) has teamed up with federal grant compliance expert Chrissie Angeletti to offer the TARC e-Learning Summer Grants Management Skills Development Series.
This skills development webinar series is geared toward all COG staff, Executive Directors, and elected officials who play a role in federal grant management and administration. Throughout this three-part series, attendees will hear about updates to federal grants management requirements, learn best practices for tracking costs and documentation, and get the opportunity to ask the expert your pressing grants management questions.
Join us for a review of 2CFR200, general grant compliance, and discussion of accounting and financial reporting for various CARES Act and other federal grant programs. TARC is pleased to offer up to 1 hour of CPE for certified public accountants for this webinar.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Lile Dowty.

TARC Executive Directors' Council & Board of Directors Meeting
2020-06-04 - 2020-06-05

TARC e-Learning: Using Social Media to Inform the Public
2020-05-06 11:00 - 12:00
Join two digital marketing and public relations pros from Elizabeth Christian Public Relations for tips, tricks and best practices on how to make efficient use of the social media platforms that matter most to your area citizens. We'll also hear from one region about how they've used social media successfully and lessons learned. You can brush up on the basics of posting, tagging and engagement as well as learning more about targeting people in your region specifically with boosting and more. @HouGalvAreaCog @ECPRaustin
Click here to register.
