The Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission (GCRPC), a regional voluntary association of local governments and other agencies, is one of twenty-four (24) regional associations in Texas and one of 670 in the United States. Created in response to the regional Planning Act of 1965, as amended and codified, the GCRPC is defined as a political subdivision of the state. In part the law provides that "any two or more general purpose governmental units may join in the exercise, performance, and cooperation of planning, powers, duties and functions as provided by law for any or all such governmental units (Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 1011m)".
The basic responsibility of the GCRPC involves planning for the development of the region and assisting local governments in carrying out regional plans and recommendations. Since its inception in 1968, the GCRPC has grown to include comprehensive planning and service delivery in program areas such as aging, economic development, E9-1-1, solid waste management and rural transportation.
The policy making bodies of the GCRPC include a Board of Directors and the General Assembly. A system of policy advisory committees composed of elected officials and appointed local government officials and citizens assist in defining the needs of the region.
Funds are received from local, state and federal governments. The federal funds are "passed" through the state and local funding is composed of dues paid by member governments. Membership is open to all counties, cities, school districts and other nonprofit groups