ARLINGTON, Texas - The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) Executive Board has approved a settlement agreement intended to resolve a lawsuit over regional transportation governance, paving the way for a new framework that officials say will strengthen cooperation and keep billions of dollars in transportation funding on track.
The settlement addresses the previously disclosed litigation, County of Denton, Texas v. Victoria Johnson, In Her Official Capacity, et al., filed by Denton County and the Regional Transportation Council (RTC).
Before the agreement becomes final, it must be approved and signed by the Regional Transportation Council. The RTC is expected to consider the settlement during its meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13.
New Agreement Clarifies Leadership Roles
NCTCOG officials said the Executive Board's decision reflects a commitment to moving beyond litigation and refocusing on the agency's mission of serving North Texas communities through regional cooperation.
Under federal law, every major metropolitan area receiving federal transportation funding must have a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for developing long-range transportation plans, approving projects eligible for billions of dollars in federal funding, and coordinating planning among local governments and transportation agencies.
For decades, those responsibilities have been carried out through a partnership involving NCTCOG, the Regional Transportation Council and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
The proposed settlement formally recognizes the Regional Transportation Council as the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization while reaffirming NCTCOG's longstanding role as the fiscal agent and administrative partner.
As part of the agreement, the Executive Board approved a new Metropolitan Planning Agreement with TxDOT naming the RTC as the MPO. The board also approved an operating agreement defining the responsibilities of both organizations.
Once finalized, the Transportation Director, also referred to as the MPO Director, will report directly to the RTC. NCTCOG will continue providing financial, human resources, administrative and technical support for the Transportation Department's more than 200 employees, allowing day-to-day operations to continue without interruption.
Officials Say Settlement Benefits the Region
Executive Board President Jennifer Justice, who also serves on the Richardson City Council, said resolving the dispute allows the organization to focus on serving North Texas residents.
"This agreement positions NCTCOG to move forward with clarity and focus," Justice said. "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."
According to NCTCOG, the Executive Board approved the settlement after consulting with independent legal counsel and concluded that resolving the litigation is in the best interests of the region.
If approved by the Regional Transportation Council on Aug. 13, the agreement will formally conclude the litigation and establish a new governance structure for regional transportation planning across North Central Texas.
