About TCAG

The Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG) was formed by a joint powers agreement in 1971. The eight incorporated cities and the County of Tulare executed the agreement. The purpose of this formation was to:

• Assist local jurisdictions in obtaining federal assistance by providing advice, counsel, and professional direction.
• Review and coordinate applications for programs utilizing federal funding.
• Provide a clearinghouse for the coordination and review of all state funded projects.

TCAG serves as metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Tulare County and has responsibilities as Tulare County’s council of governments, transportation authority, and the regional transportation planning agency.

Members: Tulare County; Cities of Dinubia, Exeter, Farmersville, Lindsay, Porterville, Tulare, Visalia and Woodlake

Transportation and SB 375

Regional Transportation Plan

TCAG’s 2011 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is a 25-year planning document that guides the development of the transportation system in Tulare County. This document is required by state and federal law, is comprehensively updated every four years and includes programs to better maintain, operate and expand transportation.

Sustainable Communities Strategy

The Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) is a new element of the regional transportation plan as required by Senate Bill (SB) 375.  TCAG will prepare land use strategies in conjunction with the 2014 RTP update that will meet greenhouse gas emissions targets.

The California Air Resources Board approved greenhouse gas emissions targets for the San Joaquin Valley of 5% per capita reduction by 2020 and a 10% per capita reduction by 2035.

Public Participation Plan

TCAG’s public participation plan, adopted April 20, 2009, describes agency goals related to public participation in regional transportation planning and lists procedures to be used to achieve these goals in preparing a regional transportation plan and a Federal transportation improvement plan.

TCAG also adopted a Sustainable Communities Strategy Public Participation Plan for the Tulare County Region on November 19, 2012.

Housing

As required by State law, each MPO must develop a Regional Housing Needs and Assessment (RHNA) Plan to plan for future projected housing needs of the region. 

TCAG adopted its most recent RHNA plan in July 2008.  Its next update will occur within the RTP update process, per SB 375.

Other Programs and Projects

Bicycle Transportation Plan

Bicycling is considered one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, wear on local roads, petroleum consumption and demand for additional roads. The Regional Bicycle Plan is intended to provide a backdrop towards making bicycling an integral part of daily life in Tulare County.  TCAG adopted a regional bicycle transportation plan in 2010 and is currently updated that plan.

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