[3] Based in Arlington, NCTCOG is a member of the Texas Association of Regional Councils and the Texas Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations.

The purpose of NCTCOG is to "strengthen both the individual and collective power of local governments and to help them recognize regional opportunities, eliminate unnecessary duplication, and make joint decisions.

"[4] Although it is considered a political subdivision of Texas, it has no regulatory or taxing authority, and political subdivisions (counties, cities, and other special districts) are not required to become members.

This group meets annually to elect the Executive Board, a policy-making body for all NCTCOG activities composed of 18 officials.

Within NCTCOG are technical, study, and policy development committees and a professional staff headed by Mike Eastland (the Executive Director) that support the Board.