The Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) celebrated “50 Years of Service” last Friday night at its 2019 Annual Meeting Banquet held at the Hodgetown Baseball Park in downtown Amarillo.

Friona Mayor Ricky White, who is the 2019 Chair of the 27-member Board of Directors provided the opening and closing remarks at the banquet. PRPC Executive Director Kyle Ingham introduced the board members and special guests and later presented the employee service awards. Former Executive Director Gary Pitner gave a “Reminiscing 50 Years” presentation. The banquet attendees also saw a video message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Keynote Speaker for the event was Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. He was introduced by Borger resident Winston Sauls, Secretary/Treasurer of the Board.

In his letter congratulating the PRPC for its 50 years of service, Board Chair Ricky White concluded, “It does not take a special person to be a great public servant. It takes people who are willing to put in the time, who have the desire, and have the perseverance to serve. I look forward to our continued work together as we shape the Texas Panhandle and local governments for another 50 years.”

The Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC) is a voluntary association of cities, counties, and special districts in the Texas Panhandle. Established in 1969, the PRPC assists local governments in planning, developing, and implementing programs designed to improve the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens in the Texas Panhandle.

The PRPC is an organization of, by, and for local governments. It was created on the premise that local governments in the panhandle can accomplish more by working together as a group. Since its inception, the PRPC has been involved in a wide range of beneficial projects and programs. Current activities include initiatives in the areas of workforce development, local government services, economic development, 9-1-1 services, solid waste management, emergency preparedness, water planning, and technical assistance to local governments.

The Texas panhandle region covers a 26-county area consisting of almost 26,000 square miles and a population of 427,927. The PRPC has 94 member governments which include all 26 counties, all 62 incorporated cities, and 6 special districts.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar and Mayor Ricky White