The U.S. ACIR from a State ACIR Perspective

About twenty states currently have some type of intergovernmental advisory panel. The organization and functions of these panels vary from state to state, ranging from state-local study commissions to organizations, such as the Texas ACIR, that were consciously patterned after the national organization. At least two of the state organizations-Illinois and Maryland-pre-date the national advisory commission. Most of the state organizations were established within the last ten to fifteen years, however (see Table 1). The Texas ACIR was created by a law enacted by the Texas legislature in 1971, during a period that was marked by rapid change in Texas government. The state was assuming many programs under federal law, and there was increasing awareness and concern about urbanization and its attendant governmental problems, such as overlapping jurisdictions and the need for regional intergovernmental cooperation. Membership of the Texas ACIR is representative of various governmental bodies in the state. Most of the members are appointed by the governor. These include representatives of cities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions, as well as private citizens. Members of the state legislature are appointed by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives. Both of these officers also serve as ex officio members of the commission.