TACAA elevates the voice of Community Action across Texas—advocating at the state and federal level to advance equity, secure vital funding, and expand opportunity.
When you advocate for Community Action, you’re championing housing, education, food security, energy assistance, and the right for every Texan to thrive.
Last year, TACAA member agencies reached over 260,000 Texans—offering housing support, early education, energy assistance, and pathways to stability.
Leading the Conversation:
Stories, Media & Thought Leadership from Our Network
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Statement from the National Community Action Foundation
National Community Action Foundation warns that the poverty-fighting organizations running popular programs, from food assistance to Head Start and LIHEAP, are being forced to halt services – even as they face increasing demand.
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By Amanda Shelton, TACAA Executive Director
In this powerful op-ed published in the Austin American-Statesman, TACAA’s Executive Director, Amanda Shelton, calls on policymakers to protect federal programs like CSBG and LIHEAP—lifelines that helped Texas communities rebuild after devastating floods. Drawing from real local impact, she makes a clear case for continued investment in the people and programs that hold communities together.
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Statement from the National Community Action Foundation’s CEO David Bradley in response to the release of the president’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request:
The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) outlines critical funding threats and policy shifts in the proposed FY2026 federal budget. This breakdown helps agencies and advocates understand how proposed cuts could impact CSBG, LIHEAP, and other essential programs. -
Featuring Samantha Mendoza, South Plains Community Action Association
In this NPR Texas Tech Public Media story, Samantha Mendoza shares how Community Action programs in rural Texas rely on federal funding to deliver services like Head Start and utility assistance. Without continued investment, local families—especially in under-resourced areas—face greater risk and fewer options.
Listen to the episode → -
Featuring Clare Higgins, Executive Director, Community Action Pioneer Valley
This article from the Daily Hampshire Gazette outlines the deep harm that proposed federal budget cuts could cause to local Community Action programs. Clare Higgins explains how reductions to CSBG and LIHEAP would directly affect families relying on child care, housing support, and workforce programs.
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By Jaime Longoria, Executive Director, Hidalgo County Community Service Agency
In this Texas Border Business article, Jaime Longoria raises alarm about the potential elimination of programs like LIHEAP and CSBG in South Texas. He calls on policymakers to recognize the devastating consequences these cuts would have for families in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
Read the article →
Sign-On to Protect CSBG
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is the backbone of local anti-poverty efforts in Texas and nationwide. Right now, CSBG is at risk—and we need your voice.
TACAA invites Community Action agencies, partners, and advocates to sign on in support of preserving and strengthening CSBG funding.
Together, we can ensure that every community has the resources it needs to meet local needs and build lasting opportunity.
Key Issues
We Follow
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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical support to households struggling with energy costs—especially during extreme Texas weather. TACAA supports advocacy for both federal LIHEAP funding and Texas CEAP implementation.
Visit NEUAC’s LIHEAP Action Center →
Learn more via TDHCA’s CEAP page → -
Head Start and Early Head Start provide vital early learning, nutrition, and family support services. Many CAAs in Texas are grantees. TACAA advocates for continued funding, workforce investment, and coordination across systems.
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TACAA supports expanded investment in affordable housing and WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) to improve health, safety, and energy efficiency for low-income Texans.
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From annual appropriations to state-level regulations, TACAA keeps members informed on what’s happening at the Capitol and in Washington, D.C. We coordinate advocacy efforts, provide talking points, and convene leaders for Texas Legislative Action Day.
National Community Action Foundation - Community Action Reference Materials →