South Plains Association of Governments is controlled by the local elected officials who created it. A General Assembly of local officials, with population weighted representation from every local government member, meets annually. The General Assembly approves an annual operating budget recommended by the Board of Directors and sets the membership dues assessment rate. In addition, the General Assembly must approve any changes to the association bylaws. Representation on the Board of Directors is population weighted with at least one member from every county.
State law requires that at least two-thirds of the governing body be local elected officials.
Those local officials on the Board of Directors are selected from the General Assembly. In addition, designated minority representatives constitute one-fourth of the board membership. Officers of the organization are elected by the Board of Directors. The officers, along with two designated minority members of the board, constitute an Executive Committee which meets monthly. An extensive committee structure is maintained to advise the Board of Directors and staff.