Budgeting: When to Follow the Trends and When to Stick to the Basics (presented courtesy of GFOAT—Government Finance Officers Association of Texas)
Kent R. Austin, CPFO, Director of Finance, City of University Park; and Robert Bland, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Public Administration, University of North Texas
What are the latest buzzwords in budgeting? And are they really new ideas…or old concepts with new names? What recent trends can add value to the budget process? When is it better to stick with the basics?
eBook Petting Zoo (presented courtesy of TMLDA—Texas Municipal Library Directors Association)
Drop by this informal session and try out the new eBook phenomenon for yourself. TMLDA members will be on hand to guide you and answer questions.
Retail Development Solutions
Lisa Hill, Vice President of Public Sector Division, Buxton; Corbett Howard, Executive Director, Celina Economic Development Corporation; and Craig Hulse, Economic Development Director, City of North Richland Hills
With Texas retail sales in 2012 approaching pre-recession levels and sales tax revenue increasing for 19 straight months, retailing in Texas has a bright future. And cities that experienced tighter budgets and staff reductions are ready to refresh their retail development efforts by focusing on innovation, efficiency, and implementing best practices. Whether it is expanding existing retailers or attracting new ones, you will learn what cities are doing to gain a competitive advantage.
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An Update on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
David Gavia, Executive Director; and Nancy Goerdel, Chief Investment Officer, Texas Municipal Retirement System
This session will provide conference attendees with an update on the latest developments at TMRS. A question-and-answer period will be included.
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Elected Officials and City Managers—A Vital Partnership (presented courtesy of TCMA—Texas City Management Association)
Bob O’Neill, Executive Director, International City/County Management Association, Washington, D.C.; Roy D. Buol, Mayor, City of Dubuque, Iowa; Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager, City of Dubuque, Iowa; Bob Hart, City Manager, City of Kennedale; and Brian Johnson, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Kennedale
This session will highlight how professional city managers and their elected officials work together to build communities residents are proud to call home.
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Stronger Development Regulations: Enhancing Your Community’s Sustainability, Beauty, and Safety
Rudy Garza, Executive Vice President, Texas Masonry Council; John Webb, AICP, Planning Manager, City of Frisco; and Nika Reinecke, Director of Economic Development and Planning, City of Lewisville
Come learn how to overcome the political hurdles of developing stronger building standards and learn about the many benefits of masonry standards from people who have been there and done that.
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Transportation and the Future of Our State
Panelists: Danny Scarth, Councilmember, City of Fort Worth; Jim Reed, President, San Antonio Medical Foundation; Jere Thompson, Jr., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ambit Energy, Plano; Robert C. (Bob) Lanham, Executive Vice President, Williams Brothers Construction Company, Inc., Houston; and Robert K. Franke, P.E., Vice President and Dallas Office Manager, Lochner
Transportation is a critical ingredient for Texas cities. In this session, panelists will give their perspectives on needs and funding options from the views of cities, businesses, and the industry.
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