7:30-10:30 a.m.
Attendee Registration
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Coffee Cart – Sponsored by Focused Advocacy
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Exhibitor Registration
8:00-10:00 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
| 9:00-10:15 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| The Cost of Place: Fostering Fiscal Stewardship to Manage Community Assets | This session will highlight how communities across Texas are aligning land use planning with financial stewardship to ensure long-term resilience and affordability. Through real-world examples and data-driven strategies, panelists will demonstrate how cities – from small towns to major metros – are making development decisions that reflect the true costs of infrastructure, maintenance, and public investments. Attendees will gain actionable insights into balancing quality of life with fiscal sustainability, using innovative tools like public-private partnerships and value-driven budgeting. The session will equip municipal leaders and planners with practical approaches to create people-centered, economically sound communities that thrive for generations. Brennan Kane, Lead Planner, Olsson; Felix Landry, Project Manager IV, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension; and Justin Weiss, Professor, East Texas A&M University |
| Engaging with Civility: A Conversation Model | City leaders often face challenging conversations in an era of shifting expectations around civility. This webinar explores how conflict affects the brain and why it can make dialogue feel frustrating or unproductive. Drawing on current civility research, an expert from the University of Kansas Public Management Center will introduce a practical conversation model designed to help you pause, understand underlying needs, and find shared values—even in tough situations. You’ll walk away with tools to reduce reactive responses, maintain your credibility, and foster respectful, productive engagement with your colleagues and residents. G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance. Jenny Mehmedovic, Assistant Director of Consulting and Coaching Services, University of Kansas Public Management Center |
| Improving Resident Satisfaction with Government | Recent research by UKG and Polco reveals a groundbreaking link between effective human resource practices and increased resident satisfaction with local government services and overall quality of life. Drawing from data across municipalities – including case studies from two Texas cities—this session explores how strong HR functions in areas like employee performance management, well-being, compensation, recruiting, and HR capability directly contribute to more responsive, trusted city services. Attendees will learn about the specific HR practices that correlate with higher resident satisfaction, gain insight into best practices from top-performing departments, and discover actionable strategies for driving meaningful improvements in local government through enhanced HR effectiveness. Bob Lavigna, Senior Fellow, Public Sector, Ultimate Kronos Group |
| Polish, Presence, and Professionalism: Etiquette Skills for City Leaders | Every interaction matters in public service—whether you’re welcoming residents, collaborating with council colleagues, or representing your city at community events. The way you carry yourself sets the tone for trust, credibility, and connection. In this session, international etiquette expert Diane Gottsman will share practical strategies to help city leaders strengthen their professional presence and build lasting relationships. Learn how to make a positive first impression, engage in conversations with confidence, manage technology and social media with courtesy, and avoid common missteps that can undermine your reputation. You’ll leave with actionable tools to lead with polish, approachability, and poise. Diane Gottsman, National Etiquette Expert, The Protocol School of Texas |
10:30-Noon (separate ticketed event)
Closing Session and Brunch
Leading with Heart, Acting with Honor
Frank B. Ashley III, Ed.D., University Leader, Educator, and Coach
Frank Ashley has spent more than 35 years in the Texas A&M University System, and 25 of those years have been in leadership roles. Looking back on the many different titles he held over three decades, Ashley will share what he has learned and experienced – the good, the bad, and the ugly as it pertains to leadership – and why there is a need today for “ethical” leaders.
This closing keynote will provide insights into “ethical leadership,” the need for ethical leaders, and a toolbox for developing ethical leaders.
E – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for ethics.