7:30-8:45 a.m.
TML Risk Pool Breakfast (separate ticketed event, no charge)
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Attendee Registration
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Registration
Exhibit Hall Open
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
| 9:15-9:45 a.m. Longest Lasting Road/Pothole Repairs for Less Than Half the Cost Part 1: Road Repair for Dummies – It’s Easier Than You Think | Greenhouse Session Presented by Asphalt Zipper, Inc. Come learn from a panel of Texas municipal road professionals proven ways to repair roads that are quicker, easier, and can also last longer than other repair methods. We’ll explore how you can make lasting road repairs in as little as an hour that used to take a day or longer, easier ways to do road projects on your own schedule and be less dependent on outside contractors, and, can’t find labor? No problem, do projects with smaller crews. This will be a quick-paced event where audience participation is not only allowed but encouraged. We hope you’ll join us. |
| 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Guiding Lights: Navigating Ethical Leadership in a Complex World Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. | How city officials navigate ethical dilemmas is under the public microscope more than ever before. This session will give community leaders the strategies and tools to navigate those big decisions while using an ethical approach. Panelists will discuss how they navigated some difficult ethical issues they faced in their professional roles and engage attendees in a thought-provoking discussion to foster an appreciation of ethical reasoning and its implications in government. Speakers: Aimee Nemer, City Secretary, Richardson; Dan Engster, Professor of Administrative Ethics and Discretion, Hobby School of Public Affairs, University of Houston; Alan Bojorquez, Managing Attorney, Bojorquez Law Firm, PC; Kevin Cole, Mayor, City of Pearland |
| Funding for Equity: Unlocking Philanthropic and Public Finance Opportunities for Small-to-Medium-Sized Cities Session courtesy of the Texas Association of Black City Council Members | Raising money to fund infrastructure and other public projects as a small- or mid-sized city can carry unique challenges, particularly for communities facing economic decline, a small tax base, and limited access to foundations and investors. This interactive workshop will present creative strategies from small-to-medium-sized cities across America who are raising money to invest in projects that further racial and social equity; mapping out a pathway to tap new or underutilized sources to fund those projects; and a new technical assistance program to help you develop public finance strategies with a racial or social equity lens in your community. Speakers: Lourdes German, Executive Director, The Public Finance Initiative; Karlos Allen, Director, PFM Financial Advisors LLC; Vernon Lewis, Director and Deputy City Controller, City of Houston |
| Protecting Public Infrastructure: SCADA and Utility Security in Local Government Session courtesy of the Texas Association of Governmental Information Technology Managers | This panel discussion will delve into the critical aspects of safeguarding public infrastructure, focusing on Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and utility cybersecurity within local governments. Our expert panel will explore key challenges, innovative solutions, and best practices for mitigating risks and enhancing cybersecurity measures in local government-operated infrastructures. You will gain invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of SCADA and utility security and be empowered to proactively address threats and safeguard vital community resources. Speakers: Scott Joyce, Director of Information Services, City of Euless; Chris Lee, Chief Information Officer, City of Lewisville; James O’Brien, Director, Information Security Officer, Port Houston |
| Tiny Lots, Zombie Subdivisions, and Other Challenges to Local Land Use Authority | Legislation has already passed in many states, and nearly passed in Texas last session, to radically shape the ability of neighborhoods to restrict residential density. A panel of experts will discuss what to expect when the Texas Legislature gathers in 2025. Speaker(s): Bennett Sandlin, Executive Director, and Michael Martin, Legislative Counsel, Texas Municipal League; and Allison Heyward, Councilmember, Schertz |
| A Secure Water Future for Your City | The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) leads the state’s efforts to ensure a secure water future for Texas and its citizens. Attendees will hear from TWDB on the water needs across the state, including current initiatives and finance programs available to cities to address local water needs. You will also hear from the City of Corpus Christi about their efforts to address water needs, including the nation’s first municipally owned seawater desalination project. Speakers: Brooke Paup, Chairwoman, Texas Water Development Board; Drew Molly, Chief Operating Officer, Corpus Christi Water; Jason Afinowicz, Principal and Vice President, Freese and Nichols; and Matt Lee, Senior Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP |
Small City Talks: Regional Cooperation Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | This issue-based roundtable discussion offers small city leaders (under 15,000 population) the opportunity to share best practices and engage in a dialogue on regional cooperation. You’ll exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with other local leaders. There will be no speaker or formal presentation; our moderator will keep the conversation on course. Come ready to talk about your challenges and successes, learn from other city leaders, and take good notes. Moderator: Lee Elliott, City Administrator, Linden |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. Sales Tax Tools: Analyzing Your City and Developing Your Strategy | Greenhouse Session Presented by HdL Companies This presentation will cover essential concepts for analyzing and leveraging your city’s sales tax base, with a focus on integrating economic development strategies. We’ll guide you through compiling this analysis and crafting a sales tax strategy that supports your city’s growth and economic goals. Whether you’re new to sales tax, have some foundational knowledge, or are already a sales tax expert, you’ll gain valuable insights to enhance your understanding and application. |
| 10:45-11:15 a.m. Setting the Table for a Successful CIP: Strategies for Growth, Regulatory Compliance, Aging Infrastructure, and Resiliency Planning | Greenhouse Session Presented by Freese and Nichols Texas cities face challenges like rapid population growth, water management, and aging infrastructure. These challenges require balancing new service demands with upgrading old systems. Many cities are now focused on creating sustainable capital improvement plans (CIPs). Effective CIPs rely on comprehensive and master plans for water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, and parks, along with sound project management and partnerships with local entities. Join us to explore best practices and lessons from cities that have successfully tackled these issues. This presentation will offer insights to guide your CIP and support sustainable community development. |
| 10:45-11:55 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Transforming Brownsville: A Journey Towards a Smart, Secure, and Connected City Session courtesy of the Texas City Management Association | Discover how the City of Brownsville is paving the way for a connected, secure, and smart future for its residents through its smart city vision. The City’s transformative journey includes its Fiber Optic project, which aims to install 100 miles of middle mile network and over 500 miles of last mile fiber infrastructure; implementation of a private 5G network to drive innovation and resilience; and robust cybersecurity strategies to safeguard the City’s digital assets and maintain stakeholder trust. Speaker: Jorge Cardenas, Chief Information Officer, and Helen Ramirez, City Manager, City of Brownsville |
| What City Leaders Must Know Regarding Active Attack Responses and Prevention Session courtesy of the Texas Police Chiefs Association | City leaders will gain a granular review of roles and responsibilities for the three phases of an active attack. You will clearly understand the build-out of incident command that includes media staging locations, reunification, the emergency operation center, coordinated press briefings, criminal investigations, 24/7 staffing and support, and much more. This is an abbreviated version of an eight-hour course that all police chiefs, sheriffs, and constables in Texas must attend. Speaker: Stan Standridge, Chief of Police, San Marcos Police Department |
| AI and Community Engagement Session courtesy of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers | The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in social media content creation by elected officials marks a significant change in political communication. Using these tools, representatives at all levels of government can create content, tailoring messages to audience preferences, and sentiments across many platforms. However, ethical concerns necessitate responsible use. Hear from Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle and Jacqueline Lambiase, co-founder of the Certified Public Communicator Program at Texas Christian University, about the ethical application of AI. They will explore its potential to enhance civic participation, shape public discourse, and discuss the ethical considerations that come with its use. Speakers: Jacqueline Lambiase, PhD, Emerita Professor, Certified Public Communicator Program, Texas Christian University; Christine DeLisle, Mayor, City of Leander; Sara Bustilloz, Communications and Marketing Director, City of Round Rock |
| Understanding City Population Estimates for Resource Allocation and Planning | The Texas Demographic Center staff will discuss the most recent city population estimates and provide information about data sources, methodology, and the importance of local government engagement. The expert panel will empower community leaders with valuable population data to inform decisions on planning, resource, and funding allocations in your town or city. Speakers: Monica Cruz, PhD, State Data Center Lead; and Helen You, PhD, Associate Director, Texas Demographic Center |
| Challenges Faced in Modern Public Works Session courtesy of the Texas Chapter of American Public Works Association | Most residents don’t consider what it takes to ensure their local infrastructure is safe and functional, but a lot goes on behind the scenes in public works. Come to this session to hear a panel of city and county public works professionals discuss the challenges they are facing and possible solutions to issues like rising costs for materials and equipment, supply chain disruptions, and workforce shortages. Speakers: Elvira Alonzo, Director of Public Works, City of McAllen; Brian Butscher, Executive Director of Public Works, City of Sugar Land; Luis E. Maltos, Assistant Director of Public Works, City of San Antonio; and Kristina Ramirez, City Engineer, City of Harker Heights |
| Small City Talks: Recruiting and Retaining Talent Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | This issue-based roundtable discussion offers small city leaders (under 15,000 population) the opportunity to share best practices and engage in a dialogue on recruiting and retaining talent. You’ll exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with other local leaders. There will be no speaker or formal presentation; our moderator will keep the conversation on course. Come ready to talk about your challenges and successes, learn from other city leaders, and take good notes. Moderator: Elena Quintanilla, City Manager, Ransom Canyon |
Noon-1:30 p.m. (separate ticketed event)
Luncheon and Keynote Speaker
Read the Room: Increase Your Influence by Speed Reading People
Melinda Marcus, Expert in the Science of Influence
Some of the most important information is never said out loud in a meeting. According to research, at least 60 percent of communication is nonverbal, yet many of us are only focused on words. Influence Expert Melinda Marcus will show you how to uncover hidden insights by recognizing critical nonverbal signals that most people miss in meetings. Gaining insights from reading subtle facial expressions and body language can tip the odds in your favor when you need to influence big decisions. It’s the fastest way to become the smartest person in the room, whether you are meeting in person or virtually. Marcus will teach you how to:
- Uncover what people are really thinking and feeling by reading their nonverbals
- Recognize unspoken objections that could bite you later
- Fast-track business relationships by building empathy and rapport
- Pick up the nonverbal signals associated with hidden agendas or deception
- Recognize the right moment to stop “selling” and start asking for the commitment
| 1:30-2:00 p.m. Municipal PFAS Recovery Update – What Municipal Officials Need to Know (repeat session) | Greenhouse Session Presented by Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PFAS or “forever chemicals” are finding their way into public water systems in Texas and across the country. Recently established EPA guidelines will soon require all public water systems to test for PFAS and require costly upgrades to systems in order to combat this problem. These costs will no doubt fall upon system customers and taxpayers. Recent settlements with PFAS manufacturers have now made money available to help address this issue. This session will give an overview of the PFAS issue, provide an update on the current and future settlements making their way through the court system, and discuss what this means to municipalities and public water systems. |
| 1:45-3:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| A Growing State: The Need to Innovate Session courtesy of the Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials | This session will provide an overview of the growth in Texas, trends, statistics, and examples of how Texas will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Panelists will share how their communities worked to prepare for this growth through unique and innovative approaches to meet Texas’ most critical needs. Speakers: Christopher Brigati, SWBC Investment Services, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Fixed Income Research; John Marez, Executive Director, South Texas Water Authority; and William T. Avila, Partner, Bracewell, LLP |
| Internal Controls for Small Cities Session courtesy of the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas | Internal controls are so important within municipal government but are extremely hard for small cities to implement. Come join us as we discuss important tips to keep your small city secure. Speakers: Martie Simpson, Executive Director, Government Finance Officers Association of Texas; John Zagurski, Chief Financial Officer, Town of Flower Mound; Aaron Rector, Interim City Manager, City of Keller |
| Using Robert’s Rules to Streamline Your Meetings | Effective use of Robert’s Rules of Order can streamline your meetings, so you can reduce conflict, get your business done, and Go Home Early. This session will discuss the people and their tools, how they get what they want, how to stop them, and optional local rules that your organization should adopt to streamline your next city council meeting. Speaker: Thomas A. Gwosdz, Managing Attorney, The Gwosdz Law Firm, PLLC |
| Who’s on First? Navigating the Complex Landscape of Emergency Services in Texas Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | In this engaging presentation, we will delve into the multifaceted interplay between local emergency service providers in Texas, focusing on the roles of cities, counties, emergency services districts, and volunteer fire departments as well as the role the state is obligated to play. We will unpack the synergies, conflicts, and overlaps among these entities, offering a nuanced understanding of how they collaborate and compete to provide critical services. We will also explore the complex legal and legislative environment that governs these interactions, including recent changes that impact the ability of cities to regulate or operate outside their city limits. This presentation will equip you with the insights needed to navigate this ever-changing terrain, foster better coordination, improve service delivery, and ultimately enhance public safety. Speaker: Tad Cleaves, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| I’m Still Just A (Utility) Bill: Trends and Hot Topics for Policymakers Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Utilities Association | There is a lot going on with the utility bill that your customers receive monthly, and it is important for policymakers to understand the ins and outs of that simple piece of paper. From billing errors that have eroded public confidence in municipal utilities to new challenges for cities that provide service outside their municipal boundaries, come hear experts in the utility industry as they discuss the key issues that decision-makers need to be aware of as your city bills customers for life-sustaining services. Speakers: Chris Ekrut, Chief Financial Officer, NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC |
| Small City Talks: Creative Ideas for Downtown Revitalization Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | This issue-based roundtable discussion offers small city leaders (under 15,000 population) the opportunity to share best practices and engage in a dialogue on recruiting and retaining talent. You’ll exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with other local leaders. There will be no speaker or formal presentation; our moderator will keep the conversation on course. Come ready to talk about your challenges and successes, learn from other city leaders, and take good notes. Moderator: Trey Fletcher, City Administrator, West Lake Hills |
| 2:15-2:45 p.m. Serving Up Your CIP: Financing, Program Management, Stakeholder Communication, and Schedule | Greenhouse Session Presented by Freese and Nichols Creating a resilient Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) requires a holistic approach to addressing a city’s growth needs while still maintaining aging infrastructure. A robust CIP identifies the long-term impacts of current fiscal decisions and allows stakeholders to make more informed funding choices to avoid future unplanned tax or fee increases or budget cuts. Topics to be discussed in this session will include the importance of the annual CIP planning process, options for fiscal constraints, and resource limitations. A key takeaway will be a greater understanding of the tools your staff will need to serve up the CIP you have envisioned. |
| 3:00-3:30 p.m. Longest Lasting Road/Pothole Repairs for Less Than Half the Cost Part 2: Best Practices – Most Affordable Way to Eliminate Potholes for Good | Greenhouse Session Presented by Asphalt Zipper, Inc. Come learn from a panel of Texas municipal road professionals how proven road repair processes and techniques are saving their municipalities up to 70% or more. Explore proven cost and time saving benefits of Full-Depth Reclamation. Compare basic, mechanical, and chemical road base stabilization methods. Discover how you too can easily achieve more durable, longer lasting road repairs. Part two will also be a quick-paced event where audience participation is not only allowed but encouraged. We hope you’ll join us for both sessions. |
3:00 p.m.-conclusion
TML Business Meeting
| 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Private Sector Strategies for Profitable Public Sector Management Session courtesy of the Texas Recreation and Park Society | Join this discussion-packed session to hear what other cities are doing to identify funding sources for parks and recreation programs outside of general fund support. Explore fiscal models that might work for your city (big or small), current challenges in your community, and possible solutions. Speaker: Teresa Thomason, Education Task Force Chair, Texas Recreation and Parks Society |
| Your First Responders’ Lives Are at Risk: How You Can Help Session courtesy of the TML Intergovernmental Risk Pool | Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, animal control officers, and code compliance officers are operating in a difficult environment. A culture of support for these first responders should start at the top with elected officials and city management. Learn about the types of stress that first responders face, including intrinsic dangers such as burnout, hypervigilance, depression, PTSD, and relationship issues, as well as predictable changes and challenges in a typical public safety environment. The session will also cover the hidden costs of failing to direct resources to these challenges, and how to develop programs that ensure your first responders have a healthy career in public safety. Speaker: Rick Randall, CEO, The Randall Group 911 |
| Cultivating Strong Towns: Strategies That Close Resource and Affordability Gaps | For more than 70 years, American cities have aggressively pursued fast growth and autocentric development without fully considering long-term costs and social impacts. Across the country, we’re left with sprawling cities where residents and businesses struggle to connect and (re)invest in aging buildings and infrastructure, and expensive liabilities which future generations will have to find a way to pay for. Here in Texas, older cities are beginning to experience these same struggles while new communities can grow in a more sustainable manner from the start. While some policy makers and city leaders are realizing the importance of infill and mixed-use development to balancing revenues, costs, and affordability, others are doubling down on policies that enforce separation of uses, larger lot sizes, and more/wider roadways. In this session, a national planning/engineering consultant, small developer expert, and city development services director will share perspectives and tools to help you communicate the fiscal impacts of development decisions and become a vibrant community that lasts. Speakers: Kevin Shepherd, Founder and CEO, Verdunity; Monte Anderson, President and Founder, Options Real Estate & Neighborhood Evolution |
| Wastewater Monitoring for Public Health Action | Wastewater monitoring expanded rapidly across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, as states and cities started monitoring for SARS-CoV-2. Since then, wastewater monitoring has proved an important tool for public health departments, and programs are expanding beyond just SARS-CoV-2. In The Centers for Disease Control will give an overview of wastewater monitoring, followed by Houston’s example of how a city used wastewater monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the program’s expansion to monitor targets beyond SARS-CoV-2. This session is ideal for any city official interested in leveraging innovative approaches to safeguard community health and well-being. Speakers: Rebecca Schneider, Staff Analyst, Houston Health Department; and Martha Johnson, Public Health Analyst, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| How TMRS Adds Value to Your City | Learn about all the new resources and technology that will improve your city’s and employees’ experience with the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Speaker: Anthony Mills, Director of Education Services, TMRS |
| Small City Talks: Effective Ways to Engage Your Community Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | This issue-based roundtable discussion offers small city leaders (under 15,000 population) the opportunity to share best practices and engage in a dialogue on engagement activities including volunteer recruitment, special events, resident outreach, and more. You’ll exchange ideas, ask questions, and connect with other local leaders. There will be no speaker or formal presentation; our moderator will keep the conversation on course. Come ready to talk about your challenges and successes, learn from other city leaders, and take good notes. Moderator: John Davis, Mayor, Balmorhea |