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
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast – Sponsored by TXU Energy
9:15-9:45 a.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Asphalt Zipper, Inc.
| 9:15-10:30 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| AI Governance in Texas Cities: Balancing Innovation, Ethics, and Public Trust Session courtesy of the Texas Association of Governmental Information Technology Managers | Thousands of bills are filed every session of the Texas Legislature that have a dramatic impact on Texas cities. Tracking all these bills and sharing the impacts with local state legislators is important, but misses a critical part of advocacy. The reality is that legislators often will listen more to 20 resident phone calls than to the mayor or councilmember from their district. Effectively engaging your community about high-impact bills is essential in today’s environment. This session focuses on how the City of Georgetown has engaged their community to develop its legislative agenda, create resident advocates during the legislative session, and alert its community about important legislation. Josh Schroeder, Mayor; David Morgan, City Manager, and Leah Clark, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, City of Georgetown |
| Rebuilding the Public Trust: Strategies for Restoring Confidence in Government Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. | Public trust in government has eroded in recent years, but it’s not too late to restore confidence and accountability. In this session, we will explore effective strategies for rebuilding the public’s trust, focusing on openness, communication, and community engagement. Learn how to strengthen relationships with citizens by embracing honesty, actively listening to their concerns, and ensuring that public resources are used responsibly. We will discuss how other cities are providing communication and education to foster transparency and rebuild trust. Join us to gain valuable tools for regaining and maintaining public trust in today’s complex political landscape. Alicia Richardson, City Secretary/Compliance Officer, City of North Richland Hills; Vanessa Shrauner, City Manager, City of Rockport; and Sean Doerre, Public Information Officer, City of Fredericksburg |
| Effectively Engaging Your Community About the Texas Legislature | Thousands of bills are filed every session of the Texas Legislature that have dramatic impact on Texas cities. Tracking all these bills and sharing the impacts with local state legislators is important, but misses a critical part of advocacy. The reality is that legislators often will listen more to 20 resident phone calls than to the mayor or councilmember from their district. Effectively engaging your community about high-impact bills is essential in today’s environment. This session focuses on how the City of Georgetown has engaged their community to develop its legislative agenda, create resident advocates during the legislative session, and alert its community about important legislation. Josh Schroeder, Mayor; David Morgan, City Manager, and Leah Clark, Intergovernmental Relations Manager, City of Georgetown |
| Small City Talks: Making City Hall More Efficient 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 participate in a dialogue on making city hall more efficient. 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. |
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by HdL Companies
10:15-10:45 a.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Hilltop Securities Inc.
10:45-11:15 a.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by Power Temp Systems
| 10:45-11:55 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Implicit Bias and Workplace Equity Session courtesy of the Association of Hispanic Municipal Officials | How do unconscious attitudes shape the workplace—and what can be done to foster a more equitable environment? In this timely and thought-provoking session, attorney Clarissa M. Rodriguez will explore the subtle yet powerful ways implicit bias can influence decision-making, team dynamics, and leadership in municipal organizations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to identify bias, build cultural awareness, and take practical steps toward creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. Clarissa M. Rodriguez, Shareholder, Denton Navarro, Rodriguez, Bernal, Santee & Zech, P.C. |
| Building Community and Raising Families: The Foundation of a Thriving City Session courtesy of the Texas City Management Association | Portland City Council, named the 2025 TCMA City Council of the Year, invites you to a dynamic discussion on the guiding philosophy behind the City’s tagline: Building Community and Raising Families. This session will explore how understanding and promoting strong families and a connected community create the foundation for a thriving city. Portland leaders will share insights on their approach to policymaking, community engagement, and the innovative programs that have made the City a model for fostering family-friendly environments. Attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening their communities, including prioritizing people-centered policies, encouraging civic pride, and creating sustainable growth that benefits all generations. Cathy Skurow, Mayor, and John Green, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Portland |
| Building Trust and Community Engagement, Offline Session courtesy of Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers | In a world dominated by digital communication, meaningful face-to-face engagement remains one of the most effective ways to build trust between local governments and the communities we serve. This session will explore creative, proven approaches to offline civic engagement that foster transparency, connection, and long-term community partnerships. Participants will learn how cities like Bedford built a successful Citizens Academy to educate and empower residents, how Georgetown brings city departments directly to the public at community events, and how Richardson established a resident council that brings HOA and neighborhood association leaders together monthly to stay in the know about important community projects. Whether you’re launching a new program or refreshing your outreach approach, this session will offer practical insights and replicable models to help you connect with your community—no Wi-Fi required. Greg Sowell, Director of Communications, City of Richardson; Don Magner, City Manager, City of Richardson; Aly Van Dyke, Director of Communications and Public Engagement, City of Georgetown; and Molly Fox, Director of Communications, City of Bedford |
| People, Purpose, Presence: The Unsung Strength of Public Works in Texas Communities Session courtesy of the Texas Chapter of American Public Works Association | Public works professionals are often the quiet force behind a city’s success, serving with dedication and rarely in the spotlight. This session, inspired by the 2025 National Public Works Week theme “People, Purpose, Presence,” explores how Texas cities are meeting community needs through resilient infrastructure, innovative service delivery, and a skilled and committed workforce. Join public works leaders from across the state for a candid panel discussion on maximizing impact amidst financial constraints, investing in people, and strengthening community presence. Panelists will share real-world strategies in workforce development, emergency preparedness, GIS and asset management, and cross-department collaboration. Learn how public works is maintaining the backbone of your city and helping shape its future. Ronnie Bates, Director of Public Works, Denison; Jody Byerly, Director of Public Works, Carrollton; and Elvira Alonzo, CPM, Director of Public Works, McAllen |
| Value-Driven Collaboration with Your Police Chief Session courtesy of the Texas Police Chiefs Association | Police departments that fail to evolve get left behind. “Silo” leadership is often disconnected from trends, struggles to navigate challenges, and wastes precious time trying to reinvent the wheel. Practical tips to “slip the silo” will be explored. Networking, succession planning, professional development, best practices, and training opportunities can all lead to an engaged and modern approach to leadership inside your police department. The Texas Police Chiefs Association will provide actionable steps to assist in making your police department the best it can be in service to your community. Johnny Siemens, Chief, Universal City Police Department, and Gene Ellis (ret), Executive Director. Texas Police Chiefs Association |
| Small City Talks: Effectively Engaging the Legislature 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 participate in a dialogue on effectively advocating for your city. 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. |
Noon–1:30 p.m. (separate ticketed event)
Luncheon and Keynote Speaker
From Leadership to Leadering: The Shift We Need for the Future We Want
Nancy Giordano, Futurist and Strategist
Join Nancy Giordano, renowned strategic futurist and leadership provocateur, for an inspiring presentation designed to reshape how city leaders champion progress in a rapidly evolving world. In this thought-provoking talk, Nancy will explore the core principles of leadering—an approach that transitions away from traditional leadership to cultivate resilience, creativity, and collaborative innovation in times of disruption.
Nancy will invite you as a community leader to rethink your role, emphasize adaptive leadership, and create environments where visionary, inclusive stewardship can flourish. This session will offer actionable insights on building agile, forward-thinking teams and strategies for leading with purpose in an interconnected world.
Whether you’re navigating complex municipal challenges, fostering community-driven growth, or driving sustainable change, this keynote will provide valuable tools and a fresh perspective to elevate and expand your approach in shaping the future of your city.
1:30-2:00 p.m.
Greenhouse Session Presented by Freese and Nichols
| 1:45-3:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Understanding Generational Talent Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Utilities Association | As the workforce evolves, hiring qualified staff remains critical to achieving organizational objectives. Older workers, 55 and over, continue to play a significant role, while attracting younger generations is essential for workforce succession. This session will explore strategies for recruiting and integrating employees across generations, highlighting their strengths and addressing misconceptions. Learn how an inclusive, age-diverse workplace can drive organizational success and provide a competitive edge. Hector Mendoza, Director of Human Resources, and Chris Enriquez, Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Canyon |
| Battleground to Common Ground: Transforming Municipal Conflicts into Collaborative Solutions | Our world is filled with conflict and disputes that damage relationships and increase costs. In this session, we will explore practical steps we can use to navigate relationships in a political climate and discuss specific examples of when and how to deploy negotiation and conflict management techniques. Join this session with a former elected official who has more than 20 years of experience in litigation, arbitration, and mediation and cares deeply about serving others through resolving conflict. Adam McGough, Mediator and Arbitrator |
| Understanding Your Property Tax Rate Calculation Session courtesy of the Government Finance Officers Association of Texas | The tax property tax rate calculation presents several challenges for local governments that are not obvious or intuitive. Learn about the pitfalls, shortcomings, and opportunities the calculation presents so you can assist your city in understanding the tax rate process. F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance. Susan Morgan, Former Chief Financial Officer, City of Round Rock, and John Zagurski, Chief Financial Officer, Flower Mound |
| Partnering for Protection: TML Risk Pool Helps Police Stay Ahead of Risk | Policing has many inherent risks, and not all of them are front page news. While departments must train on professional tactics for use of force and similar events, everyday risks like driving and mundane injuries need attention as well. The TML Risk Pool’s “Promoting Excellence in Law Enforcement” program now employs two dedicated law enforcement outreach consultants to provide no-cost visits and analysis for your police department. Their primary goal is to support law enforcement leaders in their efforts to reduce employee injuries, deaths, litigation risk, and property loss by better understanding claims data – this promotes informed decision-making that reduces risk and improves outcomes. They can also pair these services with training aimed at raising awareness and reducing self-induced risk in some of the most common areas of loss. Attendees will learn just how important this information is for their police department and their community. Chase Stapp (Retired San Marcos Police Chief) and Joseph Florance (Retired Rockwall Police Captain), Law Enforcement Outreach Consultants, TML Risk Pool |
| Small City Talks: Community Engagement 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 participate in a dialogue on community engagement. 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. |
2:15-2:45 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by James Hardie Building Products, Inc.
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Oncor
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Greenhouse Session – Presented by James Hardie Building Products, Inc.
3:00 p.m.-Conclusion
TML Business Meeting
| 3:30-4:45 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions |
| Whose Role Is It Anyway? | In this game-show-inspired session, City Attorney Thomas Gwosdz will discuss the laws, rules, and best practices for dividing up the work between the mayor, city council, the city manager, and city employees. Whose job is it to create the budget? To hire employees? What about finding a contractor to repair park equipment? Does your answer change in a state of disaster? Come prepared to participate or to cheer for your favorite contestant as we all learn “Whose role is it, anyway?” G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance. Thomas Gwosdz, Managing Attorney, The Gwosdz Law Firm, PLLC |
| Public Stewardship: Leading Change for Public Value | Calls to “run government like a business” often miss the mark – government exists not to generate profit, but to deliver public value. Yet, alignment, accountability, and strategic clarity remain essential. This session explores how cities, large and small, are redesigning their strategy, structure, and budgeting to become more adaptive and responsive to evolving community needs. Through real-world examples from Kansas City, Golden Valley, and Lincoln, participants will gain a practical framework for leading change, shifting organizational mindsets from scarcity to abundance, and steering local government toward greater public impact. Micah Intermill, Founder and Managing Partner, GovStrategist, LLC |
| Texas Natives: The Programs, Policies, and Politics That Will Inspire Your Community to Embrace Its Texas Roots Session courtesy of the Texas Recreation and Park Society | Participants will leave with an understanding of how to embrace Texas Natives in public spaces, gain allies, overcome resistance, advocate for resilient communities, and empower residents to do the same. This program will guide you through one community’s journey to investing in critical infrastructure, such as parks and green space, to build resiliency and address water scarcity while representing the native beauty of Texas. TJ Gilmore, Mayor, and Stacie Anaya, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Lewisville |
| Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies for Small Cities Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | This session will dive into the importance of adopting ethics and code of conduct policies for your city. Learn from the panel how their policies were adopted and have worked to improve government transparency and council-staff relations. E- This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for ethics. |
| Small City Talks: Rural Water Issues 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 participate in a dialogue on rural water issues. 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. |