7:30-8:30 a.m.
Coffee Cart – Sponsored by Focused Advocacy
7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Attendee Registration
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Exhibitor Registration
9:45-10:15 a.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.
10:15 a.m.–Noon
Opening General Session and Presentation of Awards
ON FIRE: Ignite a Radically Inspired Life
John O’Leary, Best-Selling Author and Speaker
In a world where “accidental living”—mindlessly moving through routines, obsessed with screen time, and fixating on what’s wrong—has become the norm, John O’Leary challenges community leaders to live with purpose, passion, and intention. Drawing from his remarkable story of surviving a devastating fire at age nine, John will inspire you to rise above adversity and embrace a radically inspired approach to public service. In this powerful keynote, he will reveal how daily inflection points – moments that shape everything that follows—are powerful opportunities for growth and leadership. Through compelling stories and practical strategies, John will empower you to embrace a victor’s mindset and make a meaningful impact in the community you serve.
Noon–5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
| 12:30-1:00 p.m. Greenhouse Session The Water You Didn’t Know You Had: Brackish Aquifers and Seawater as New Sources | What if your next water source is hiding in plain sight? Explore the untapped potential of brackish aquifers and seawater in this eye-opening session led by Aqualia’s Vice President, Eva Arnaiz. Through groundbreaking desalination projects and real-world success stories, you’ll discover how these “invisible waters” are reshaping the future of water supply. Learn about the innovations, challenges, and breakthroughs that make these sources not only viable—but vital. From economic resilience to environmental sustainability, this session offers a forward-thinking roadmap for unlocking new water resources through smart governance and responsible practices. Leave this session inspired, informed, and ready to rethink what’s possible in water management. Presented by Aqualia – Municipal District Services |
| 1:15-1:45 p.m. Greenhouse Session Longer Lasting Road/Pothole Repairs for Less Than Half the Cost – Part 1: Proven Solutions for Cities of All Sizes | 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. Presented by Asphalt Zipper, Inc. |
| 1:45–3:00 p.m. TML Concurrent Sessions | |
| What Should Be in Your Emergency Management Go-Bag? | In this session, executive staff from the Texas Division of Emergency Management will discuss what local emergency managers and city officials need to know and have ready before, during, and after disaster strikes. Texas Department of Emergency Management |
| 2025 Legislative Update | Join TML’s legislative team for an informative talk about the outcomes from the 2025 Texas legislative session, the implementation of key bills, and the impact on our cities. G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance. Bennett Sandlin, Executive Director; Monty Wynn, Executive Director Designee; Bill Longley, General Counsel; JJ Rocha, Grassroots and Legislative Services Manager; and Mike Martin, Legislative Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| Leadership 101 | In this engaging session, Dr. Arturo Menefee will share valuable insights and real-world experience to explore the essential skills that define effective leadership. Participants will learn to strengthen their leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities to enhance personal and professional success. Through clear examples and practical strategies, the session will highlight the qualities of successful leaders, the value of team building and diversity, and the tools needed to foster organizational growth. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of leadership fundamentals and a personalized plan for ongoing development. Arturo Menefee, PhD, University of Alabama |
| Financial Boot Camp: Core Skills for Small Cities Session courtesy of the Small Cities Advisory Council | Managing municipal finances can be complex, especially in small cities where staff wear many hats. This session offers a practical overview of finance fundamentals to help you build confidence and competence in budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and more. Whether you are newly elected, recently hired, or stepping into new responsibilities, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of key financial concepts and the tools to support sound decision-making. You’ll also learn where to find trusted resources and training opportunities to strengthen your financial know-how long after the session ends. F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance. Martie Simpson, Assistant Director of City Financial Services, and Keith Dagen, Wrangler, Texas Municipal League |
| Building a Strong Partnership with Your City Attorney | A good relationship with your city attorney is essential to keeping your city on solid legal ground. But what exactly does that relationship look like? While city attorneys work closely with elected and appointed officials, their client is the city itself—not any one person. Understanding this distinction is key to a smooth and effective working partnership. In this session, you’ll hear practical tips for building trust, maintaining clear communication, and fostering a reliable attorney-client relationship that benefits the entire organization. Alan Bojorquez, Managing Partner, Bojorquez Law Firm; Amanda Campos, City Secretary, City of Burleson; Frank Garza, Partner, Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza; Kuruvilla Oommen, City Attorney, City of Irving; and Kenneth Williams, City Manager, City of Beaumont |
| 2:00-2:30 p.m. Greenhouse Session The Water That Slips Away: How to Stop Losses and Save Millions | Are you losing water—and money—without even knowing it? Join Aqualia’s expert team for an insightful and dynamic session that dives into one of the biggest hidden challenges in water management: non-revenue water. Using real-world data and compelling case studies, we’ll reveal the true scale of water losses, uncover their root causes, and showcase cutting-edge solutions that are changing the game—think smart sensors, AI-powered leak detection, district metering, and proactive asset management. Discover how tackling water loss can unlock millions in savings, boost operational performance, extend infrastructure lifespan, and drive long-term sustainability. Walk away with actionable strategies and fresh insights to turn invisible losses into measurable gains—for your community, your budget, and the planet. Presented by Aqualia – Municipal District Services |
| 2:45-3:15 p.m. Greenhouse Session Revenue-Driven Strategy: Rethinking Economic Development | This session explores how cities can rethink economic development through a revenue-driven lens, emphasizing fiscal sustainability, strategic diversification, and smart policy design. Attendees will learn to distinguish vulnerable vs. sustainable revenue sources, evaluate project value and opportunity costs, and structure agreements—such as 380s, TIRZs, and abatements—that retain revenue while advancing city goals. Presented by HdL Companies |
3:00-3:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break – Sponsored by Hilltop Securities Inc.
| 3:30-4:00 p.m. Greenhouse Session Electrical Safety, Reliability, and Compliance. Meeting the Changes of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70B, and OSHA 70E | This session covers critical updates to NEC 70, NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, NEC 700.3() and NFPA 110, now directly tied to OSHA standards. These changes close long-standing loopholes and apply retroactively, requiring all existing and future equipment to meet new compliance benchmarks. The updates carry significant liability for municipalities, facility operators, and contractors while demanding new approaches to staffing, inspections, and documentation. Local inspectors and OSHA are already enforcing these standards, making proactive compliance essential. The session provides practical insight into protecting public facilities, budgets, and personnel under this far-reaching code overhaul. Presented by Power Temp Systems |
| 3:30-4:45 p.m. | TML Concurrent Sessions |
| Creating a Leadership Team for Success: Building Stronger, More Effective Leadership Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, Inc. | The strength of an organization’s leadership team is crucial to its overall success. In this session, we will explore how to build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team that drives results and inspires others. Learn strategies for fostering trust, setting clear objectives, and encouraging open communication among leaders. We’ll discuss how to align diverse leadership styles and strengths, resolve conflicts, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability. Whether you’re forming a new leadership team or enhancing an existing one, join us to discover the tools and best practices that will help your leadership team succeed and lead with impact. Kim Sutter, City Secretary/Chief Compliance Officer, City of Euless; Junior Ezeonu, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Grand Prairie; and Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager, City of Bryan |
| Legal Q&A | Meet the TML legal staff and hear the answers to questions you’ve always wanted to have answered in this fun, insightful, and informal session. Amber McKeon-Mueller, Director of Legal Services; Mike Martin, Legislative Counsel; Tad Cleaves, Assistant General Counsel; Sarah Tompkins, Legal Counsel; and Stephanie Huser, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| Creative Collaborations That Build a Service Community Session courtesy of the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association | How can cities maximize their resources and create a dynamic service culture? Discover how partnerships between libraries, police, firefighters, public works, parks and recreation, and community partners are changing traditional services. Unique programs are being developed across Texas to meet the demand for creative programming, scarcity relief, workforce development, senior and youth connections, and more. Join us for a lively discussion of how communities are coming together to build a stronger Texas. Becky McClain, Library Director, City of Santa Fe; A’ndrea McAdams, Library Director, City of Sundown; Lisa Youngblood, Library Director, City of Harker Heights; and David Mitchell, City Manager, City of Harker Heights |
| The Texas Legislature and Laws Affecting Planning Session courtesy of the American Planning Association Texas Chapter | Join a dynamic, solutions-driven panel as they unpack key legislative changes impacting cities across the state. This session is designed to translate complex legal changes from the most recent legislative session into practical guidance. You will gain critical insights into how these changes impact local governance, budgeting, planning, infrastructure, and public safety. Whether you’re an elected or appointed official, city staff member, or other local leader, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate an evolving regulatory landscape and advocate more effectively for your community. Craig Farmer FAICP, President, Municipal Planning Services, LLC; Carissa Cox AICP, Urban Planning Practice Builder, Kimley-Horn, and Kimberley Mickelson Esq. FAICP, Senior Assistant City Attorney III, City of Houston |
| A Secure Water Future for Your City | The 89th Texas Legislative Session has been called the “Water Session,” with Governor Abbott championing a historic, Texas-sized investment in the state’s water infrastructure. But what does that mean for cities on the front lines of growth, development, and aging systems? This panel brings together top voices from the public and private sectors to unpack the new legislative landscape and its implications for municipal water planning and financing. Learn how your city can navigate new funding mechanisms, address infrastructure demands, and build a resilient water future for your community. Darrell Nichols, General Manager/CEO, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority; Jenna Covington, Executive Director and General Manager, North Texas Municipal Water District; Thomas Liu, Managing Director, BofA Securities; and Matt Lee, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP |
| 4:15-4:45 p.m. Greenhouse Session City in Sync: Unlocking the Power of Integrated Planning | As cities face growing pressures from population growth, funding challenges, and aging infrastructure, siloed planning is no longer sustainable. Integrated Planning offers a transformative approach that weaves together land use planning, transportation, water and wastewater, parks, stormwater, and capital planning into a cohesive, future-ready strategy. This session explores how Integrated Planning can break down departmental barriers to create more holistic, efficient, and smarter plans within your city. Discover how a new approach can broaden collaboration and ultimately create efficiencies to shape the cities of tomorrow. Presented by Freese and Nichols |