September 16, 2022, Number 37


Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update Number 37


resolutions submitted for consideration at 2022 annual conference and your city delegate

Several cities submitted legislative resolutions for consideration at the 2022 TML Annual Conference in San Antonio. The topics relate, among other things, to:

  1. Policy Summit Report
  2. Ballot Propositions
  3. Hotel Occupancy Taxes
  4. Zoning/Super Majority Requirements
  5. Municipal Utility Districts
  6. Competitive Procurement
  7. Emergency Service Districts
  8. Affordable Housing

The full resolutions packet can be found here. The resolutions will be debated at the TML business meeting on October 6 at 3:30 p.m. Additional resolutions relating to member service fees and meeting procedures under the TML Constitution may be added to the packet after a Tuesday TML Board meeting at the Conference.

Each city is entitled to one voting delegate at the business meeting. The delegate isn’t required to have any expertise, and an elected official delegate is encouraged but not required. The delegate can sign up electronically here prior to the meeting or sign up in person at a table outside of the meeting room. Cities are encouraged to sign up their delegate early using the link above.

All city officials are welcome to attend the meeting, whether or not they are a voting delegate.


tml testifies at committee hearings

Last week, TML testified at hearings of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Local Government Committee on interim charges relating to S.B. 2 (2019) and H.B. 2404 (2021 legislation that created an online database of local economic development agreements).

In addition, the League submitted written testimony to the Senate Local Government Committee on the interim charge relating to the extraterritorial jurisdiction, heard on September 13.

Interested city officials can view the hearings by clicking on the September 8 Ways and Means hearing here, and by clicking on either the September 13 or the September 14 Local Government hearing here.  


federal infrastructure bill update

In November 2021, the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law. The IIJA is altogether a $1.2 trillion bill that will invest in the nation’s core infrastructure priorities including roads, bridges, rail, transit, airports, ports, energy transmission, water systems, and broadband.

The League will monitor state and federal agencies and work with the National League of Cities (NLC) to access the latest information relating to the IIJA. We will be providing periodic updates in the Legislative Update on resources for Texas cities on how to access IIJA funding for local infrastructure projects. 

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

DOT’s Federal Rail Administration recently announced the availability of over $1.4 billion in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant funding. Funding of the program under the IIJA is more than triple the amount in previous years. The program is designed to fund projects that modernize freight and passenger rail infrastructure. The Notice of Funding Availability for the CRISI program can be found here. Applications for funding are due no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on December 1, 2022. The Federal Transit Administration recently extended the application period for the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) to October 7. The purpose of the ASAP grant program is to provide funding to states and local governments to help finance capital projects to upgrade the accessibility of rail public transportation systems for persons with disabilities. The law limits ASAP to legacy rail fixed guideway public transportation systems with stations or facilities for passenger use that are not already accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. 

National League of Cities (NLC)

The Local Infrastructure Hub, sponsored by NLC and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, among others, is now live. The Hub is designed to help city officials navigate the funding programs made available by the IIJA. Interested city officials can sign up for the mailing list, attend virtual learning events, and access articles and other resources on some of the key IIJA funding opportunities.

Upcoming events on the Local Infrastructure Hub include:

  • September 27, 2022 – Delivering Results: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities


comptroller to send $665.7m to cities in sales tax revenue

Last week, Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced that he will send cities, counties, transit systems, and special purpose taxing districts $1.04 billion in local sales tax allocations for September 2022. Of that, cities will receive $665.7 million – an 11.8% increase from September 2021. The allocations are based on sales made in July.


disclaimer

TML member cities may use the material herein for any purpose. No other person or entity may reproduce, duplicate, or distribute any part of this document without the written authorization of the Texas Municipal League.