October 28, 2022, Number 42

Download the full .pdf version here: TML Legislative Update Number 42

bdo hosts monthly local government roundtable

The comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO) is hosting a monthly roundtable discussion for local governments on broadband readiness and funding. The next roundtable will be on November 3 at 10:00 a.m. The last roundtable focused on the proposed rules governing the BDO and an overview of broadband efforts. The roundtable provides an opportunity for city officials to engage directly with the BDO on any broadband concerns. Subsequent meetings will be the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

Interested city officials can join the discussion using this meeting link. City officials can send broadband questions or future agenda ideas to broadband@cpa.texas.gov.

reminder: tml survey on general fund revenues and expenditures

TML recently sent out a survey related to general fund revenues and expenditures. The League is requesting your assistance in providing this data so that the results will be as comprehensive as possible. The full survey can be found here. You can also complete the survey online here. TML requests that the survey is completed by the person best suited to respond to the questions. Please complete the survey questionnaire no later than October 31, 2022.

If you’d rather fill out a paper copy of the survey instead of responding online, please email JJ Rocha the completed survey at jj@tml.org.

The Texas Municipal League has several motives in asking for your help on this survey. First, of course, is TML’s concern for the financial well-being of Texas cities. By collecting and analyzing information on revenues and expenditures, we can best serve the interests of the cities in our advocacy efforts.

In addition, we use software applications that will enable us to look at data from different perspectives; for example, comparing population levels with types of revenues. The results of this analysis will help cities, legislators, and others understand the complexities of municipal government.

nlc seeks input to improve 2030 census

The National League of Cities (NLC) is seeking input from cities on ways to reshape and improve the 2030 Census. The U.S. Census Bureau recently issued a notice seeking input from stakeholders on the development and implementation strategies that improve the way people participate in the 2030 Census. NLC will be providing comments to the Bureau on this topic and is currently collecting feedback from cities on the following issues: reaching and motivating people, technology, contacting and providing support to the public. A recent NLC blog post provides a more in-depth description of the issues the Bureau is hoping to solve. Cities may provide input to NLC here.

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.