Mar 09

Texas City Leaders Meet to Determine Legislative Priorities for 87th Texas Legislature

Posted on March 9, 2021 at 1:27 PM by TML Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Texas City Leaders Meet to Determine Legislative Priorities for 87th Texas Legislature

The League’s members recommended supporting issues such as local options and pay as you go financing for critical infrastructure projects, bridging the digital divide and increasing rural broadband connectivity, and the importance of community advocacy before the legislature.

Leaders from cities across Texas gathered virtually this week to discuss legislative priorities for the 87th Texas Legislative Session. The Texas Municipal League (TML) Policy Summit met for two full days to discuss priorities for cities which included preserving the tools to meet the needs of Texas taxpayers, bridging the digital divide and increasing rural broadband connectivity, pay as you go financing options for critical infrastructure projects, and the importance of community advocacy before the legislature.

“This is the time of year when all of our members come together and tell us what they want TML to be focused on,” said Bennett Sandlin, executive director of TML. “Our goal is to help city leaders better serve the diverse communities they represent. The League is looking forward to advocating on behalf of our members and working with the legislature during the session as we continue positioning our great state for success moving forward.”

Robin Mouton, chair of the TML Municipal Policy Summit and councilwoman from Beaumont said, “I was proud to chair this two-day policy conversation with leaders representing Texas cities of all sizes. It is encouraging to see that no matter the size of city, our members, from small communities like Daisetta to large metropolitan areas like Dallas, all have an equal voice in this process. This is an important statewide conversation and each city has an equal vote in creating the agenda that TML will help us advance during the next legislative session.”

“Each of the League’s 1,160 member cities get to vote on TML priorities and it is encouraging to see a unified and pro-recovery focus as we lead into this important session year. Issues such as broadband connectivity, support for critical infrastructure, and lessened reliance on debt issuance will assist in each city’s ability to aid in overall state recovery. With TML’s legislative agenda, it is evident that city leaders are looking forward to helping restart and continue the Texas miracle,” said TML President-Elect Karen Hunt, mayor of Coppell. “Texans elect local leaders to represent them on the issues that impact their daily lives. In addition to the work in our communities, locally elected officials have a responsibility to remain an active part of the state and federal legislative process and must work with experts to advance the issues important to the individual needs of their community."

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The Texas Municipal League is a voluntary, non-profit association of 1,160 member cities founded in 1913 to help city leaders better serve Texans who live in cities.





Mar 16

TML Training Events and Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Posted on March 16, 2020 at 3:07 PM by Jen Stamps

TML is monitoring developments related to the novel coronavirus – including tracking travel restrictions, statewide developments, and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  We want to assure all city officials that your safety and security are our top priorities.

In light of increased city travel restrictions and the CDC’s recommendation to cancel all events of 50 or more, we are cancelling or postponing most TML training events taking place between now and May 15, including the Emotional Intelligence Workshop,  Leadership Academy, and Small Town Conference.   City officials registered for these events will be notified and registration fees will be fully refunded.  If feasible, we’ll reschedule these events later in the year.

We are considering offering the TML Budget and Tax Rate Workshop on April 23 (Austin) as a webinar instead of in-person training.  Registrants will be notified when details are worked out. 

At this time, we’re still planning to proceed with TML training events held after May 15.  If the situation changes due to a regional quarantine or state emergency declaration, TML will reschedule or cancel other upcoming training events and notify all registrants.

TML Event Cancellation Policy

Registrants whose events take place between now and May 15, or whose travel or other plans are impacted by the coronavirus may request a full refund.

Attendees should contact their hotels directly to cancel reservations, and are responsible for any cancellation or change fees.

Jan 29

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Big Win for Texas

Posted on January 29, 2020 at 1:30 PM by Jen Stamps

On Wednesday, January 29, President Donald Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Texas Municipal League (TML) President Eddie Daffern, Mayor of the City of Staples, was present for the historic signing at the White House. 

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