As the political climate in Texas heats up, municipalities are facing increasing pressure to ensure the integrity of their elections. With concerns over ballot-counting and suspicions of election fraud, the demand for transparent oversight is at an all-time high. Local leaders are tasked with balancing voter access with the need to reinforce trust in the electoral process. This balance is critical, as it influences not only current public confidence but also the foundation of future elections. The impact of election oversight on municipalities In response to these challenges, municipalities ar ..read more

Texas is witnessing a remarkable surge in its urban populations, a trend that positions the state as a beacon of growth and opportunity. Four cities in particular stand out for their rapid expansion, with implications that resonate through the fabric of municipal law and governance. Understanding the ramifications of this growth is critical. These burgeoning metropolises not only strain existing infrastructure and services but also create myriad legal and administrative challenges. From zoning laws to public safety, from housing regulations to environmental considerations, the expansion of the ..read more

Texas cities come in several types, but two of the main ones are general law and home rule. Home rule cities in Texas have more authority and flexibility when it comes to local governance, while general law cities operate under stricter state regulations. If the municipal officers in a general law city conclude that home rule would serve their constituents better and the city has more than 5,000 inhabitants, it is possible to change city type from a general law (Type A, B or C) system to a home rule system. Here are five key factors Texas city officials should consider when making this decisio ..read more

Municipalities are the backbone of local governance, providing essential services that directly impact the quality of life for residents. At the heart of municipal operations is a pivotal figure: the city manager. This role, often shrouded in the intricacies of local government, is vital to the smooth functioning of a city’s day-to-day affairs. The city manager serves as the executive arm of the local government, translating policies into action and meeting the community’s needs efficiently and effectively. As we explore the responsibilities of a city manager, it becomes clear why these profes ..read more

The Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) is a cornerstone of governance in the Lone Star State. It ensures that the workings of public entities are transparent and accessible to citizens. At its core, TOMA mandates that any meetings involving governmental bodies should remain available to the public. This ensures that democracy functions with the lights on. However, the Act also recognizes that certain matters are sensitive by nature and require discretion. To provide for these matters, it carves out seven specific executive exceptions to allow closed sessions. The seven pillars of privacy Delving i ..read more

In the heart of the Lone Star State, a tech revolution is quietly unfolding as Texas cities cultivate a reputation for being among the best locations for the technology sector. This burgeoning reputation isn’t just a stroke of luck. It’s the result of strategic planning, investment in infrastructure and a business-friendly climate that beckons tech giants and startups alike. For a state known for its expansive landscapes and oil-rich soil, the shift towards becoming a tech hub marks a significant evolution in its economic landscape. A recent ranking from Cloudwards has placed several Texas cit ..read more

School board meetings are a fundamental piece of public education. In them, board members make crucial decisions that can affect children’s futures. As a citizen, you may have attended or at least heard of the public sessions where parents, teachers and community members are welcome to observe and participate. However, not all school board meetings are open to the public. Have you ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of these executive sessions? The intrigue surrounding these closed meetings is not without reason, as they deal with sensitive issues that, by law, require confident ..read more

Today’s digital world has presented challenges that leaders 20 years ago couldn’t have anticipated. One of these is the threat of cyberattacks. Municipalities, which often have lower budgets for cybersecurity and less-advanced technology than state entities, have become ever-more-popular targets for hackers using ransomware. Such an attack struck North Texas recently, leaving officials on guard. Systems breached, information stolen The North Texas Municipal Water District recently suffered a cyberattack that should serve as an example to other municipalities throughout Texas. Hackers calling t ..read more

Negotiations between city officials and firefighter unions serve to balance two important goals: develop a contract that fairly compensates those who keep our city safe while also ensuring that the final agreement does not deplete the city’s funds. Ideally, a fair and sustainable agreement will satisfy both goals. But how do parties come to such an agreement? The path is not always an easy one. Case study: Houston officials and fire department reach negotiation standstill It is not uncommon for city officials and fire departments to struggle to negotiate the terms of the contract. Many cities ..read more

Disputes between civil rights activists and Texas authorities show no signs of letting up in the new year. Last year saw numerous protests and lawsuits from civil rights groups and individual activists against the actions of school districts, state agencies and everything in between. Less than a month into 2024, there are already three major issues being targeted by various civil rights actions. What are civil rights groups challenging? The three most prominent issues targeted by Texas civil rights groups are: School policies: Student groups as well as larger groups including the American Civi ..read more