Agenda

Thursday, March 5

7:30 a.m.

Registration and Light Breakfast

8:15-8:30 a.m.

Welcome and Opening Keynote
Marissa Ximenez, TML President-Elect and Floresville Councilmember

8:30-9:25 a.m.

Superhero Leadership in Uncertain Times
Leadership isn’t about titles, systems, or control — it’s about invitation, empowering others, and the courage to care. In this transformative keynote, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Brett Culp delivers a fresh and emotionally resonant perspective on leadership rooted in purpose, not power. Through unforgettable stories from his filmmaking adventures and initiatives, Brett inspires audiences to lead with heart and create a ripple effect of positive change. This presentation redefines leadership as a calling fueled by authenticity, humility, and service. Whether navigating limited resources or fast-changing landscapes, Brett shows how choosing mission over ego creates momentum and inspires those around you to bring their best. 
—
Brett Culp, Acclaimed Documentary Filmmaker

9:30-10:30 a.m.

How Resilient Is the Texas Economy?
Texas’ economy has long been a powerhouse, but how prepared is it to handle global shocks, shifting industries, and changing demographics? Pia Orrenius of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas will take a deep dive into the state’s economic strengths, vulnerabilities, and opportunities. This session will highlight key trends shaping local communities, workforce dynamics, and fiscal health, while offering practical insights and strategies to foster resilient, thriving cities across Texas.
F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance
—
Pia Orrenius, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

10:30-10:45 a.m.

Stretch Break

10:45-11:30 a.m.

Shaping the Future: Demographic Trends and Their Impact
Dr. Helen You of the Texas Demographic Center will explore the latest demographic trends shaping communities across Texas. From population growth and migration patterns to changing age and ethnic compositions, this session will examine how these shifts affect city planning, services, and long-term economic and social development. Attendees will gain insights to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities as Texas cities evolve.
—
Helen You PhD, Associate Director and Senior Demographer, Texas Demographic Center

11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Lunch on your own

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Texas Water: What’s Working, What’s Next
Texas made real progress last year, starting with $20 billion in new state investments that will support long-term planning tools that will help communities modernize aging water infrastructure and shore up regional supplies. But with fast-growing cities, rising industrial demand, and recurring droughts, the gap between today’s water systems and tomorrow’s needs remains wide.

In this session, Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy at Texas 2036, moderates a practical, forward-looking conversation with Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and Taylor Landin, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the Greater Houston Partnership. Together, they will outline what’s working for Texas communities today, where vulnerabilities still exist, and which next-step policies and investments will matter most to local leaders across the state.
—
Jeremy Mazur, Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources Policy, Texas 2036; Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs, Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy; and Taylor Landin, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Greater Houston Partnership

2:05-3:15 p.m.

After the Headlines: What Recovery Really Looks Like
The cameras leave, but the real work begins. Months after a disaster, communities are still rebuilding, adapting, and learning hard lessons. In this honest, forward-looking discussion, local leaders from some of Texas’ most impacted cities share what recovery truly looks like – beyond the initial response. They will reflect on what surprised them, what they’re still working through, and how their cities are planning smarter for the future.
—
Panel to be announced.

3:15-3:30 p.m.

Stretch Break

3:30-4:30 p.m.

AI in Action: Practical Tools for Smarter Local Government
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming local government operations. This session will provide practical examples, legal considerations, and insights from cities successfully using AI today. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, cautionary guidance, and a roadmap for exploring AI solutions in their own communities.
—
Speaker to be announced.

Friday, March 6

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Light Breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m.

The History of State and Local Relations in the United States
This presentation will examine the meaning of federalism in the United States – the unique collaboration and competition between federal, state, and local authorities in American democracy. How was this system designed to work? How has it worked in practice? What are lessons and best practices for local governance in the 21^st century? This presentation will address these questions and provide insights for effective leadership today.
—
Jeremi Suri PhD, Mack Brown Distinguished Professor for Global Leadership, History, and Public Policy, The University of Texas at Austin

9:30-9:45 a.m.

Stretch Break

9:45-11:30 a.m.

Legislative Briefing: What’s Coming in 2027
Whether you’re an experienced city advocate or new to legislative activities, understanding the bills that impact your city is essential. In this session, TML staff will highlight the key city-related issues emerging as priorities in the 90th legislative session, which begins January 12, 2027. You’ll gain practical strategies for staying informed, engaging with lawmakers, and effectively representing your community through grassroots involvement.
G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance.
—
TML Legislative Team