Learn about the TML Pre-Conference Legislative Action Day on March 19, 2025 here!
Thursday, March 20
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| Session topics and times are subject to change without notice. | |
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 7:20-8:20 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:20-8:30 a.m. | Welcome TML President Allison Heyward, CMO, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Schertz |
| 8:30–9:25 a.m. | Opening Session: Make Excellence Your Average The world around us can get pretty negative with people more stressed, tired, frustrated, and less connected than ever. During this opening keynote, Mike Oster will teach that while we can’t control the situations and events that impact us, we can control how we perceive and react to those events. You’ll learn: -the most important thing that affects your performance is your attitude -to see opportunities where others see issues -how to pursue excellence as the average in all you do Mike Oster, Brigadier General USA, Retired |
| 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Expanding Economic Prosperity in Texas Communities Meet Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Texas Economic Development & Tourism in the Office of the Governor. Learn about the programs and resources available to your city and other leaders to expand economic growth and job creation in rural, suburban, and metro communities across Texas. Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of the Governor F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance. |
| 10:30–10:45 a.m. | Stretch Break |
| 10:45–11:30 a.m. | The State’s Housing Affordability Challenge Despite our relatively low cost of living, Texas is facing the pressures of declining housing affordability as our population and demand for housing continue to rise. In this eye-opening session, the Texas Comptroller will examine the factors contributing to the national and statewide housing affordability crisis, discuss how the crisis affects Texans, and how local and state officials can tackle housing affordability. Lisa Craven, Deputy Comptroller and Chief of Staff, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts |
| 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own Visit https://thearboretum.com/dining-directory for more information. |
| 1:00–2:00 p.m. | Land Use and Zoning Authority Legislation has passed in many states and nearly passed in Texas last session to radically shape neighborhoods’ ability to restrict residential density. Our experts will discuss what to expect when the Texas Legislature gathers in 2025. Bennett Sandlin, Executive Director, and Michael Martin, Legislative Counsel, Texas Municipal League |
| 2:05–3:05 p.m. | A Comprehensive Look at City Sales Taxes in Texas A discussion of all things sales tax, from what sales tax options are available to cities to understanding the impact of the comptroller’s sales tax sourcing rules on local budgets, and a look at what the future may hold for city sales tax revenue in Texas. Bill Longley, General Counsel, Texas Municipal League F – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for finance. |
| 3:05–3:20 p.m. | Stretch Break |
| 3:20–4:20 p.m. | The Future of Public Transportation in Texas As our state’s population and economy continue to grow, TxDOT is working to develop the Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan (SMTP) to help Texans get where they want to go and contribute to a next-generation transportation network. With input from stakeholders and communities across the state, the SMTP identifies needs, gaps, and potential strategies that increase mobility and connectivity options for all Texans, support economic development, and address congestion in regional and intercity corridors through 2050. Join us for a dynamic discussion about the future of public transportation in Texas. Bonnie Sherman, Planning & Program Development Director, Public Transportation Division, Texas Department of Transportation; and Tim Sorenson, PE, Transit and Urban Mobility Practice Leader, CDM Smith |
| 4:30–5:15 p.m. | TMLI Awards Ceremony Stay to celebrate those who earned an award in the final year of the TMLI program! |
Friday, March 21
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| 7:20-8:20 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Influence and Overcoming Resistance to Persuasion: Advocating for Your Ideas Even the best ideas don’t sell themselves – they must be sold! Become a more influential leader by deepening your understanding of how to advocate for your ideas and vision. We’ll explore how and why people resist change and consider ways we can help them actively get on board with new ideas. We will consider some counterintuitive ideas about persuasion and learn to better assess the situation and the people you need to address. Ultimately, you will return to work (and home) with a few new practical tools in your influence toolbox. Gaylen Paulson, Associate Dean and Director, Texas Executive Education at McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas, Austin G – This session meets the TML CMO program core competency requirement for governance. |
| 9:45–11:30 a.m. | 2025 Legislative Update Whether you’re an experienced city advocate or new to legislative activities, keeping track of bills that affect your city is critical. In this informative session, TML staff will provide an update on the city-related issues that are shaping up to be priorities in the 89th legislative session, and how you can effectively serve your community through grassroots involvement. Bennett Sandlin, Executive Director; Bill Longley, General Counsel; Monty Wynn, Grassroots and Legislative Services Director; JJ Rocha, Grassroots and Legislative Services Manager; and Michael Martin, Legislative Counsel, Texas Municipal League |