Session topics and times are subject to change without notice.
Thursday, March 14
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| 7:45 a.m. | Registration |
| 8:45–9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote Creating Inspired Communities Where People Love to Live Whether you are looking to build capacity, overcome negativity, or position your community for short- and long-term success, you’ll find tremendous value in this visionary and insightful keynote presentation. Best-Selling Author and Community Enthusiast Doug Griffiths focuses on ideas and proven methods that are realistic and attainable, supporting them with real-life examples of success that will leave you imagining all that your community can be. Doug Griffiths, President and CEO, 13 Ways Inc. |
| 9:50–10:50 a.m. | Expanding Economic Prosperity in Texas Communities In this data-packed presentation, Larry McManus, Director of Business & Community Development in the Governor’s Office, will discuss the state of the Texas economy and how the Texas Economic Development & Tourism office works with local leaders to expand economic growth and job creation in rural, suburban, and metro communities across Texas. Larry McManus, Director, Business & Community Development, Texas Economic Development & Tourism, Office of Governor |
| 10:50–11:10 a.m. | Stretch Break |
| 11:10 a.m.–Noon | The State of Water in Texas As the Texas population and economy continue to grow, it is increasingly critical to expand infrastructure to help manage and improve our water supply statewide. Texas Water Development Board Member L’Oreal Stepney, P.E. will discuss Texas’ plan to provide water for a growing population and tools to support better planning and create tangible benefits for our communities and residents. L’Oreal Stepney P.E., Board Member, Texas Water Development Board |
| Noon–1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch (provided) |
| 1:00–2:15 p.m. | Disaster and Emergency Management in Texas Over the past decade, Texas has experienced some of the worst disasters the state has ever faced. In this session, executive staff from the Texas Division of Emergency Management will discuss how Texas prepares for, responds to, recovers from, and mitigates against disasters, and provides resources to serve local leaders in emergency management. W. Nim Kidd MPA, CEM, Chief, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and Vice Chancellor for Disaster and Emergency Services, The Texas A&M University System |
| 2:20–3:20 p.m. | The Future of Transportation The growing Texas population underscores the need to build and strengthen transportation in our state so it’s safe, reliable, and intelligent. In this eye-opening session, Texas A&M Transportation Institute Director Gregory Winfree will discuss the impact of growth on the future of transportation in Texas, including technology, traffic, and funding. Gregory D. Winfree Esq., Agency Director, Texas A&M Transportation Institute |
| 3:20–3:30 p.m. | Stretch Break |
| 3:30–4:30p.m. | Understanding Reliability and Challenges of the Texas Power Grid Since Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has taken historic action to increase reliability of the ERCOT power grid, including mandatory winter weatherization of electric generation infrastructure, requirements that generation plants have access to back up fuel and adjusting market triggers to incentivize more power on the grid when tight conditions are forecast. Today, the biggest challenge facing the grid is demand for power in our fast-growing state outpacing the growth in dispatchable generation resources. Interim Public Utility Commission of Texas Chair Kathleen Jackson will explain what the PUCT is doing to meet these challenges to ensure grid reliability, accountability, and affordability for Texans. Kathleen Jackson P.E., Commissioner, Public Utility Commission of Texas |
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