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....
Creative Representation For Governmental Entities
Municipalities
How rapid growth in Texas cities may impact municipal law
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...
Should your city switch from general law to home rule?
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...
The crucial role of a city manager
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...
Texas takes a stand: the clash over municipal cannabis policies
As the national conversation around marijuana legalization continues to evolve, the state of Texas finds itself in a legal showdown with five of its own cities. The attorney general has filed lawsuits against these cities over their adoption of what he deems unlawful...
Inside the negotiation room: Arbitration as a tool for firefighters and city officials
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...
How can municipalities use AI responsibly?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has already had a significant impact on many industries. From health care to manufacturing to film, more and more private companies are implementing AI as a means to improve productivity, make smarter decisions and increase accuracy. It...
What issues will municipalities face in 2024?
As the new year approaches, all sectors are looking to the future and wondering what 2024 will bring. This is true for municipalities. Local leaders are already taking into account the challenges that could arise in the new year – and what it could mean for Texas...
City and state leaders work together to rebuild relations
Since the passage of HB 2127, a great deal of conflict has arisen between some Texas municipalities and state entities. Several mayors and other elected officials expressed strong disagreement with the power of the new law to limit the rights of local governments from...
Cyberattacks: A new threat to municipalities
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...