While droughts are not new for the lone star state, planning needs to happen for the future, one with a greater state population and ongoing climate change. Recently, the Texas Water Research Network, part of The University of Texas at Austin, completed a study about...
Regular readers of our Texas Municipal Law Blog will undoubtedly recall that we recently wrote about how some social distancing changes that have come to public hearings and meetings could stick around and reshape politics and decision-making at state and local...
While no one knows what the post-pandemic world will look like, it seems likely that some of the changes implemented during stay-at-home orders might stick around for the foreseeable future. For instance, there are undoubtedly Texas businesses that have had their eyes...
There is likely not a county or municipal official in Texas unaware of the debate underway in Austin related to state efforts to cap local government entities' abilities to raise revenues they need to meet constituent demands. It's too early to say what the...
Workers' compensation is not a mandated benefit in Texas. That is one of a few ways in which our state differs from others. At the same time, some employers, including many local municipalities and political subdivisions do carry some form of coverage. The Texas...
It isn't often that the maneuverings within the halls of a city government make it into the mainstream media. When it does, it is perhaps worth taking time to examine the situation to see if there is something to learn that could help your community avoid unwanted,...
Greek mythology tells the tale of Sisyphus; a man who, for eternity, must push a boulder up a hill. Before he ever reaches the top, the rock rolls back down. Today, the term Sisyphean sometimes describes what seems to be never-ending work. Many leaders in Texas local...
Freedom of information is a foundational tenet of American democracy. The argument goes that transparency about government operations is critical for voters to exercise their electoral rights and responsibilities. At the federal level, the Freedom of Information Act...
Words have power. Meanings of words are important. Definitions can vary, however, and that can create interesting legal tangles. As an example, recall the statement in 1998 by then-President Bill Clinton, "It depends upon what the meaning of the word 'is' is." You can...
Most government agencies have some form of social media accounts and are expected to communicate regularly with their local online audience. The norms of social media dictate posts should be entertaining, informative, genuine and provide transparency – all in...
