Level 5 Foyer
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
(live online only)
Manchester EE, Level 5 (in person only)
Moderator: Pete Winckler, Legislative Consultant - Texas Association of County Auditors, Texas Association of Counties
Before the general session, Core Legislative Group members will have an opportunity to look at successes and the hard work CLG members did during the legislative session. A panel of CLG members will be discussing their experiences, from preparation to office visits and testifying in a hearing. This event is for current Core Legislative Group members. However, if you would like to attend, please register for the Core Legislative Group at the CLG booth on the fifth floor.
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Welcome
Presiding: Hon. Tim Addison, Yoakum County Commissioner and President, Texas Association of Counties
Hon. Susan M. Redford, Executive Director, Texas Association of Counties
Top 5 Takeaways From the 2025 Legislative Session
Speaker: Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services, TAC
The Best Storyteller in Texas
Speaker: Kent Hance, Podcast Host, Chancellor Emeritus of the Texas Tech University System; Former TX Senator, U.S. Congressman
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
Level 5 Foyer
Palm Park, Level 7
(live online only)
Moderator: William Chapman, Legislative Consultant – Federal Issues, TAC
Speakers: Monica Cruz, State Data Center Lead and Special Research Associate, Texas Demographic Center
Ashlea J. Quinonez, HUD Southwest Regional Administrator, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
With Texas experiencing record-breaking population growth and evolving demographic shifts, data-driven housing solutions are more critical than ever. Explore how migration patterns, fertility rates and long-term projections can inform affordable housing development. Discussion will focus on aligning local and regional planning with federal housing programs to meet Texas’ rapidly changing needs.
Moderator: Pete Winckler, Legislative Consultant - Auditors' Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Giovanni Capriglione, Texas House of Representatives
Hon. John Warren, Dallas County Clerk
Peter Crary, Senior Manager Technology Services, TAC
The 89th Legislature created the Texas Cyber Command Center after Gov. Greg Abbott identified cybersecurity as an emergency item for the 2025 session to address. Hear from industry experts on how this new state initiative can further support counties.
Moderator: Amy Bruno, Legislative Consultant - Justices of the Peace and Constables Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Tricia Krenek, Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace
Hon. Carlos Lopez, Travis County Constable
Learn what discussions transpired during the 89th Legislative Session and impacted to evictions. Panelists will talk through any updates and challenges associated with evictions and squatters.
Moderator: Stefan Silveira, Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. David Spiller, Texas House of Representatives
Hon. J.D. Clark, Wise County Judge
Hon. Jen Crownover, Comal County Commissioner
John Redington, Associate General Counsel, TAC
Texas’ exploding population continues to strain county resources and land. Is there a workable balance of sensible land use regulation that provides for economic development while preserving current residents’ quality of life? Join us to discuss how a more defined regulatory framework could allow counties and developers to work toward growth uniquely suited to each community.
Moderator: Elizabeth Choate, Legislative Consultant - Texas District and County Attorneys Association, TAC
Speakers: Thomas Wilson, Smith County Assistant District Attorney
Paul Miles, Associate General Counsel, TAC
County officials play a vital role in ensuring transparency and public access to information. This expert panel will examine recent legislative developments affecting the Texas Public Information Act, highlighting their practical implications for counties. The discussion will include efforts to modernize the act to reflect emerging technologies and evolving best practices. Join us to learn how your county can stay ahead of these changes while continuing to protect the public’s right to know.
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
Open during lunch, noon-1:30 p.m.
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
1. Building for Tomorrow: Aligning Texas Demographic Trends With Affordable Housing Strategies
2. County Technology Update
3. Get Out! What Happened With Evictions and Squatters
4. Land: Our Most Valuable Resource and How to Responsibly Use It
5. Evolving Transparency: Legislative Updates and Compliance With the Texas Public Information Act
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
Moderator: Kirsten Mills, Legislative Consultant – County & District Clerks’ Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Laura Rogers, Sherman County/District Clerk
Hon. Teneshia Hudspeth, Harris County Clerk
Jennifer Doinoff, Hays County Elections Administrator
Christina Adkins, Director of Elections, Secretary of State Office
How have election procedures changed this year? Find out as this session focuses on new legislation and emerging best practices to ensure fair and secure elections.
Moderator: Davis Hairston, Legislative Consultant - Tax Assessor-Collectors Association of Texas, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Chris Turner, Texas House of Representatives
Hon. Larry Gaddes, Williamson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Hon. Jim Johnson, Wichita County Judge
Roland Altinger, Harris County Chief Appraiser
Learn about the latest legislative changes affecting property tax calculations and exemptions, and how the changes should be reflected in county Truth-in-Taxation reports.
Moderator: Zelma Smith, Senior Fiscal & Policy Analyst, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Dan Hicks, Scurry County Judge
Lee Johnson, MPA, Executive Director, Texas Council of Community Centers
Robin Ayers, Senior Federal Affairs Liaison, Texas Department of Transportation
From mental health services to infrastructure and border security, a wide range of federal and state grants are available to support county priorities. Join us for a practical look at current funding opportunities as panelists highlight what’s out there and what it takes to apply. Plus, hear from a county judge who will provide insights on which grants are worth pursuing, which ones aren’t and how to tell the difference.
Moderator: Stefan Silveira, Legislative Consultant - County Judges and Commissioners Association, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Adam Hinojosa, Texas Senate
Hon. James DeLoach, Lamb County Judge
Hon. Cindy Irwin, Hutchinson County Judge
Rick McBrayer, Emergency Management Coordinator, Victoria City/County
From wildfire prevention and ambulance services in remote areas to hurricane damage along the coast, this session will focus on resources and recommendations from our trusted partners in emergency management.
Moderator: Julie Young, Legislative Consultant - County Treasurers' Association of Texas, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Joseph Moody, Texas House of Representatives
Geoffrey Burkhart, County Executive for Community Legal Services, Travis County
Although the 1963 Gideon vs. Wainwright ruling established the right to counsel, Texas ranks 46th nationally in public defender funding. With a shortage of attorneys and funds to represent those without counsel, what is the future of indigent defense?
Palm Park, Level
Indigo Room, Level 4
Were you elected or appointed after Aug. 30, 2024? If yes, you are invited to attend our New Official Networking event. Preregistration is required.
6. Safeguarding Our Elections
7. Truth-in-Taxation: What’s New and Frequently Asked Questions
8. Grant Updates: From Indigent Defense to Infrastructure
9. Emergency Management Resources and Disaster Preparation
10. Indigent Defense: 62 Years of Public Defender Services in Texas
Congressional Ballroom, Level 3
Affiliate organizations host a 1.5-hour meeting to discuss legislative issues or association business during the conference.
This social event is an opportunity to celebrate all county officials who volunteer their time and expertise to advocate on behalf of counties. Your efforts during the legislative session are critical to the success of protecting local government. Thank you for your efforts!
Level 5 Foyer
(live online only)
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Manchester Ballroom, Level 5
Welcome and Introductions
Presiding: Hon. Cindy Yeatts Brown, Denton County Treasurer and President-Elect, Texas Association of Counties
Federalism at the Border: County Leadership on the Texas-Mexico Border
Moderator: William Chapman, Legislative Consultant – Federal Issues, TAC
Speakers: Hon. Tano Tijerina, Webb County Judge
Matt Chase, Executive Director, National Association of Counties (NACo)
Counties along the Texas-Mexico border face complex challenges and unique opportunities at the intersection of immigration, public safety, economic development and cross-border infrastructure. This closing session spotlights county-driven solutions, innovative partnership and emerging federal engagement through the National Association of Counties’ Southwest Border Counties Forum. Attendees will hear from national experts and local leaders about strategies to manage binational relations and advocate for sustainable investments in border communities.