February 19, 2016
Congress Makes Internet Tax Ban Permanent; Texas Remains Grandfathered
On February 11, Congress passed H.R. 644, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, which was amended to include a permanent extension of the Internet Tax Freedom Act. ...read more

NFPA Fire Standards: NFPA 1730 Open for Public Input
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is seeking public comment on the "1730 standard" which focuses on the elements of fire prevention programs. The NFPA is also drafting a standard for Community Risk Assessments and Planning through NFPA 1300. ...read more

House Committee on Urban Affairs Cybersecurity Hearing
Chairwoman Carol Alvarado has invited all interested city officials to attend the House Committee on Urban Affairs hearing on cybersecurity next Tuesday, February 23 in San Antonio. ...read more

What's Innovative About Your City?
As the government closest to the people, cities play a significant role in the quality of life for residents. And with little financial assistance from the state, Texas cities are especially creative in pushing the limits of programs, services, and planning, while rethinking the way people live and work.

In the May 2016 issue of Texas Town & City magazine, we'll highlight a few Texas cities that are developing creative solutions to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for residents. If your town or city has a success story to share, please email the TML Communications Department by February 29 with your story idea.

Picture You in the TML Online Directory
Check out our new feature in the TML Online Directory. Individual photos can now be displayed on your TML Directory. You can upload your photo by logging into your TML account at http://members.tml.org/web/online. Once logged in, you'll see a picture of a camera where you upload your photo. The directory's new feature will help you familiarize yourself with names and faces, facilitate networking, and build community. Upload your photo today!

Texas Reception at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
TML is hosting a Texas Reception for Texas city officials who are attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. on March 5-9. The Texas Reception will take place on Monday, March 7, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

To register for the Texas Reception ($35 a ticket), click here.

To register for the NLC Congressional City Conference, go to www.nlc.org.

Public Funds Investment Act Training In Austin
Join us for the next TML Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA) training workshop in Austin on March 10-11. This workshop meets the state's current training requirements, and is designed for elected and appointed officials at all experience levels. While tailored to small cities (less than 15,000 population), the information is applicable to cities of all sizes.

Register now. The workshop will sell out.

Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinics in West, Tom Bean, and Balcones Heights
Small cities, we have a training workshop that is just your size - a TML Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinic. Each clinic covers the basics (key legal requirements, legislative updates, and a review of TML services), and offers ample time to discuss the issues important to your city during the legal question-and-answer session and roundtable discussion. For just $40 per registrant, the clinic delivers a high educational impact at a low cost. Upcoming clinics will take place on March 11 in West, March 18 in Tom Bean, and April 8 in Balcones Heights.

Reserve your place.

Learn the Secrets to Construction Success
Successful construction projects are essential to your city. When construction projects go well, they positively affect your financial status, political standing, and reputation with your citizens.

Join speaker Casey Sledge, CEO of Sledge Engineering, in this one-hour webinar on the importance of delivering capital projects on time and under budget. City officials will learn how to correctly budget for projects, manage contract risk, select the right contractors, and communicate projects to your key publics.

Registration is limited to 85 participants. For additional information, or to register, visit the website.

TML Budget Workshop is Coming to Levelland
Make plans to join TML on April 1 in Levelland for this workshop designed for city officials and staff who have a role in developing or implementing the city budget.

At this one-day workshop, you will learn:
  • The basics of the budget and tax rate setting process
  • How to forecast municipal revenue
  • The key components of the annual financial report
  • The top five issues discovered by the audit
  • How politics can play into the budget, tax rate, and audit process
Visit the website to learn more and register.

TML On Demand Learning
Did you miss out on the League's recent webinar on cities and licensed carry? TML now offers a way for city officials to view previously recorded webinars at your convenience through TML On Demand.

With TML On Demand, elected officials from TML member cities can earn up to 14 CEUs per year for recorded sessions toward their TMLI certification. Access a free webinar from the comfort of your home, or gather your colleagues in a meeting room and view a fee-based webinar.

Check out TML On Demand.

Feb 25 Region 12 Meeting
Palmhurst
Mar 24Region 10 Meeting
Bryan
Apr 28
Region 11 Meeting
Rockport
Apr 28
Region 2 Meeting
Canyon
Sep 29
Region 3 Meeting
Lubbock
Feb 20-21
Texas Youth Advisory Commission Summit
Pearland
Feb 25-26
Texas City Management Clinic
Granbury
Mar 3
Social Media and Your City: Possibilities, Policies, and Pitfalls
Webinar
Mar 7
Texas Reception at NLC Congressional City Conference
Washington, D.C.
Mar 10-11
Public Funds Investment Act
Austin
Mar 11
TML Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinic
West
Mar 15
The Six Secrets to Construction Success
Webinar
Mar 18
TML Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinic
Tom Bean
Mar 31-Apr 1
Texas City Management Association William "King" Cole Session 2 - Advanced
Addison
Apr 1
Budget, Tax Rate, and Audit Workshop
Levelland
Apr 8
TML Small Cities' Problem-Solving Clinic
Balcones Heights
Apr 17-20
Government Finance Officers Association Spring Institute
Austin
Apr 22
TML Public Officials Liability Workshop
Austin
May 4-6
Texas Municipal Human Resources Association Annual Conference
Fort Worth
May 11-13
Texas Municipal Utilities Association Annual Conference
Kerrville
May 12-13
Grant Writing for Municipal Programs and Projects
Dallas
May 18-20
TML Leadership Academy - Course 1
Round Rock
Jun 8-10
Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Annual Conference
Arlington
Jun 9
Budget, Tax Rate, and Audit Workshop
Bastrop
Jun 9-12
Texas City Management Association Annual Conference
South Padre Island
Jun 15-17
Texas City Attorneys' Association Summer Conference
Bastrop
Jun 15-17
TML Leadership Academy - Course 2
Round Rock
Jun 23-24
Public Funds Investment Act
Austin
Jul 28-29
Newly Elected City Officials' Orientation
Granbury
Aug 2-5
Building Officials Association of Texas Annual Conference
Sugar Land
Aug 18-19
Newly Elected City Officials' Orientation
San Antonio
Oct 4-7
TML Annual Conference and Exhibition
Austin
Oct 26-28
Government Finance Officers Association Fall Conference
Arlington

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Texas Municipal League
1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400
Austin, Texas 78754
Phone: 512-231-7400
Fax: 512-231-7495

 

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