The Texas Municipal League (TML) has a membership of 1,150 cities and exists solely to provide services to Texas cities. TML is an effective organization for Texas municipalities, both large and small, with regard to advocating positions on pending legislation to members of both the Texas Legislature and Congress. The organization employs full-time attorneys who are available to provide advice and information on municipal legal matters. TML sponsors conferences and educational events and publishes informational materials to keep members apprised of current issues affecting municipal government.
During the last regular and special legislative sessions, TML continued its role as spokesman for cities. Approximately 6,800 bills were filed with more than 1,300 of those directly impacting cities in Texas in the regular session. In the special session, 560 bills were filed. TML reads and analyzes each bill and meets with the cities each week during the regular session to coordinate testimony and strategize with a focus on defeating legislation that would erode municipal authority and local control or that would otherwise be detrimental to cities.
TML advocates for cities on a wide range of issues, including transportation, water, economic development, and job creation.
During the interim, TML monitors and advises cities on all interim committees and issues.
City staff members serve on various policy committees including Utilities and Transportation, Regulation of Development, Revenue and Finance, and the General Government Committee. The City also has Council representation on the Executive Board of Directors.
TML hosted its annual conference in Houston in 2017 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Attendance was estimated at more than 4,000 with an approximate $2,884,712.00positive impact on our local economy. The conference returns to Houston in 2021.
Membership dues reflect an increase of $4,455 over last year and are based on population. Membership renewal with the Texas Municipal League is recommended.
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Bill Kelly, Director
Mayor’s Office of Government Relations