TML Annual Conference Delegate Program
(Details.)
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
- The Role of Economic Development Incentives in
Site Selection
James LeBas, Tax and Fiscal Consulting, Austin; Jennifer Patterson, Partner, McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore LLP, Austin; and Melissa Salhab Sykes, Partner, McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore LLP, Austin
This session will provide an overview of incentives that cities and counties can use to attract new business, discuss how to evaluate the burdens and benefits of an economic development project for local government and the community, and suggest criteria for determining what incentives to offer a business. Panelists will discuss the interplay between taxes and incentives, as well as other non-tax, non-incentive considerations for companies seeking to locate in Texas. The session will conclude with a discussion of considerations in negotiating and drafting a contract to seal an incentive deal.
- Working with Your City Attorney in Small Cities
Scott Houston, Director of Legal Services, Texas Municipal League, Austin; Kent McIlyar, City Attorney, City of Paris; and Charlie Zech, Attorney, Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal, P.C., San Antonio
Whether your city attorney is in-house or a private practitioner, this session will help you make the most of your relationship with your city attorney.
- Managing Emotional Audiences (repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
Brian Brandt, Summit Solution Group, Tyler; Mark McDaniel, City Manager Designate, City of Tyler; and Susan Guthrie, Communications Director, City of Tyler
Lewis and Clark, Batman and Robin, peanut butter and chocolate—they’re all great combinations. When it comes to handling emotional audiences, where strong feelings and controversy are likely to be present, preparation and discipline form the dynamic duo that will bring success to your next public presentation.
- Federal Issues of Importance to Cities
Leslie Wollack, Principal Legislative Counsel, National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.
Although far from home, Congress regularly deliberates on legislation that impacts our cities in Texas. NLC staff will brief attendees on the status of its 2008 federal lobbying priorities, which includes positions on energy efficiency, transportation funding, housing finance reform, public safety, immigration reform, and collective bargaining.
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
- Developing Financial and Community Partnerships to Sustain Your Programs
Joani Sarkiss, President, J. Sarkiss & Associates, Corpus Christi
Financial and community partnerships are essential to providing the whole range of services needed to improve the quality of life for residents. This session will guide administrators and board/committee members through the development of establishing and maintaining financial and community partnerships and collaborations. It will also discuss essential components included in partnership agreements to maintain healthy community collaborations. After this session, you will be able to identify components required to maintain successful community partnerships, Identify potential community partners, and Identify strategies for pursuing non-federal funders. - Managing Emotional Audiences (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
Brian Brandt, Wixted Pope Nora Thompson & Associates, Tyler; Mark McDaniel, Deputy City Manager, City of Tyler; and Susan Guthrie, Communications Director, City of Tyler
View a description of this session. - Eight Indisputable Behaviors of Best Practice City Councils
Mike Conduff, President and CEO, The Elim Group, Denton
In this lively and entertaining presentation, you will learn the behaviors that distinguish high achieving board members from all the rest. You will leave this session with a clear understanding of how policy governance principles can make a true difference in the lives of each of us. - Going Green: Cities and Businesses Working Together
Cities are looking to businesses to help in their efforts to create a more sustainable environment. Some cities are going it alone, and others are looking at coalitions to do what they can to “go green.”
Noon - 3:00 p.m.
3:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Sir Ken Robinson, Los Angeles, California; and Cynthia
McCollum, National League of Cities President and
Councilmember, City of Madison, Alabama
Throughout the world, companies and organizations are trying to compete in a world of economic and technological change that is moving faster than ever. They urgently need people who are creative, innovative, and flexible. Too often, they can’t find them. Why is this? What’s the real problem, and what should be done about it? Sir Ken Robinson will answer three vital questions for all organizations that have a serious strategic interest in creativity and innovation.
Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation, education, and human resources. He has worked with national governments in Europe and Asia, international agencies, Fortune 500 companies, not-for-profit corporations, and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations. Sir Ken speaks to audiences throughout the world on the creative challenges facing business and education in the new global economies. His book, Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative, is described by Director Magazine as “a truly mind opening analysis of why we don’t get the best out of people at a time of punishing change.” In 2003, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the arts, and in 2005, he was named as one of Time/Fortune/CNN’s “Principal Voices.”
The National League of Cities is an important partner in ensuring that the voices of city leaders across the country are heard. Cynthia McCollum was elected president of NLC in November 2007. When taking office, she outlined three goals for her year as president: (1) to strengthen the foundation of NLC by enhancing the value of membership; (2) to sharpen the NLC voice on critical national issues to ensure that the Presidential candidates know “who we are, what we do, and what we stand for”; and (3) to leave the NLC organization stronger. She will share with conference attendees how she is accomplishing these goals.
Cynthia McCollum is president of the National League of Cities (NLC), the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing municipal government, and a councilmember from Madison, Alabama. She served on the NLC Board of Directors from 2002 to 2004 and is a past president of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. She is also active in the Alabama League of Municipalities, serving as a member of the Executive Committee. McCollum first won election to the Madison City Council in 1989 and has served several terms, both as council president and president pro tem.
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
(separate ticketed event, NO CHARGE - SOLD OUT)
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:45 – 11:45 a.m.
(separate ticketed event, $20)
A minimum of 20 participants must register by September 23; maximum number of attendees is 35. The tour will depart from the convention center. This project is a $216.6-million investment by the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the San Antonio River Authority, and the San Antonio River Foundation in flood control, amenities, ecosystem restoration, and recreational improvements to the San Antonio River. The project will improve 13 miles of the San Antonio River and is comprised of three distinct Reaches: Downtown Reach, Museum Reach, and Mission Reach. Participants will have the opportunity to take a hard-hat tour of the Museum Reach Urban Segment, which extends approximately 1.3 miles from Lexington Street to Josephine Street. The project will stabilize the river channel; extend navigation by river barge through the addition of a lock and dam; create access along a linear park that links major cultural institutions and commercial centers; and add landscaping, pocket parks, lighting, and signage.
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
A continental breakfast, sponsored by Buxton, will be served in the exhibit hall.
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
- Workforce Development and Succession Planning
Elise Welborn, Human Resources Manager, City of Colleyville; and LaShon Ross, Director of Human Resources, City of Plano
The importance of recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-quality workforce in city government cannot be overstated. A key component of workforce development—succession planning—is also essential for a well-run city. Although frequently used in the private arena, succession planning is rarely employed in the public sector. Can public organizations sustain a talented workforce given the impending changes in the workforce?
- An Update on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) (repeated at 2:00 p.m.)
Eric Henry, CPA, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Texas Municipal Retirement System, Austin
Mr. Henry will update conference attendees on the latest developments at TMRS, including legislative changes that TMRS is considering. A question-and-answer period will be included.
- Legislative Topic: Eminent Domain and Regulation of
Development Issues
TML Staff
Many significant decisions affecting Texas cities are made by the Texas Legislature, not by municipal officials. Receive a briefing on eminent domain and regulation of development issues the Texas Legislature will likely address during the 2009 legislative session, and learns how the League, through its policy development process, is preparing for the session.
- Legacy Leadership
Dr. Randall Garner, Professor of Behavioral Sciences, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville
Legacy leadership is not accidental; it is intentional. How do you want your service as a leader to be remembered? Regardless of what you do as a leader, you will leave a legacy— the important thing is to consider how you would like to be remembered and to work toward those things that ensure the realization of that vision.
- Energy Conservation: Going Green Cost Effectively
Mike Conduff, Co-Founder, Greenstreetlights.com; President and CEO, The Elim Group, Denton; James Hunt, Co-Founder, Greenstreetlights.com; The Hunt Group, Clarksburg, West Virgina; and Past President of the National League of Cities; Jake Stewart, Austin Energy, Austin; Ron Jones, Mayor, City of Garland; and Clay Phillips, Deputy City Manager, City of Coppell
Local governments everywhere are recognizing that “Going Green” by reducing their carbon footprint is clearly the right thing to do. Additionally, they know that in these fiscally challenging times, going green also has to make financial sense. In their illuminating presentation, Jim and Mike will be joined by representatives from the Cities of Coppell and Garland, as well as ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. If you want to help your city positively impact the environment and save money at the same time, don’t miss this fast-paced and energetic session on how your city can “Go Green and Add to the Bottom Line.”
- Effective Media Relations: It’s All About the Message
(repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
John Bender, Consultant, Public Affairs Communications, Austin
A combative relationship with the news media consumes time, energy, and careers. This session will focus on proactive strategies to ensure that the right message gets delivered to citizens. Topics will include how to establish positive working relationships with the news media, how to develop an effective message, how to deliver the message, and how to stay on message. With more than 30 years of media relations experience, Mr. Bender has learned what works and what doesn’t.
9:00 - 11:45 a.m.
9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
- Defining Your City’s Preferred Future (repeated
at 2:00 p.m.)
Lyle Sumek, Ph.D.,President, Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Florida
Every city has visions, but not every city has a vision that is used to help create the future. Every city has plans, but not every city has a plan that defines goals and sets forth an annual work program while having flexibility to take advantage of urgent opportunities. Every city takes actions, but not every city takes actions that produce results that are guided by the vision and consistent with the plan. As a result, many cites find themselves captured by past events, responding to the latest crisis or being attacked by the extreme negative five percent who are against everything. Now is the time to refocus on the future and put together a workable strategic plan.
- Effectively Managing Your Organization’s Risk
Les Horne, Manager, Loss Prevention, Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool
Tamara Chafin, Field Services Representative, Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool
Lori Gillespie, Staff Attorney III, Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool
This presentation will focus on the fundamentals of risk management and loss prevention. Special attention will be given to the identification of loss trends and subsequent corrective actions in historically problematic areas and departments within local governmental entities. Types of services and resources available to help prevent losses will be explained. - Small Community Entrepreneurship: A Best Practice Approach (repeated at 2:00 p.m.)
Dave Ivan, Community and Economic Development Specialist, Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan
At first thought, we may not clearly understand the role that local leaders can play in generating entrepreneurship in the community and, ultimately, creating local economic development. Are community actions integral to the local entrepreneurial environment? When the local economy starts to stagnate or dips into retrenchment, can governmental decisions help stabilize the downturn or, better yet, foster revitalization? Dave Ivan believes the answer is yes. In this session, he will share research findings and best practice community approaches. - Legislative Topic: Revenue and Taxation Issues
TML Staff
Many significant decisions affecting Texas cities are made by the Texas Legislature, not by municipal officials. Receive a briefing on revenue and taxation issues the Texas Legislature will likely address during the 2009 legislative session, and learn how the League, through its policy development process, is preparing for the session. - The Moral Dilemmas of Spying(repeated at 2:00 p.m.)
Jim Olson, George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M, College Station
Who decides what is necessary for the public good, and is it really true that any kind of service is permissible for the public good? These questions are at the heart of this presentation by Jim Olson, author of Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying. He will take participants inside the real world ofintelligence in the United States to describe the difficult dilemmas field officers face on an almost daily basis. - Effective Media Relations: It’s All About the Message (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
John Bender, Consultant, Public Affairs Communications, Austin
View a description of this session.
Noon - 1:45 p.m.
(separate ticketed event, $25)
Manuel Scott, Freedom Writer, Sacramento, California
This presentation will celebrate the sacrifice of servants and inspire them to deepen their commitment to helping others. Mr. Scott will emphasize the importance of telling your servant-leaders how much you appreciate them, inspiring your team to renew their dedication to your cause, and increasing the productivity of your group so that more people can be helped.
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in the Hollywood movie Freedom Writers, starring two-time Academy Award® winner Hilary Swank and Grey’s Anatomy’s Patrick Dempsey, Manuel Scott has devoted his life to equipping others with proven tools to succeed. With a tireless, selfless dedication, he enlightens and revitalizes others with life-changing messages. For the past eight years, he has traveled throughout the United States, Asia, Africa, and Europe empowering others to realize their potential. He has appeared on Nightline with Connie Chung and The View with Barbara Walters.
2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
- Transforming Local Government Through Technology (repeated at 3:30 p.m.)
Dr. Alan Shark, D.P.A., CAE, Executive Director, Public Technology Institute, Washington, D.C. The world has changed with the advent of the digital age, the increasing capacity of always-on broadband (be it wireless or fixed), the increasing speed and miniaturization of electric circuitry, and the ability to store masses of data on smaller and smaller mediums. There is no doubt that technology has transformed citizens in every facet of life. The question before us is: To what extent has and will technology transform local government? - An Update on the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
Eric Henry, CPA, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Texas Municipal Retirement System, Austin
View a description of this session. - Defining Your City’s Preferred Future (repeated from 10:30 a.m.)
Lyle Sumek, Ph.D., President, Lyle Sumek Associates, Heathrow, Florida
View a description of this session. - Legislative Topic: Utility and Transportation Issues
TML Staff
Many significant decisions affecting Texas cities are made by the Texas Legislature, not by municipal officials. Receive a briefing on utility and transportation issues the Texas Legislature will likely address during the 2009 legislative session, and learn how the League, through its policy development process, is preparing for the session. - The Moral Dilemmas of Spying(repeated from 10:30 a.m.)
Jim Olson, Lecturer, George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M, College Station
View a description of this session. - Small Community Entrepreneurship: A Best Practice Approach (repeated from 10:30 a.m.)
Dave Ivan, Community and Economic Development Specialist, Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan
View a description of this session.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
(separate ticketed event, $20)
A minimum of 20 participants must register by September 23; maximum number of attendees is 35. The tour will depart from the convention center.
This 35,000-square-foot facility was designed with redundant communication, power, and water supply; was hardened to withstand an F-3 tornado; and was funded by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County center at a cost of $24.5 million. Located at Brooks City Base, it opened in December 2007.
The EOC houses and unifies city, county, regional, state, and federal departments during activation. The city’s 24-hour
customer service department—311—is also housed at
the facility.
2:00 - 4:45 p.m.
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
- Transforming Local Government Through Technology (repeated from 2:00 p.m.)
Dr. Alan Shark, D.P.A., CAE, Executive Director, Public Technology Institute, Washington, D.C.
View a description of this session. - Health Care in the Election Year
Susan Smith, Executive Director, TML Intergovernmental Employee Benefits Pool, Austin
In this election year, health care costs rank among the top economic concerns of Americans. Health care expenses are the fastest-growing cost component for employers, rising much faster than the underlying rate of inflation. But what can an employer do? This presentation will offer specific answers to that question. - Beyond the Limits: Regional Economic Development for Small Cities
Greg Duggan, City Manager, City of Dalhart; Jack Leonhardt, Mayor, City of Windcrest; Ray Watson, Executive Director, Windcrest Economic Development Corporation; and Greg Wortham, Mayor, City of Sweetwater
Economic development doesn’t always fit neatly into one city’s limits, and it shouldn’t. Intergovernmental cooperation can spur your city’s economic growth and your neighbor’s. Learn how three regions attracted a cheese factory, a wind farm industry, and a high-technology company. - Legislative Topic: General Government Issues
TML Staff
Many significant decisions affecting Texas cities are made by the Texas Legislature, not by municipal officials. Receive a briefing on general government issues the Texas Legislature will likely address during the 2009 legislative session, and learn how the League, through its policy development process, is preparing for the session. - Creating a Better Commercial Development Review Process
Bill Bancroft, Principal, Conbrio, Dallas; Ted Barron, City Manager, City of Mesquite; and Richard Gertson, Community Development Director, City of Mesquite
Hear the story of how City of Mesquite department senior managers, including planners and engineers, overcame frustration and anger to redesign and implement a substantially revised process for approving commercial building projects. - Optimizing the Effectiveness of Your Volunteer Citizens’ Boards and Commissions
Barry Silverberg, President and CEO, Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Austin
Many volunteer leaders come to their work through passion more than by way of an education that has taught them how to lead effectively. This session will enable you to help your volunteers become the most successful and valuable leaders possible.
Evening
7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
(separate ticketed event, $20)
Donna Zajonc, Co-Founder, Bainbridge Leadership Center, Seattle, Washington
In public life, there is a thin line between the calling to serve and the craving to serve. Those of us dedicated to public service
sometimes confuse our desire to serve with a belief that we are “supposed” to serve. Our offering of service is then a craving rather than a calling. When we are called to service, we become aware of our passions, and our actions unfold with ease and joy. By
relinquishing attachments that feed our cravings, we surrender to higher motives and enjoy the true satisfaction of living our calling!
Donna Zajonc is a non-partisan political leadership coach, seminar leader, and author of The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy. Donna brings her experience as a three-term Oregon legislator and political organizer to her non-partisan work in the arena of public leadership education and community-building seminars. In addition to serving as a legislator, Donna was her party’s nominee for Secretary of State, a gubernatorial campaign manager, business owner, nurse, mental health advocate, and one of American’s Ten Outstanding Young Women. Donna believes that the purpose of her work is simply put—assisting public leaders to learn how to work together in these polarizing and chaotic times.
7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. - Noon
A continental breakfast, sponsored by First Southwest Company, will be served in the exhibit hall.
8:45 – 11:45 a.m.
(separate ticketed event, $30)
A minimum of 20 participants must register by September 23; maximum number of attendees is 35. The tour will depart from the convention center.
Participants can tour the Alamo City on the Segway™ Human Transporter—the first self-balancing, electric-powered transportation device that is becoming increasingly popular. SegCity offers Segway tours of historic San Antonio with itineraries that include the Alamo, River Walk, King William District, and Main Plaza. The tour will highlight downtown development and revitalization projects.
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
- Becoming a BLT (Believable, Likeable, Trusted) Leader
Mark Towers, Speak Out Seminars, LLC, Southlake
What can a sandwich teach you about being a terrific municipal leader and team builder? Everything! Fasten your seat belt for an educational, motivational, and entertaining session in which you’ll learn “hands-on, how-to” skills to be a leader who is Believable: How to communicate! Likeable: How to connect! Trusted: How to walk your talk! - Legal Question-and-Answer–General Law Cities
TML Legal Staff - Issue Management
Scott Paine, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Communication, Government, and World Affairs, University of Tampa, Florida
This session will focus on sharing ideas, experiences, strategies, and resources to ensure that we produce the best results for the cities and towns we collectively represent—at both the federal and state level. - Streamlined Sales Tax Project: The Sourcing
and Allocation Dilemma (repeated at 10:30 a.m.)
Recent developments in the national Streamlined Sales Tax Project will put Texas and its cities to the test. A panel of experts from the Texas Comptroller, "storefront" cities, "warehouse" cities, origin cities, and industry experts will explore all the angles. - Marketing Your Community in a Changing Economy
Introduction: TML Past President and NLC Past President Bob Bolen, Partner, Buxton, Fort Worth
Chip Rodgers, Senior Vice President, Partner, Buxton, Fort Worth; and Tim Keith, Territory Business Manager, Buxton, Fort Worth
9:00 - 11:45 a.m.
9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
- Legal Question-and-Answer Session—Home Rule Cities
TML Legal Staff - Great Ideas for Small Cities: Why Didn’t I Think of That?
Jack Leonhardt, Mayor, City of Windcrest; Charles L. McIlvain, Executive Director, Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau, Granbury; Harold L. Sandel, City Manager, City of Granbury; and Diane Woods, Chair, Windcrest Proud Committee, City of Windcrest
Walk away with some great ideas that can enhance the quality of life for your residents. Learn how to host a welcome reception for new residents, provide hospitality training for businesses, and more. - Stoking the Fire: Keeping Your Passion for Public Service Alive
Donna Zajonc, Co-Founder, Bainbridge Leadership Center, Seattle, Washington
Living and working in today’s environment of citizen cynicism, polarizing politics, and the increasing complexity of community challenges can have a dampening effect on the passion for public service. Donna Zajonc will help you assess your “state of the vision” and calibrate your current level of passion for public service, present a new framework for leading from a place of passion that cultivates collaborative and effective relationships, and learn strategies for “stoking the fire” in order to keep your passion alive. - Maximizing Your Communication Effectiveness
Anne Pritchard, Vice President, Strategic Solutions Group, Austin
Interpersonal communication is one of the most critical skills that determine our success both personally and professionally. Each of us has a unique style in which we communicate. This session is an opportunity to learn more about the characteristics of each behavior style and to learn how to consciously modify your style in order to create win-win opportunities in your personal and professional life. In this session, you will learn to identify your behavior style and the characteristics associated with it, identify the behavior styles of others, and modify your style for maximum communication effectiveness. - Fannie Mae’s Housing Development Tool
Maria Day-Marshall, Senior Business Developer, Fannie Mae, Washington, D.C.
Fannie Mae is a leader in the United States housing finance industry, involved in the financing of one out of every five mortgages. In Fannie Mae’s American Dream Commitment announced in March 2000, the organization committed to invest $2 trillion and serve 18 million targeted households by 2010. Learn how your city can take advantage of this valuable opportunity. - Streamlined Sales Tax Project: The Sourcing and
Allocation Dilemma (repeated from 9:00 a.m.)
View a description of this session.
Noon - 1:45 p.m.
(separate ticketed event, $25)
Sam Glenn, Chicago, Illinois
An “attitude kicker” recognizes that attitude is significant in creating success personally and
professionally. Sometimes life has a way of knocking the “kick” out of
us, and that kick is our enthusiasm, focus, sense of humor, and resilience. Our kick gets weakened when we let stress build up or when life throws us an unexpected curve ball. Sam Glenn’s entertaining presentation will help you:
- Revive your best attitude with energy, passion, and purpose.
- Discover the treasure of your attitude; how to make it work for you, not against you.
- Realize the value of “fun” in life and the workplace.
- Uncover the one simple “secret discovery” by Thomas Edison that builds performance, productivity, and teamwork.
- Experience why your attitude is a magnet for where you are, who you are, and what you have.
At one time, Sam Glenn operated a successful business that his grandfather had run for more than 30 years. It seemed like a lucky break, until the warehouse that stored and assembled his products burned to the ground. Just about everything Sam owned, including his pride, went up in flames. No longer able to pay his bills, he took a night job delivering newspapers and eventually worked as a janitor. Sam found himself broke, depressed, and negative. Today, things are much different for Sam, because he used “attitude” to turn things around. He has shared his message with more than 2 million people and spoken to audiences as large as 75,000. He is the author of A Kick in the Attitude.
2:00 p.m.