AUSTIN — Despite recent rains offering relief to dry creeks and parched soils, Hill Country leaders say the region’s long-term water issues remain front and center.
On March 26, more than 40 county officials and staff from across seven Hill Country counties met in Austin for a legislative workshop focused on protecting water supply, tracking key legislation, and ensuring local voices are heard at the Texas Capitol. The event marked the fourth such gathering of its kind.
County commissioners, engineers, planners, and groundwater conservation district managers from Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Travis, and Williamson counties participated. They represent some of the fastest-growing counties in the nation.
Organized by Commissioners Stephen Germann of Guadalupe County, Jen Crownover and Kevin Webb of Comal County, Andra Wisian of Kendall County, and former Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, the workshop was designed to empower local officials to navigate the complex legislative landscape on behalf of their communities.
“None of this was taught in Texas Government class,” said Comal County Commissioner Kevin Webb. “That’s why this workshop was important. If we want to protect our communities and encourage responsible development, we have to be able to navigate the Texas Legislature on behalf of our constituents.”
Presentations throughout the day focused on issues central to natural resource management, including water supply, wastewater and stormwater quality, land use, the aggregate industry, and battery storage.
The event featured key speakers including former State Rep. Andrew Murr, Director of Constituent Services for State Sen. Donna Campbell’s office Sonya Chapa-Weber, Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp, and Hays County lobbyist Denise Davis.
The day began with Murr offering a detailed overview of the legislative process, followed by briefings on major bills under consideration in the Texas House and Senate that could directly affect Hill Country communities. In the afternoon, a panel moderated by Hill Country Alliance staff brought together Davis, Tharp, and Murr to share best practices for engaging with legislators and Capitol staff.
Following the workshop, participants headed to the Capitol for meetings with committee clerks and Hill Country legislative offices.
“A record-breaking 9,460 bills were filed at the Texas Legislature this year,” said Grace Gilker, Communities Program Manager for the Hill Country Alliance. “That’s absurd to expect one person to keep up with all of them, especially county commissioners who are already busy serving their constituents. By working together, this coalition of county leaders ensures that nothing slips through the cracks and that the Hill Country’s voice is heard at the Capitol.”
The event was part of an ongoing “County-to-County” collaboration driven by the organizing commissioners and supported by nonprofit partners including the Hill Country Alliance, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, Comal Conservation, the Cibolo Conservancy, and the Cibolo Center for Conservation.
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