County leaders meet, pore over legislation

LEAH CUDDEBACK
04/09/2025 05:00 AM

GUEST COMMENTARY

HILL COUNTRY ALLIANCE

Despite recent rains bringing welcome relief to parched soil and dry creek beds, Hill Country leaders remain focused on the region’s numerous water challenges.

More than 40 county officials and staff representing seven counties across the Hill Country gathered March 26 in Austin to discuss how to represent constituent interests at the Texas Legislature, how to protect against bad bills, and how to defend water supply for Hill Country residents.

Organized by County Commissioners Stephen Germann (Guadalupe County), Jen Crownover and Kevin Webb (Comal County), Andra Wisian (Kendall County), and former Commissioner Lon Shell (Hays County), the workshop constituted the fourth such gathering of Hill Country leaders.

Presentations focused on topics most critical to natural resource management such as water supply, wastewater and stormwater quality and management, land use, the aggregate industry and battery storage.

The group included county commissioners, engineers, planners and groundwater conservation district managers from Comal, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Travis and Williamson counties, leaders that represent some of the fastest growing counties in the country.

Joined by former State Rep. Andrew Murr, Director of Constituent Services for State Sen. Donna Campbell’s office, Sonya Chapa-Weber, Comal County’s Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp and Hays County lobbyist Denise Davis, the workshop empowered participants to navigate the Texas Legislature for their constituents and provided updates on key bills moving through the Texas Senate and House of Representatives.

“None of this was taught in Texas Government class,” Comal’s Webb said. “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.” The day started with an overview of the legislative process from former Rep. Murr, followed by a series of bill updates on key pieces of potential legislation that would most impact the Hill Country.

Hill Country Alliance staff moderated an afternoon panel featuring Davis, Tharp and Murr, highlighting best practices on engaging with legislators and staff.

After the program concluded, participants continued onto the Texas 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, Hill Country Alliance Communities program manager. “That’s absurd to expect one person to keep up with all of them, especially county commissioners who are already busy serving their constituents.

“But 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,” Gilker said.

The county-to-county workshops are an ongoing collaboration driven by host commissioners and supported by nonprofit partners Hill Country Alliance, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, National Wildlife Federation, Comal Conservation, the Cibolo Conservancy and the Cibolo Center for Conservation.

The Hill Country Alliance is a nonprofit organization, bringing together a diverse coalition of partners to preserve the open spaces, starry night skies, clean and abundant waters, and unique character of the Texas Hill Country.