Sessions are subject to change.

Thursday, November 13

7:45-8:30 a.m.
Registration and Light Breakfast

9:00 a.m.
Welcome
Bill Longley, General Counsel, Texas Municipal League

9:05-9:50 a.m.
Bigger. Better. Texas.” Blueprint to Build a Stronger Texas of Tomorrow
Join us for an in-depth look at the “Bigger. Better. Texas” Economic Development Strategic Plan – the state’s bold, five-year blueprint for driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing Texas’s global competitiveness. Developed through a year-long collaboration with state agencies, business and community leaders, economic development organizations, and industry associations, this plan establishes a shared vision for the future of the Texas economy. It identifies emerging industry clusters, outlines strategic initiatives, and provides data-driven recommendations to guide development efforts statewide. This session will explore how every stakeholder has a role in shaping Texas’s economic future—and how together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous state for generations to come.
Speaker to be announced.

9:55-10:40 a.m.
Economic Development Basics: From Incentives to Impact Development
Cities across Texas face growing pressure to compete for business investment, create jobs, and support local recovery. This session provides a foundational legal overview of the tools and strategies cities can use to foster economic growth. Learn the basics of available city incentives including property tax abatements, sales tax rebates, Chapter 380 agreements, public improvement districts, tax increment financing, and economic development corporations (EDCs). Real-world examples from cities of all sizes will illustrate how these tools are being used to attract and retain businesses, close infrastructure gaps, and support long-term development goals.
Amber McKeon-Mueller, Assistant Director of Legal Services, Texas Municipal League

10:40-10:50 a.m.
Stretch Break

10:50-11:50 a.m.
Type A and Type B Economic Development Corporations and City Councils
A discussion of Type A and Type B economic development corporations, permissible expenditures and the relationship between City Council’s and the Corporations.  This will include a discussion of permissible projects, process and procedures of EDCs, general authority EDCs, and the legal and practical relationship between EDCs and City Councils.
Charles Zech, Partner, Denton, Navarro, Rodriguez, Bernal, Santee & Zech, P.C.

11:50 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
Networking Lunch (lunch is included in your registration fee)

1:00-2:00 p.m.
Strategic Planning for Economic Development: A Roadmap for City Leaders
Is your city’s economic development strategy clear, current, and actionable? If not, it’s time to build one. Join Alysia Cook as she covers the core purpose, key components, and step-by-step process of crafting and implementing an effective Economic Development Strategic Plan. Whether your community has a Type A or B EDC, an internal team, a public-private model, or no staff at all, this session is designed for you. City leaders will leave equipped with practical tools to set priorities, support local businesses, and position their city for long-term success.
Alysia Cook, Principal, Opportunity Strategies

2:05-3:05 p.m.
Branding Is the New Economic Development
How can economic development align with a community’s identity in a way that not only drives success and investment, but also benefits the people who live there and the place itself? In this thought-provoking session, Ryan Short, co-founder of CivicBrand and author of The Civic Brand: The Power and Responsibility of Place, argues that branding (not the surface-level marketing kind, but the shared-vision kind) is the missing link in building resilient, prosperous communities.

Drawing from real-world projects and decades of experience, Ryan will show how place branding can unite fragmented efforts across planning, tourism, downtown revitalization, and economic development. He will share how uncovering shared values, engaging the public deeply, and aligning brand with policy can lead to more inclusive, sustainable growth.

Attendees will walk away with practical tools and a fresh perspective on how branding can be a catalyst for change. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of The Civic Brand to explore these ideas further.
Ryan Short, CEO and Co-Founder, CivicBrand

3:05-3:20 p.m.
Stretch Break

3:20-4:30 p.m.
Economic Development at the Capitol: What Cities Need to Know
In this fast-paced and informative session, League staff will break down the key economic development legislation passed during the 89th Texas Legislature and what it means for your community. We will also offer a look ahead at emerging policy trends and potential challenges on the horizon, helping city officials stay prepared and proactive. Whether you’re navigating new laws or planning for the next session, this is a must-attend update for local leaders involved in economic growth.
Bill Longley, General Counsel, and Monty Wynn, Executive Director Designee, Texas Municipal League

Friday, November 14

7:45-8:15 a.m.
Light Breakfast

8:20-9:00 a.m.
A Conversation on Texas’ Economic Outlook: What Cities Need to Know
This special session will feature a leading voice in state fiscal policy sharing insights on Texas’ economic landscape and what lies ahead for communities across the state. The discussion will cover trends in revenue, growth projections, and the key factors influencing Texas’s financial outlook. Tailored for city leaders, this session offers a valuable opportunity to better understand how state-level economic conditions may impact local planning, development, and investment in the coming year.
Speaker to be announced.

9:05-10:05 a.m.
How Doing the Math Can Make the Case for a More Productive City
In the battle for community growth, we all come up against some common counterarguments: “But people like driving.” “Residents donʼt want to have to park two blocks away from their destination.” “The suburbs exist because everyone prefers to live that way.”

How do you deal with those arguments? With math. Joe will walk through the math behind endless highways, subdivisions, and big box stores, and why it doesn’t pencil out. Then heʼll talk through how to use that math in your discussions with local leaders to advocate for more resilient decisions.
Joe Minicozzi, Principal, Urban3

10:05-10:20 a.m.
Stretch Break

10:20-11:30 a.m.
Retail Trends and Recruitment Strategies for Cities
The retail landscape is shifting rapidly—and cities that want to attract and retain strong retail partners need to stay ahead of the curve. In this session, Aaron Farmer, president of The Retail Coach, will share insights on the latest trends shaping the retail market and what they mean for local economies.

Learn what site selectors are really looking for, how consumer behavior is evolving, and what practical steps your city can take to position itself as a retail destination. Whether you’re looking to revitalize a downtown district or recruit national brands, this session will give you the tools and knowledge to compete in today’s market.
Aaron Farmer, President, The Retail Coach

11:30 a.m.
Closing Remarks and Adjourn