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Category Archives: Local Governmental Entities

Citizens of Home Rule Cities in Texas Possess the Power to Push for Changes

By Drew Shirley |

Residents of home rule cities in Texas are afforded some ability, under certain circumstances, to force their city government to act on measures the government might not have undertaken on its own. This form of self-determination is not available in other Lone Star state locales and manifests itself in four particular democratic procedures applicable… Read More »

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Preparing for City Budget Planning in Texas

By Judith El Masri |

Texas cities have already passed their operating budgets, but it is never too early to start taking the necessary steps for adopting the next annual budget. The tax-rate setting process takes place at the same time municipalities are performing all steps towards budget approval, passage and adoption. The fiscal year for Texas cities generally… Read More »

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Fire Regulation in Texas on the State and Local Levels

By Byron L. Brown |

With several deadly wildfires currently raging in California, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss some Texas fire laws at this time. First, did you know that cigarettes sold in Texas must undergo testing and certification for ignition propensity? Essentially, this testing is intended to determine whether a discarded cigarette is likely to… Read More »

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City Confidential: What Exemptions to Texas’s Public Information Act Allow a City to Protect a Private Company’s Confidential Information?

By Drew Shirley |

Cities in Texas and elsewhere conduct business with private entities, such as real estate developers, and in some circumstances, may be asked to keep certain details out of the public’s eye. Here, we examine to what extent that is allowed in the Lone Star State. The Texas Public Information Act (“TPIA”) allows a city… Read More »

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City Ordinances Facing Societal, Technological Changes: Robot Brothels and SOBs

By Brandon Morris |

The City of Houston was recently in the news for a rather unusual reason. A robot brothel was set to open its doors in the heart of the city. A Canadian company which already operates an “adult love dolls rent before you buy service” in Toronto attempted to open a Houston location. Even a… Read More »

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Robots are Rolling into Cities in Texas for a Variety of Purposes, including Security

By Judith El Masri |

The Robots are coming to a city near you. We all knew the day was coming in light of living in the age of computers, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Robots have been used by law enforcement for a few decades to aid with explosive devices. For some time, the U.S. military… Read More »

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Texas Property Tax Debate Illustrates How State Government Pressures Municipalities

By Judith El Masri |

Texas Governor Greg Abbott is running for re-election in a few weeks and a lot of the information and news coming out of the governor’s office is geared to ensure a successful campaign. The governor released his legislative blueprint on his campaign page which he has labeled the “Texas Bicentennial Blueprint,” and similar content… Read More »

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Shabby Chic Yard or Public Nuisance? How Texas Cities Can Cover Costs of Weed Abatement

By Brandon Morris |

Most Texans take pride in keeping their home looking good, maintaining a well-kept lawn, and preventing junk from piling up in their yard. Of course, there are always those who don’t seem to mind having waist-high weeds or an old junked vehicle sitting on their front lawn. For the neighborhood and the community as… Read More »

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Texas Ethics Commission Regulates State Campaign Finance Rules, for Now

By Judith El Masri |

Lately, we have been hearing a lot about campaign finance. Any individual that chooses to run for an elected public office in Texas has election and finance laws to follow. We are about 10 weeks away from election day on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and we know who our Texan candidates are. Texans will… Read More »

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Trademarking a City Slogan to Enhance Economic Development

By Randlelaw |

What’s in a name? Or, in a city slogan, for that matter? A city may adopt a slogan to boost civic morale, encourage economic development and increase tourism dollars. Further, a city may opt to trademark a slogan to protect its brand from dilution or imitation. Some slogans are unofficial, such as “the city… Read More »

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