Lone Star Advocacy

The Texas Legislature holds its regular bi-annual session in odd-numbered years. Legislation is often proposed that has an impact on the quality of life for Texas residents and the success of Texas businesses. When legislation relates to decisions about community development and revitalization – decisions often made at a city or county level – the American Planning Association Texas Chapter works hard to understand the bills’ implications, provide expert analysis and share information with Chapter members and others interested in the future of Texas communities.

After the 2019 legislative session, Karen Walz and Craig Farmer, FAICP worked together to expand the number of Chapter members involved in advocacy and to improve the Chapter’s advocacy process, ability to conduct research and approach to the legislative session. Rather than focusing on a small number of bills the Chapter opposed, the new approach was designed to provide the legislature with perspectives on bills that helped community planning as well as those that hindered it. In addition, by creating an on-going advocacy process and committee, the Chapter hoped to position itself for more effective communication and impact on community issues.

Karen and Craig co-chaired the Chapter’s Advocacy committee from 2019 through 2021. In 2022, Kimberly Miller, AICP became a third co-chair. The Advocacy Committee has had subcommittees for specific topics, such as healthy communities, transportation and zoning. The committee has provided training, developed policy and position statements, provided testimony in writing and during legislative hearings, and has coordinated the Chapter’s outreach to members of the legislature and their staff. It also persuaded the Chapter’s Board of Directors to retain an advocacy consultant, Salient Strategies, to assist with this work. As a result of this change in its approach, the Chapter has become more effective and communicates more broadly with legislators on the issues that make a difference to the future of Texas communities, businesses and residents. Karen stepped down from her role as Co-chair in 2024 but continues to assist the advocacy effort.