Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-117, establishing the legislative platform for the City of Farmers Branch for the upcoming 90th Legislative Session; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Manager’s Office
BACKGROUND:
Establishing a legislative platform is an important step in ensuring the City of Farmers Branch is prepared to effectively represent and protect the community’s interests throughout the 90th Texas Legislative Session. With numerous legislative proposals anticipated to affect municipal authority, financial resources, development, infrastructure, and service delivery, a clearly defined platform provides consistent direction for evaluating proposed legislation and determining when City engagement is appropriate. The platform also allows the City Council, staff, legislative consultants, and advocacy partners to communicate with a unified voice, proactively advance Farmers Branch-specific priorities, and respond efficiently to legislation that could affect the City’s ability to provide essential services, maintain financial stability, support responsible redevelopment, and address the unique needs of the community.
In preparation for the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session, City staff have taken a proactive approach to identifying and evaluating legislative issues that may impact Farmers Branch. Staff have reviewed the House and Senate interim charges, evaluated guidance and legislative priorities identified by the Texas Municipal League, and assessed emerging issues and City-specific matters that may warrant legislative or regional advocacy.
Staff have also worked to distinguish between issues requiring proactive City advocacy, matters where existing municipal authority or financial resources should be protected, and issues that should continue to be monitored as legislation develops. This work has provided the foundation for the proposed legislative platform and will allow the City to enter the session with clearly established priorities and a coordinated approach to legislative engagement.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-117 will formally establish the City’s legislative platform for the Texas 90th Legislative Session.
The attached memorandum (Attachment 1) provides a proposed framework for the legislative platform that reflects the priorities and interests of the City of Farmers Branch. Staff will provide an overview of the upcoming 90th Texas Legislative Session, highlight key legislative issues and areas of potential impact to the City, and present recommended priorities for Council consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-117 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-117, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-117
2. 90th Legislative Session Memorandum
3. Presentation