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Elgin City Council last month joined Bastrop and Smithville in a regional push to protect local government authority heading into the 2027 legislative session.
The resolution aligns the three cities behind the Texas Municipal League’s legislative principles and the work of the Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville Texas (BEST) leadership group, which has met about 10 times a year for more than 30 years. City Manager Robert Eads said the resolution looks to give the three cities a unified position while leaving room for each to advocate for issues specific to its own community.
“I think it’s really important that we join together as a group,” Mayor Theresa McShan said. “This is a way of us speaking up and saying, ‘Hey, we support.’” According to officials, the move does not support a specific set of proposals for Elgin. Instead, it expresses support for the continuation of TML’s existing municipal principles as the organization creates its 2027 legislative program.
Some of those principles include state preemption, erosion of local authority, economic development, housing and municipal revenue.
“I think working as a region is smart,” Eads said.
Councilwoman YaLecia Love also noted the importance of TML’s regional meetings, saying local officials can build relationships and become more informed advocates for their communities and region.
The resolution notes that a final 2027 TML Legislative Program has not yet been adopted.
The BEST group includes elected officials, city managers, school district superintendents, economic development directors, chambers of commerce and senior staff from across Bastrop County.
The 90th Texas Regular Legislative Session begins Jan. 12.
“I think working as a region is smart.”
— City Manager Robert Eads
