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Attorney presents "10 Texas traits of good government"; council to consider next steps
Summary
Attorney Alan Borges gave a training session for the council outlining 10 traits of good government (respect, responsiveness, effectiveness, transparency, competence, ethics, lawfulness, innovation, economy, and accountability). Councilmembers praised the material and asked staff to discuss implementation at upcoming department-head and council meetings.
Alan Borges, a municipal lawyer and former Dripping Springs city attorney, presented a public training session titled the "10 Texas traits of good government," offering the council a framework to discuss civic values and operational practices. Borges said the list is designed to spark conversation rather than mandate specific actions, and he described each trait with practical examples and implementation options. "We put these in front of you and get you talking," Borges said during his presentation.
Key themes: Borges emphasized civility and respect as foundational, urged responsiveness to citizens' inquiries, and recommended measuring program effectiveness rather than measuring for its own sake. He also urged transparency that goes beyond legal minimums, encouraged competence and ongoing professional learning, and stressed ethics and lawfulness to preserve public trust. Borges suggested innovation and economical budgeting as complementary traits and closed on accountability, pointing to legal, electoral, and media-based checks.
Local reception and next steps: Councilmembers asked how the traits could be implemented and measured. Borges said implementation can range from a formal ordinance (as adopted by some small towns) to a resolution or staff-driven incorporation into procedures. Lisa Sullivan, the city's communications and people director, told the council she saw the traits as aligning with the city's core values and offered to work with staff to combine implementation with existing communications and performance practices. Several councilmembers asked staff to gather feedback at a department-head meeting and to return with suggested next steps.
Additional notes: Borges mentioned an award process (recognition to be given May 31 at Texas A&M) for municipalities that adopt or incorporate the traits. The council then moved to executive session to discuss listed agenda items.
