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Council endorses plan to create legislative task force and citizen ambassadors
Summary
Council supported staff’s proposal to form a three-member intergovernmental subcommittee and a nine-member volunteer legislative task force plus citizen 'ambassadors' to track and educate residents on state and federal bills affecting North Richland Hills, and asked staff to return creation documents in March.
City staff proposed a new intergovernmental and legislative affairs program designed to educate residents and coordinate the city’s response to state and federal bills that could affect local authority, utility rates and property tax policy. Paulette, presenting the plan, said the program would "provide a structure to engage residents, community leaders, and partners ... to advance the issues that are in the best interest of the citizens of North Richland Hills."
The recommended structure includes a council subcommittee of three members (including the mayor), a nine-member volunteer legislative task force appointed by the mayor and confirmed by council, and a broader list of voluntary legislative "ambassadors" who would receive updates and guidance during the legislative session. Staff proposed the task force meet several times in 2026, recommend a legislative agenda before session, and assist with outreach.
Councilmembers discussed scope — including state preemption of local zoning, tax policy and utility-billing matters — and whether the task force should include community volunteers or be more tightly appointed. Members praised the model used by Georgetown and Mansfield ISD as examples. The council indicated consensus support and directed staff to return draft creation documents and an appointment timeline at the March meeting.
