Public testimony: mix of industry support and local opposition on MUDs
Summary
Public commenters included developers and homebuilders who supported MUDs for housing delivery and residents and advocacy groups who asked for local approval authority, meeting‑location rules and environmental safeguards. Several speakers offered written proposals and asked the committee to follow up.
The hearing's public testimony period brought a wide range of voices. Builders and developers urged the committee to preserve MUDs as a financing tool that enables large‑scale, amenity‑rich communities; residents and local officials described service shortfalls and environmental risks from poorly sited projects.
David Billings of Reset Texas said the organization is not opposed to MUDs but seeks improvements in how they operate, and he proposed county authority for child safety zones and clearer meeting‑location rules. Jeff Taboe of D.R. Horton expressed support for MUDs as a fair, transparent financing tool that keeps housing affordable.
Local officials gave concrete examples: Lisa Palumba, city administrator of Josephine, said the city now serves roughly 14,000 people though its incorporated population is about 4,000 because multiple MUDs surround the municipality. Rachel Haynes of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance urged authority for counties in aquifer regions to approve or deny MUDs to protect groundwater.
The committee asked witnesses to submit written proposals; staff said they would follow up with local officials and bring supplemental materials to committee members.
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