Texas County Voice

In the  latest  episode of  Texas County Voice,  we  travel to  Galveston County  for a n inside look at  Gulf Coast Center, a new  mental health facility  helping restore  critical services   lost  since  Hurricane Ike  n early  two   decades  ago .   This episode is part of our Texas County Storytellers initiative,  highlighting the people, partnerships and projects shaping communities across Te...

In the 100th episode of  Texas County Voice , hosts Jody Seaborn and Angela Maldonado reflect on the podcast's journey since its launch in 2022. They revisit memorable guests, award-winning episodes and stories that explored Texas history,  big  issues   and the people  be hind  c ounty government.  Join us as we celebrate  the conversations and connections that have defined the show , and  the ma...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we preview  the latest issue of County magazine , featuring the second installment in our  Texas County Storytellers  cover series. We  spotlight G alveston County's new mental health facility, a  local,  state  and federal  partnership restoring critical  services  lost  after Hurricane Ike.  We also explore Washington County's rural EMS helicopter program, ...

In this episode of Texas County Voice,  we share  the first feature from the Texas Association of Counties'  Texas County Storytellers  initiative.  "Dust, pavement and the price of progress"   reveals  how South Texas counties worked together to manage road damage, rising  costs  and safety concerns during the  Eagle Ford Shale  oil boom .   It's  a powerful look at the tradeoffs of growth and th...

Counties do incredible work, but are those stories being heard? This  National County Government Month ,  T exas County Voice  welcomes  Matt Chase , the  CEO and  executive director of the National Association of Counties, to  explore NACo's new We Are Counties campaign   and why  sharing your county's story  can transform public trust and engagement.  Tune in to hear how  counties  can take  con...

From  patching asphalt  as part of a county  work  crew to elected official,  De Witt County Commissioner Ryan Varela knows what it takes to keep rural roads moving. In this  episode of  Texas County Voice   —  part  of our Texas County Storytellers initiative — he shares how the Eagle Ford Shale  oil  boom tests South Texas infrastructure ,  and the lessons of responsibility, resilience and servi...

Take a first look inside the newest issue of County magazine .  In this episode of Texas County Voice, host Jody Seaborn  talks with  Managing E ditor  Mary Huber   about the  cover story on De Witt County and the Eagle Ford Shale , plus  other standout stories  ranging from rodeos to drones to the marriage capital of Texas. Along the way, they  spotlight  TAC's  Texas County Storytellers  and  Co...

Counties across Texas are finding smart, practical ways to serve their communities , and TAC's County Best Practices Awards are designed to  highlight  those successes.  In this episode  of Texas County Voice , TAC  County Relations Officers  Rhita Koches and Jay Mayden  explain how the awards program works, why it matters and how an innovative idea in one county can  be nefit  a ll 254. If your c...

Denton County Treasurer Cindy Yeatts Brown began her  two-year term as President of the Texas Association of Counties Board of Directors on Jan. 1. In this episode of Texas County Voice,  she  reflects on a  journey that started  with a  part-time  county  job in high school  and grew into  nearly four  decades of public service .  Listen as she shares  the  experiences that shaped her  passion fo...

November is Men's Health Awareness month. In this episode of Texas County Voice, we sit down with  TAC's Senior Director of Health Benefit Services Quincy Quinlan and Senior Wellness Consultant Mark Zollitsch  to explore why men often avoid care, the barriers they face and how reaching out can make a difference. From vital stats to practical tips, w e shine a light on why speaking up is the first...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we catch up with Mary Huber, managing editor of County magazine, for a look inside the latest issue. Hear why Texas counties should already be getting ready for the 2030 census and get a sneak peek at Texas County Storytellers, a new feature celebrating the people who bring county government to life. You'll also meet Rockw all County Justice of the Peace Mark...

Happy Halloween! Newton County Judge Ronnie Cochran tells us about getting the courthouse ready t o pass out candy for local school children, and why he hopes the impact of this event will leave a lasting impression on the community .

This episode of Texas County Voice, we feature highlights from the 2025 Legislative Conference session on Cybersecurity. Dallas County Clerk John Warren and Texas Association of Count ies Deputy Director of Technology Services Peter Crary talk about the newly formed Texas Cyber Command, plus how counties can use AI to serve their communities. 

Recorded at TAC's 2025 Legislative Conference, this episode of Texas County Voice takes you behind the scenes with Texas county leaders sharing stories from the frontlines . Join us for insights on the legislation that made it through this year's Legislature and what it means for counties across the state. Related  Resources:   Texas leadership at the National Association of Counties Travis County...

Once  known as the " toughest little town in Texas, " Helena was booming — until one man 's vengeance stopped its future. In this episode of Texas County Voice, we visit the former seat of Karnes County to explore its wild past, from rowdy saloons and infamous duels to the grief- fueled act that sealed the town's fate. Discover the stories still echoing in Helena's surviving buildings and the ongo...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, host Jody Seaborn chats with managing editor Mary Huber about the new issue of County ,   TAC's quarterly magazine. They cover how new state funding is helping rural counties buy ambulances, key takeaways from the 89th Legislature's regular session and a profile of Wise County Judge and new N ational Association of Counties P resident J.D. Clark . Plus, hear...

Wise County Judge J.D. Clark, newly sworn in as president of the National Association of Counties, joins Texas County Voice to talk about the call to public service, the role of storytelling in leadership and his deep-rooted passion for county government . He also shares a few personal notes you won't want to miss .

Cass County Judge Travis Ransom joins Texas County Voice to discuss the 89th Legislature from a county leader's perspective. Judge Ransom also reflects on his personal journey from soldier to county judge , and how that path shapes his leadership today .

I n this episode of Texas County Voice, host Jody Seaborn sits down with Caroline Love, Director of Legislative Services at the Texas Association of Counties, to break down the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature. What passed ? What didn't ? And what should counties prepare for next ? Don't miss this update a s we head into a special session in July and look forward to the 2025 TAC Legis...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we peek inside the Spring 2025 issue of County magazine. Join us for a look at hurricane preparedness, the building of new mental health hospitals, the resolution of a long-standing Jane Doe case and the uniquely Texas legend of a horny toad known as Ol' Rip. Tune in for the highlights and be sure to read more at county.org .

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we 're joined by Kris Rivenburgh, founder of Accessible.org, to discuss why web accessibility is more than a technical concern — it's a legal and operational must for every county . Rivenburgh will also be leading sessions on this important topic at TAC's upcoming County Technology Conference in Williamson County.

For 20 years, she was known only as Jane Doe — no past, no story. But one woman refused to let her be forgotten. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Williamson County Senior Death Investigator Valerie Alvarez takes us inside the forensic and emotional journey to uncover a lost identity and finally bring a name back to the dead.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, recorded live at TAC's 2025 County Management and Risk Conference, Mason County Commissioner Reggie Loeffler and Hutchinson County Judge Cindy Irwin discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural Texas counties. They explore key topics such as emergency medical services, wildfire recovery efforts and innovative strategies for enhancing community well-b...

Get a sneak peek at the 2025 County Management & Risk Conference! Bee County Auditor April Cantu shares her role on the Texas Association of Counties Risk Management Pool Board and what she hopes to gain from this year's conference , while TAC's Clem Zabalza break s down key sessions on cybersecurity, risk management and more. Don't miss this essential preview on Texas County Voice!

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Grimes County Judge Joe Fauth offers an inside look at the role and responsibilities of a county judge. He shares valuable insights on leadership, community engagement and his experiences serving the county, off ering a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of the position.