Texas County Voice

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Sherman County Combination Clerk Laura Rogers joins us to discuss the legislative election priorities of the County & District Clerks' Association of Texas. From countywide polling to continuing education for election officials, Rogers shares insights from the front lines of county government . We also highlight her recent testimony before the House Elections...

In this episode of Texas Co unty Voice , Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne outlines the priorities of the Sheriff's Association of Texas during the 89th Legislature . From grant fund ing for rural law enforcement to border security and THC regulation, Sheriff Hawthorne discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Texas sheriffs and counties.

Tune in to  Texas County Voice for an exclusive look inside the new issue of County magazin e . Plus, d on't miss our inspiring conversation with Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth as she shares her journey and deep passion for public service .

In this episode of Texas Co unty Voice , TAC Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst Zelma Smith walks us through some key county-related provisions in the House and Senate's proposed budgets for the 2026-27 biennium . Join us for an overview of the state budget process a nd a first look at what's ahead .

Tune in to Texas County Voice for a sneak peek at th is year's Healthy County Boot Camp , Jan. 29-31 in Austin. Th e conference is packed with exciting wellness strategies, fitness activities and interactive features to help counties thrive. D iscover what's new and how you can take part !  

TAC Legislative Services Director Caroline Love joins Texas County Voice to preview the 2025 Texas legislative session. Tune in to e xplore key county issues a nd discover the resources TAC offers to keep county officials informed and prepared .

Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard joins Texas County Voice to discuss homelessness and mental health challenges in Central Texas. She shares insights on supportive housing, Travis County's jail diversion program and creating sustainable change. Don't miss this compelling conversation.

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Matagorda County Judge Bobby Seiferman discusses his county's innovative youth leadership program – a 2024 County Best Practices Award recipient from the Texas Association of Counties. Learn how this program is inspiring high school students through hands-on experiences in local government, health care and other sectors, equipping them with the skills and vis...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff discusses the meticulous preparations behind fair and secure elections.  Don't mis s thi s peek into the electoral process.

Join us for an insightful "fireside chat" as Yoakum County Commissioner Tim Addison and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis discuss the shared challenges faced by urban and rural counties. Together, they explore strategies for building partnerships that foster stronger counties and a stronger Texas . Don't miss this engaging conversation .

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we visit Guadalupe County to explore its award-winning Citizens Election Academy. Designed to educate residents on the electoral process from voter registration to the reporting of results, the academy promotes transparency, combats misinformation and encourages civic engagement. Join us as Guadalupe County Elections Administrator Lisa Hayes shares how the ac...

Judicial safety has become an urgent issue as threats against judges and court personnel continue to rise . In this episode of Texas County Voice , Harris County Justice of the Peace Holly Williamson discusses the security challenges facing Texas courts and shares strategies to protect j udges, staff and the public. A s president of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas , J...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we explore Johnson County's investigation of the environmental and health risks linked to biosolids used in local agriculture. Commissioner Larry Woolley and Constable Detective Dana Ames discuss the alarming levels of toxic " forever chemicals " found in soil, water and livestock . Tune in to hear the investigation's findings and learn what steps officials a...

A rtificial intelligence is no longer futuristic . However, its implications for county government are not entirely understood. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Robert Ruiz, the associate director of TAC's Risk Management Services, breaks down the fundamentals of AI and covers real-world applications and key considerations for integrating AI into county operations. Join us as we discuss what...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we attend one of TAC's Judicial Education Roundtable s, a series of meetings being held this summer across the state to provide county judges a platform for discussing county challenges. TAC's Stephanie Moreno explains the roundtables' focus on mental health. Featuring insights from Lee County Judge Frank Malinak, Knox County Judge Stan Wojcik and Comanche Co...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, Jackson County Judge Jill Sklar shares lessons learned from a ransomware attack that struck her county in 2019. Judge Sklar 's experiences inform her role as chair of the Board of Directors of TAC's County Information Resources Agency , or CIRA. Tune in f or valuable advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of county cybersecurity.  

Tune in to Texas County Voice for an engaging conversation with Randy Riggs, McClennan County Tax Assessor - C ollector and vice president of the Texas Association of Counties . Discover his dedication to public service and hear his insights on  upcoming legislative changes affecting vehicle registration s and new license plates . Plus! Enjoy a sampling of Rigg s' talent beyond public office .

From growing up in the farmlands of Hidalgo County to becoming one of the few Asian American county judges in Texas , Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, as he puts it, has always followed the path least taken. In this episode of Texas County Voice, Judge Sakai shares his unique journey and how his family history, including his father's four - year stay in a Japanese internment camp during World War I...

W e visit with Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham in this episode of Texas County Voice. Judge Cunningham shares his perspective on key issues faced by Llano County  and discusses his engagement on b ills that would simplify the federal grant process for counties and boost local support for veterans and their families. Join us for an insightful look at the leadership and experiences shaping Texas c...

Please join Texas County Voice as we visit Lampasas County to bring you a conversation with County Judge Randy Hoyer. Tune in as Judge Hoyer shares his journey from educator to county judge and discusses the important advocacy  he is leading for his community .

Texas County Voice recently reached out to county leaders as they prepared for the April 8 solar eclipse . From Bandera to Llano counties, and up to Rains County, join us on a journey through  planning and anticipation as Texas counties get ready to w itness and manage an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors alike.

Please join Texas County Voice as we spotlight and celebrate the public servants who are making a difference in the Lone Star State. Our guest this episode: Schleicher County Judge Charlie Bradley.

In this episode of  Texas County Voice , El Paso County Commissioner David Stout shares his journey from broadcast journalism to county government , highlights the issues and initiatives he champions , and discusses the importance of community engagement and collaboratio n in shaping effective policies. Please join us as we co ntinue our conversations with the public servants who are  making a dif...

Texas County Voice recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the National Association of Counties' 2024 Legislative Conference. Join us as we sit down with NACo Executive Director Matt Chase to discuss federal policies and other developments shaping county governance . You'll also hear from Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp on her priorities and conference takeaways . Related...

In this episode of Texas County Voice, we step back in time to explore the rich history of Buffalo Gap, the former county seat of Taylor County. Join us as we visit a living connection to the past.