Civic Insights with David Billings
In several recent articles, we’ve explored the growing disconnect between state-level messaging on local decision-making and the realities faced by local governments across Texas.
Historically, Rockwall County has had only a limited presence in Austin advocating for local decision-making represented primarily by a current Mayor and former Mayor. While that engagement has occasionally resulted in positive changes, such as the bracketing of anti-city legislation, it is clear that a more coordinated, grassroots effort is needed to protect local communities from state overreach.
Now, it’s time to focus on solutions, specifically, the power of collective action. Small and mid-sized cities such as Fate, Rockwall, Royse City, Heath, McLendon-Chisholm, Rowlett, Wylie,and Josephine share more than geographic proximity. They share the same challenges: population growth, constrained fiscal authority, and legislation that often favors developers over municipalities.
Alone, a city can only raise concerns. Together, cities, ISDs, and other public stakeholders can pool resources, tell their stories, and push back against anti-city legislation sending a clear message to Austin: stay in your lane.
Shared Challenges, Shared Interests
Texas communities are experiencing rapid growth that the Legislature often overlooks. State-imposed tax caps restrict local governments’ ability to respond effectively. While each region’s challenges differ, the underlying problem remains: state policy assumes growth does not increase local government costs.
This assumption isn’t just operationally flawed it’s constitutionally unsound. Under Article III, Section 52(a) of the Texas Constitution, cities cannot give away public money or services of value. Municipalities must recover the cost of providing water, sewer, roads, and emergency services to new developments. Ignoring this constitutional requirement risks both fiscal instability and legal noncompliance.
Recognizing these shared challenges allows municipalities and stakeholders to move from grievance to strategy. A unified coalition can document local impacts, exchange best practices, and coordinate legislative specific proposals to protect local autonomy
Principles for a Strong Coalition
Developer Accountability
Cities understand the true cost of growth. By establishing strong common standards for developer impact fees that cover infrastructure and public safety, coalition members can resist policies that unfairly shift financial burdens onto taxpayers.
Create a House District 33 Local Government Partnership
Reactive growth is fiscally unsustainable. Cities within the House District 33 should share zoning tools, planning models, and fiscal frameworks that promote responsible development while reinforcing local control and property rights.
Create Legislative Expertise and Advocacy
Individually, cities and ISDs have limited influence in Austin. Collectively, they can create legislative agendas, align messaging, share research, and advocate for legislation that respects local governance while complementing state priorities. Real-world impacts on budgets, infrastructure, and emergency services must shape the conversation.
From Concept to Action
The first step is identifying shared challenges and documenting local impacts. Real examples carry far more weight than abstract arguments.
Each city must develop a legislative agenda and participate in monthly coordination meetings, shared research projects, and joint briefings with legislators. This structure will help unify stakeholders and amplify their collective voice in Austin.
Successful local strategies can demonstrate strong governance and constitutional compliance. Sharing these models builds credibility and allows cities to influence legislation before it’s drafted.
Now what?
As Senator Hall rightfully stated in his Capital Hall Report: “The Sharon Statement stands as a powerful testament to the core principles that define conservative thought – reminding us of the enduring importance of individual liberty, economic freedom, and the proper role of government in safeguarding both”.
Let’s be honest for a moment. Too often, local governments themselves make decisions that limit or ignore their property rights and individual liberty . At the same time, too many state legislators are quick to attend charitable events, partisan gatherings, or ribbon cuttings. They nod in agreement when local decision- making concerns are raised, but rarely offer real solutions. Not because they don’t understand the issues, but because few will support bills that seem to conflict with their party platform or the Governor’s priorities, even when they privately agree.
This is precisely why a coalition matters. We cannot rely on polite acknowledgments. We must organize, document, and elevate our shared realities so that local needs cut through partisan filters and statewide narratives. Cities, ISDs, and community partners must build statewide awareness and support. Coordinated data, shared examples, and unified strategies give us the credibility and influence needed to drive meaningful reform.
If you’re ready to be a partner in change, not just another voice in the noise urge your city officials to uphold property rights, protect individual liberty , address fiscal pressures, and defend local decision- making.
Even when it challenges developer talking points, exposes the tension between GOP priorities and “affordable housing” rhetoric, or highlights the conflict between tax caps and funding essential services the truth still matters.
We’re building a great team with local elected officials, community leaders, real fighters people who love their towns and want to protect local decision-making. We’re not waiting around for Austin to tell us what to do. We’re going to Austin to make sure our voice is heard loud and clear during the 89th Session interim hearings and as we get ready for the 90th.
This is our time. Our moment. If we don’t fight for our future, someone else will decide it for us and we’re not going to let that happen. We believe in local decision-making , in common sense, and in the people who built these communities. Together, we’re going to make sure our cities stay strong, free, and thriving.
Let’s get busy!
About the Author
David Billings, retired Mayor of Fate, has served the community for over a decade. A longtime business leader in the telecommunication industry, Navy veteran, and resident of Rockwall County, he brings both professional and civic experience to his writing on government, budgeting, and local economics. He is a graduate of Leadership Rockwall, North Texas Commission Leadership Program, active in several Rockwall County non-profits boards, and the American Legion.
He is passionate about civic involvement in local government, maintaining transparent governance and thoughtful strategic planning to preserve a bright future for the regions.
