Texas County Voice

Please join us as we step outside Studio 254 and embark on a road trip of sorts through the history and stories hidden in the remnants of vanished communities. Don't miss this journey to a Texas that once was.

Join us as Texas County Voice talks with Comal County Commissioner Jen Crownover, the new president of the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas. She shares her journey to county office, her enthusiasm for leadership development and her fondness for her "seahorses." Don't miss this engaging conversation.

Join us as TAC Legislative Consultant Kelsey Bernstein talks with Jefferson County Constable Christopher Bates, the current president of the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas and the 2023 United States Constable of the Year. He shares his journey to county office, his love of community and service, and an impromptu performance of "God Bless America." Don't miss this engaging conversation.

In this episode, we dive back into Senate Bill 22, the rural law enforcement grant program that we outlined previously. With proposed rules now on the table and a 30-day comment window open for county officials, we address pressing questions surrounding this groundbreaking initiative. Our guests, TAC's Skylor Hearn and Russell Gallahan with the Comptroller's Office, provide insights and clarity. Join us for this essential update on SB 22.

Check our show page for more information related to this episode.

Join us as we share a second helping from the Texas Association of Counties' recent 2023 Legislative Conference, where more than 850 county officials and staff members gathered for a county-focused look at this year's legislative decisions. This episode features a panel discussion exploring the historic levels of state and federal funding set aside for expanding high-speed internet access across Texas and how counties can bridge the digital divide and invest in their futures.

Join us as we share a sampling from the Texas Association of Counties' recent 2023 Legislative Conference, where more than 850 county officials and staff members gathered for a county-focused look at this year's legislative decisions. Hear Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson's keynote on elections and more, followed by a short interview with Mary Jo McGuire, the new president of the National Association of Counties.

How will artificial intelligence influence county governance? How can counties leverage AI's potential benefits while avoiding its hazards? These are among the questions the National Association of Counties' new AI Exploratory Committee, co-chaired by Travis County Judge Andy Brown, will be considering in the months ahead.

Join us on Texas County Voice as we talk with Judge Brown about the committee's scope and goals. You'll hear additional insights from Peter Crary, the Texas Association of Counties' senior manager of technology and a member of NACo's AI committee. Tune in for a glimpse at the evolving intersection of AI and government.

Join us on Texas County Voice as we walk through the key provisions of Senate Bill 22, a pivotal piece of county-related legislation that provides crucial financial assistance to sheriffs, constables and prosecutors in rural counties. Our guides for this informative episode: Skylor Hearn and Katy Estrada from the Texas Association of Counties' Legislative Services department.

Join us on Texas County Voice as we report from the National Association of Counties' annual conference held July 21-24 in Travis County. Over four days, nearly 3,200 county officials and representatives from 680 counties across the country gathered in Austin to discuss important county-related matters. A Texas highlight: Wise County Judge J.D. Clark was elected Second Vice President of NACo's Executive Committee, positioning him to become NACo president in 2025. Hear about the Texas presence at the conference and NACo's role in advocating for counties in Washington, D.C.

Join us on Texas County Voice as we interview Wise County Judge J.D. Clark and anticipate the start of the National Association of Counties' annual conference in Travis County. Discover the significance of county engagement in shaping policies at the state and federal levels, along with Wise County's notable achievements in expanding broadband access.

Don't miss this insightful conversation with Judge J.D. Clark.