The Hill Country Alliance on Jan. 22 launched its 2026 Hill Country Leadership Institute at Bamberger Ranch Preserve near Blanco, beginning a 10-month program focused on planning and natural resource management for local officials across the Texas Hill Country.
The institute, now in its fourth year, has brought together approximately 60 leaders representing communities in 15 counties. Participants include elected officials and key staff from city and county governments and groundwater conservation districts.
Former Hays County Commissioner and institute alum Lon Shell said the preserve was a fitting location to begin the program, noting the connection between land conservation and the long-term impacts of public service.
The program is designed to provide local leaders with tools and information to address shared regional challenges while building connections across jurisdictions.
From January through October, the cohort meets twice monthly through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Topics include water infrastructure funding, transportation planning, development codes and engagement with the Texas Legislature.
The first meeting included leaders from Bandera, Blanco, Dripping Springs, Garden Ridge, Junction, Leakey, Marble Falls and San Marcos. Discussions focused on issues facing the region, with water identified as a primary concern, including groundwater and surface water management, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, and longterm supply amid population growth and drought conditions.
Junction City Councilmember Candace Morrison said communities across the region face similar challenges related to water, growth and infrastructure, adding that sharing perspectives with neighboring jurisdictions can help identify solutions.
Leah Cuddeback, the alliance’s leadership program manager, said the institute aims to create opportunities for leaders to exchange information and lessons learned rather than addressing issues independently.
The Hill Country Leadership Institute is a program of the Hill Country Alliance intended for decision- makers and elected leaders throughout the Texas Hill Country.
Additional information is available at hillcountryalliance. org.
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