BOERNE — County officials and staff from across the Texas Hill Country gathered June 10 in Boerne for the eighth County-to-County Coalition workshop, focusing on groundwater management, natural resource protection and the pressures of rapid growth.
Hosted by five Hill Country county commissioners, the workshop brought together county leaders, groundwater experts and policy specialists to discuss issues affecting some of the fastest-growing regions in Texas.
'Counties are on the front lines of managing growth, protecting water resources and responding to the challenges that come with rapid development,' Kendall County Commissioner Andra Wisian said. 'These workshops provide a space for local leaders to share expertise, identify common concerns and develop practical legislative solutions that reflect the realities facing Hill Country communities.'
The workshop opened with a discussion on groundwater management, highlighting best practices in science, modeling and county planning tools. Mitchell Sodek, general manager of the Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, and Jonathan Gulick, a retired oil and gas engineer and Comal County resident, discussed groundwater science, water availability assessments and the role local governments can play in protecting water resources as development continues.
Participants also examined the rapid expansion of data centers across Texas and their potential impact on local water supplies. Tom Entsminger, policy director for the Texas Coast and Waters Program, and Rachel Hanes, policy director for the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, presented information on statewide data center development and policy recommendations for regulation.
Following lunch, Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp and former state Rep. Andrew Murr discussed strategies for advancing county priorities during sessions of the Texas Legislature. Speakers encouraged local officials to build relationships with lawmakers and effectively navigate the legislative process.
The afternoon session focused on developing shared legislative priorities for future legislative sessions. Participants discussed policy recommendations related to groundwater availability certifications, increased funding for the Flood Infrastructure Fund, clarification of county and municipal authority within transportation corridors, stronger county authority to manage impervious cover in flood-prone areas and improvements to the aggregate production operation permitting process.
Participants emphasized the need for greater local authority and stronger tools to address growth while protecting the natural resources that define the Hill Country.
'The strength of the County-to-County Coalition lies in the willingness of local leaders to collaborate across county lines on issues that affect the entire region,' Wisian said. 'By bringing together technical experts, elected officials and community partners, these workshops help ensure that counties are prepared to address emerging challenges and advocate effectively for the resources and authority they need.'
The County-to-County Coalition is led by five Hill Country county commissioners and has hosted eight workshops on natural resource management since 2024. Previous workshops have addressed water supply, wastewater and stormwater management, land use, extraterritorial jurisdiction, aggregate production operations and other challenges associated with the region's rapid population growth.
The Hill Country Alliance is a nonprofit organization that works with public and private partners to preserve the Texas Hill Country's open spaces, dark skies, water resources and natural character.
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