College Station officials are currently compiling a list of legislative priorities for the 90th session, which begins in January. The city’s Legislative Engagement Committee, a group of council members, is gathering issues to address in Austin. Many of these topics originate from resident concerns, ranging from water rights to additional funding options for municipalities.
Ross Brady, the city’s chief of staff, explained that the city engages with the legislature by attending hearings, testifying before committees, and writing to state officials. He noted that the committee surveyed citizens on key policy areas to ensure their positions reflect current community sentiment. Brady stated that this feedback process will continue throughout the legislative session.
One specific concern raised by resident Shelby Behm involves the expansion of data centers. Behm urged the council to include regulations in the legislative program, citing a previous development attempt near her home. She argued that local and county governments across Texas are seeking a clear framework from the state legislature to establish expectations for responsible data center development and provide communities with greater predictability.
The city has also added a topic opposing a recent announcement by Governor Greg Abbott regarding city-owned utilities. Brady highlighted the cost and reliability advantages of municipal utilities, noting that College Station charges residents 11.8 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to a state average of 16.4 cents for privately owned utilities.
He further pointed out that the city’s average power outage duration is approximately 24 minutes per year, significantly lower than the national average of 376 minutes.
