2025 TMUA Utility Leadership and Management Conference
Agenda | Sponsors | Register
The 2025 Utility Leadership and Management Conference is the premier event for Texas municipal utility professionals, offering an opportunity to explore the most critical issues facing the industry today. This dynamic conference will cover a wide range of topics, including Texas water challenges, workforce leadership strategies, advancements in data-driven utility management, environmental regulations, and legislative updates. Attendees will also gain insights into fostering local water alliances, addressing generational talent needs, and navigating utility financing for long-term success. Designed to empower leaders and managers, this event is the perfect platform to network with peers, learn from industry experts, and discover innovative solutions to drive utility excellence across Texas.
The emphasis of the Texas Municipal Utilities Association is the management and direction of municipal utilities, including the special relationship city managers, members of governing bodies, and boards of directors have with municipal utilities. The TMUA Annual Conference is a forum where members can learn from each other and benefit from their interaction with other municipal utility managers in Texas.
Date
March 6 – 7, 2025
Location
AC Hotel by Marriot Waco Downtown, 600 Mary Ave, Waco, TX 76701
Registration
| Category | By February 14 | After February 14 |
| Member | $280 | $310 |
| Nonmember | $330 | $360 |
| Guest Ticket for Thursday Dinner | $50 | $50 |
If you are registered and cannot attend, we encourage you to send a substitute. If you cannot send a substitute, a $50 cancellation fee will be assessed if written cancellation is received by February 14, 2025. No refunds will be honored after February 14. Email all cancellations to [email protected], and copy [email protected].
Hotel Accommodations
The AC Hotel Waco Downtown, has extended a $179 room rate for the nights of 03/05/25 and 03/06/25. Please do not delay in making your arrangements. The cutoff date for the room block February 10. If you are having trouble booking your room, please contact the reservations desk at +1 254-910-8900 or email [email protected].
Sponsors
Please see our full list of sponsors here. To inquire about sponsoring the 2025 TMUA Utility Leadership and Management Conference, please email [email protected].
Presentations (PDFs)
PDF presentations will be pasted here, as provided. Note not all presentations may be shared.
Wednesday, March 5
Speakers and sessions are subject to change. All events are at the hotel unless otherwise noted. All meals shown in the agenda are included with your registration.
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sponsor Move-In
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Board Meeting
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception
Thursday, March 6
7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30 a.m.
Welcome and Introduction
TMUA President David Waldrup, Environmental Engineer, Texarkana Water Utilities
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Water Challenges in Texas
David Collinsworth, General Manager/CEO, The Brazos River Authority
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Unlocking the Power of Data to Drive Utility Excellence
In the era of digital transformation, utility leaders face an abundance of operational and management data from advanced metering infrastructure and other digital systems. This presentation will explore how to transform this data into actionable insights for utility operations and strategic decision-making.
Topics include consumption patterns, real-time metrics, predictive analytics, and the importance of data integration and visualization. Learn how to overcome data overload and harness data-driven intelligence to keep utilities resilient, innovative, and customer-focused in a dynamic industry.
Chris Ekrut, Founding Partner and CFO, NewGen Strategies
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Networking Break with Exhibitors
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
LCRR/LCRI
Stacy Walters, Regulatory Environmental Administrator, City of Fort Worth
Lunch and Keynote
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Lunch and Word from Our Sponsors
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Leading vs Managing in Today’s Workforce
So often leadership and management are used synonymously, and the debate continues. Are these concepts interchangeable? What are the differences and similarities? Let’s unpack the perspectives of leading versus managing.
Dr. James Banks, Retired U.S. Army Veteran and Civic Leader
1:15 – 2:00 p.m.
Emerging Contaminants of Concern: New and Pending Regulations facing Water and Wastewater Utilities
We will discuss the role the new National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, the POTW Influent Study, National Seage Sludge Study and other pending/proposed regulations facing Water and Wastewater utilities in Texas.
Joseph Fielding, Manager, Regulatory Services & Compliance, Trinity River Authority
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Confused About Environmental Regulations? Get Help From the TCEQ
Are you unsure about environmental regulations affecting your business or local government? The TCEQ’s Small Business and Local Government Assistance Program helps smaller entities understand regulatory requirements, identify necessary permits, and provides free, confidential compliance assistance on air, water, and waste issues. This session will highlight the program’s support options and introduce the rural ombudsman role, created to address the unique challenges of rural and small communities. Hear from Jason, with 12 years of experience in small community governance, as he shares insights and practical solutions.
Jason E. Robinson, Rural Ombudsman, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Networking Break with Exhibitors
3:15 – 4:15 p.m.
The Building Blocks of a Local Water Alliance: Vision, Policy and Communication
This presentation will discuss the circumstances that drove three cities and a water entity in fast-growing Hays County to work together and form what is now the Alliance Regional Water Authority. Mr. Moore will discuss some of the organizational challenges the group overcame, provide a status update on the infrastructure development, and discuss the group’s efforts to resolve their long-term water demands.
Graham Moore, P.E., Executive Director, Alliance Regional Water Authority
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Understanding Generational Talent
As the workforce evolves, hiring qualified staff remains critical to achieving organizational objectives. Older workers, 55 and over, continue to play a significant role, while attracting younger generations is essential for workforce succession. This session will explore strategies for recruiting and integrating employees across generations, highlighting their strengths and addressing misconceptions. Learn how an inclusive, age-diverse workplace can drive organizational success and provide a competitive edge.
Hector Mendoza, Director of Human Resources, City of Canyon
5:15 – 6:30 p.m.
Free Time
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Social Event (Dinner Included) – Details coming soon!
Friday, March 7
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Registration
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Business Meeting
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Legislative Update
Snapper Carr, Partner and General Counsel, Focused Advocacy
10:45 a.m. – Noon
Utility Financing Options and Programs
As Texas cities grow, securing reliable funding for utility infrastructure is critical to long-term planning. This presentation will guide municipalities through utility financing options, including traditional methods and innovative solutions. Key topics include state and federal programs like the Texas Water Development Board’s financing options and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, covering eligibility, application processes, and best practices. Attendees will gain insights on selecting appropriate financing options, assessing specific needs, and navigating funding complexities to support sustainable growth and critical utility projects.
Jason Huges, Senior Managing Director, and Erick Macha, Managing Director, Hilltop Securities
Noon
Adjourn