Government Relations
Shaping Texas Infrastructure Law and Policy
For two decades, ABHR has served as principal drafter and advocate for major Texas laws affecting Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and water districts, Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs), Municipal Management Districts (MMDs), and infrastructure development.
Strategic Advocacy at State and Local Levels
ABHR provides comprehensive government relations counsel that bridges the gap between private development and public policy. Our services include:
Drafting legislation and advocating before the Texas Legislature
Creating special districts through the legislative process
Representing entities in structuring economic development programs and public-private partnerships
Advocating for public participation in development and redevelopment projects
The firm has guided hundreds of special districts through the legislative process, combining drafting expertise with effective advocacy to secure passage.
At the local level, ABHR maintains strong working relationships with municipal and county officials, collaborating with elected officials and staff to structure agreements that benefit both communities and developers.
Legislative Achievements
Passed Special Legislation to Create Hundreds of Districts & Authorities
Authored general law statutes for:
MUDs & Water Districts
TIRZS
MMDs
Super PIDs in Bexar County
County Assistance Districts
West Harris County Regional Water Authority (WHCRWA)
North Fort Bend Water Authority (NFBWA)
Leaders in expansion of authorities and powers of MUDs and water districts:
Park Powers & Expanded Park Powers
Road Powers & Expanded Road Powers
Strategic Partnership Agreements
Led Reform of Certificates of Convenience for Water & Sewer Services, and Necessity
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) rulemaking and implementation with state agencies
Collaboration with the Attorney General on review and approval of MUD bonds
Leaders in Economic Development Efforts, including Sales Tax Support for Convention Centers & Hotels
Policy Spotlight
Expanded Authority for District Parks (HB 1410)
In 2003, Texas legislation first authorized water districts in certain counties to develop and finance parks and recreational facilities, with bonds limited to one percent of the district’s total taxable property value. While groundbreaking, this limitation constrained districts’ ability to invest in parks and amenities as communities grew.
Legislative Achievement
Tripled park bond capacity for eligible districts
Fiscal Safeguards
Established clear TCEQ eligibility requirements for qualification
Timeline
Effective June 14, 2021
Collaborative Advocacy
Coordinated support from hundreds of organizations and water districts through letters and resolutions
House Bill 1410, effective June 14, 2021, increased the maximum park bond capacity while ensuring that any expanded authority applied only to districts meeting strict financial standards.