Those views center on bills revolving around minimum lot size and accessory dwelling units. Some state legislators have proposed reducing local regulatory control in these areas, while town leaders want to be able to retain that kind of control.
Council heard a report from Brandi Bird, president of Bird Advocacy & Consulting. She will represent the town’s interests in Austin when the 89th Legislature convenes, refining town staff and council priorities to a handful of critical issues to present to legislators.
After her presentation on May 20, council members provided their priorities. Bird said at an April 1 council meeting she expects bills on minimum lot size and accessory dwelling units to surface in 2025. Bird can set up meetings between town leaders and legislators.
The background
Town Manager James Childers told council the last legislative term “wasn’t very kind” to municipalities but that Flower Mound dodged some bills that would have been “pretty catastrophic.” He said council wants to engage early with local leaders in Austin about what the town’s priorities are.
“We recognize we have to be a little more proactive in this engagement, and this starts that process,” he said.
Zooming in
Bird said she expects an “interesting” 89th session because of the dynamics between the House and Senate.
“The relationships are probably at an all-time low, which means that very little legislation will pass this session,” she said. “It’s going to be difficult to get compromise on issues. So that’s just a perspective that’s important for us to have in mind as we go into this 2025 session.”
What they’re saying
Council member Ann Martin said legislation similar to the proposed previous legislation regarding loosening of regulation of accessory dwelling units and minimum lot sizes would “decimate” Flower Mound.
Other council members offered ideas on other matters of concern, such as public utilities and management of first responders. Childers said he expects council to finalize a list of priorities in July.
