Join NSDA for an educational forum on the most pressing topics facing special districts in Austin, Texas at the ALoft Austin Hotel, Southwest

Texas invites NSDA and special district managers, directors, chiefs, and administrators to an exclusive regional forum to address critical governance, leadership, and management issues. In partnership with the Texas Special Districts Coalition, PTA and PMA, Applied Leadership, Paragon Government Relations, and Streamline, this forum provides an opportunity to learn from others in the special district world, connect with peers, hear from experts in organizational leadership, and stay ahead of industry trends.

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Agenda

July 22nd, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 pm | NSDA Texas Special District Social 

July 23rd, 2025

7:30 Registration opens

8:00 - 8:30 AM | Hosted Continental Breakfast and Welcome from NSDA

Speaker:  Ann Terry,  President, NSDA, Chief Executive Officer, Special District Association of Colorado

Fuel up before an informative day with special district leaders!

8:30 - 10:00 AM | Leadership Session

Speaker: Blayne Smith and Brandon Young, Applied Leadership Partners

Applied Leadership Partners helps leaders build closely-knit, high-performing teams to excel in a complex world. Blayne Smith and Brandon Young have successfully led and won in some of the world’s most demanding environments. From the Green Berets and Army Rangers to corporate healthcare, small businesses, start-ups, and social enterprises, they have consistently built high-performing teams that execute and achieve.

10:00 - 10:15 AM | Break

Refreshments provided

10:15 AM - 12:00 PM |  AI in Action: Real-World Strategies for District Leaders

Speaker: Mac Clemmens, Streamline

Transform AI anxiety into action! Master game-changing AI strategies to optimize your district's compliance and operations. We will cover practical tips for harnessing AI's power to boost cybersecurity defenses, achieve effortless ADA compliance, and enhance communication for maximum efficiency. Don't just keep pace – lead the future of your district! Watch teaser video »

12:00 - 1:30 PM | Hosted Networking Lunch with the Texas Special District Coalition

Speaker: Jonathan Roach, esq, Roach and Associates, PLLC

Hear an update on the TSDC's collaboration and what you need to know coming from the Texas Statehouse.

1:30 - 3:00 PM | Special District Governance Best Practices + Prudent Money Management & Investment Options for Special Districts with Public Trust 

Speaker: Tom Tight, Managing Director and Partner, Public Trust 

Improve your special district's governance and financial health with expert insights from Tom Tight of Public Trust. This session covers best practices for effective governance and explores prudent money management and investment options to maximize your public trust.

3:00 - 3:30 PM | NSDA Federal Advocacy and Funding Update

Speakers: Joe Krahn, CEO, Paragon Government Affairs and Chantal Unfug, National Director, Public Affairs, Outreach and Engagement,  NSDA

 Hear the latest from Washington DC - Funding Frenzy or Fundamental Shifts?

3:30 - 4:00 PM | Today's a wrap, but where are we all going from here?

Speaker:  Ann Terry,  President, NSDA, Chief Executive Officer, Special District Association of Colorado

All events will be held at the ALoft Hotel Austin Southwest