Advocating for our Communities
What Is a Community Advocate?
Experts in the legislative realm that utilize their experience and relationships to work efficiently on behalf of communities, representing the taxpayers on issues at the direction of local governments, like cities, counties, or school districts.
With the idea that no two areas in the state are alike, the Texas Legislature created cities to work closely with the community and to address local needs more effectively. The locally-elected officials in those cities decide - based on the needs of their citizens - how to provide appropriate services.
We often say, what works in the Piney Woods of East Texas won’t always work in the Great Plains of West Texas, and that rings true all across the state. But that is what makes our state great - the diversity and unique needs that can be addressed by the government closest to the people.
Why Do We Need Community Advocates?
Texas is big and the issues that our state faces are complicated. Local community leaders need to rely on a dedicated team of experts who can bring their knowledge, leverage relationships, and work efficiently. Locally elected officials have numerous responsibilities and are elected to represent their constituents at the level of government closest to their daily lives.
Expertise
Community advocates often bring years and years of experience to the table. These people understand the legislative process and what it takes to get a bill from filing to enrollment. They help our locally elected officials advocate in more effective ways because they know the nuances to the legislative process that our local Mayor or Councilmember may not know, or may not have the capacity to handle.
Relationships
Community advocates typically spend years building their address books. Their relationships are what helps our cities advocate for the taxpayer and their constituencies. These advocates help our locally elected officials navigate tough policy through relationships with legislators, staff, and regulators.
Efficiency
Not all cities or local governments have the resources available to hire in-house government relations teams. Hiring community advocates helps local governments perform government affairs in a more efficient manner because they know the process and have the relationships necessary. Cities and local governments get a running start to advocacy efforts with community advocates.