February 25, 2026 - February 27, 2026
2026-02-25T00:00:00
Grapevine Embassy Suites
2401 Bass Pro Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
Region IV Meeting
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25--6:00 p.m. Welcome Reception
Thursday Feb 26 -- 8:30-3:30 Athenian Dialogues
Friday Feb 27 – 8:00-12:00 Business meeting
Friday, February 27 sessions:
Empowered to Serve
Collaborative Government: Navigating Council Relations
Amanda Campos, City Secretary, Burleson, TX
An effective relationship between mayors, councilmembers, and the Office of the City Clerk is vital to the success of any municipality. The City Clerk plays a key role in supporting the governing body, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective communication. The attitude, actions, and approach you take in your daily interactions can help avoid misunderstandings, prevent pitfalls, and foster a bond of mutual respect and understanding that benefits the entire organization. An effective relationship with the governing body of your community empowers you to serve your citizens well.
This session will help you explore strategies for defining your role and managing your professional environment, maintain productive relationships, and communicate clearly and effectively with elected officials. Participants will also learn how to cultivate a positive departmental culture and contribute to a collaborative citywide environment. Whether you are new to the profession or a seasoned municipal clerk, this session will provide practical insights to strengthen council relations and enhance your effectiveness as a trusted city official.
Safety First: Practical Skills for City Hall Professionals to Feel Empowered in Their Roles
Linda Ruth, Town Administrator/Town Secretary, Lakewood Village, TX
City halls are where local government meets real life, and the professionals who serve there often find themselves managing unpredictable situations with the public. In this engaging, hands-on session, you will learn how to recognize early warning signs of aggression, understand body language (both yours and others’), project calm authority, and use your body’s natural responses to stay focused and safe under pressure—all tailored specifically for municipal environments. You will feel empowered in your everyday lives after attending this training. This session goes beyond basic self-defense to strengthen awareness, communication skills, and confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for an election, supervising municipal court, assisting a frustrated resident, or managing day-to-day operations, everyday situations can escalate quickly. This class will equip you with practical skills and real-world strategies to help you stay composed, in control, and ready to respond effectively. Attend this session and learn how to spot danger before it happens—and be prepared.
Clear, Concise, Credible: Elevating the City Clerk's Written Voice
Amy C. Holt, PhD, Education Director/Institute Director, Texas Municipal Clerks Association/Certification Program
This training session is designed to strengthen the written communication skills of city clerks. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to write with precision, sophistication, and confidence—whether preparing official notices, responding to public inquiries, or drafting internal reports. The session will emphasize clarity, tone, and consistency to ensure written materials uphold the highest standards of public service.
By the end of the training, participants will feel more empowered in their roles as communicators and representatives of their communities. They will gain tools and strategies to convey information effectively, build trust through transparency, and express professionalism in every written interaction. This session not only enhances technical writing skills but also reinforces the vital role that city clerks play in fostering responsive, accessible, and accountable local government.