2026 Meeting Schedule

• January – Welcome
  • 1/22: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Bamberger Ranch, Blanco County
• February – Planning for Growth
  • 2/12: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 2/19: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Bandera County
• March – Water Planning
  • 3/12: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 3/19: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | The Shield Ranch, Travis County
• April – Spring Retreat
  • 4/9: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 4/16-4/17: In-person Retreat – Convene at 1PM Thursday, overnight through noon Friday | Edwards County
• May – The Legislature 
  • 5/14: Virtual – Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 5/21: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Location TBD
• June – Development Oversight
  • 6/11: Virtual – Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 6/18: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Cibolo Center for Conservation, Kendall County
• July – Innovative Water Solutions
  • 7/9: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 7/16: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Wimberley, Hays County
• August – Affordability and Healthy Local Economies
  • 8/13: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 8/20: In-person – 9AM – 2PM – Optional tour 1-2pm | Kerr County
• September – Empowering Collaboration 
  • 9/10: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 9/24: In-person – 8AM – 4PM – Optional happy hour 4-6:00pm | Hill Country Leadership Summit | Dripping Springs, Hays County
• October – Land Conservation and Legacy
  • 10/8: Virtual – Noon-1PM
  • 10/15: In-person – 9AM – 2:30PM – Optional tour 1:30-2:30pm | Kerr County

2026 In-person Programming Overview

In-person sessions will generally occur on the third Thursday of the month from January through October. Please note that these are general topics we plan to cover, however timing of specific topics are subject to change based on feedback from participants.

Welcome and Introductions
Welcome Leaders! This session will ground and connect us, as we settle in and get acquainted in the beautiful surroundings of Bamberger Ranch. We’ll be welcomed by inspiring speakers and begin with a high-level look at The State of the Hill Country. Together we will determine highest priorities for the ten months ahead.

Planning for Growth
Do you have a vision for the future of your jurisdiction and region? We’ll explore inspiring opportunities for visionary planning, and we’ll dive into constraints such as limited county authority. Together we will learn creative ways that counties, cities, and groundwater districts can plan, coordinate, and chart a course with a focus on community values, economic vitality, and attention to land and water for our future.

Water Planning
Taking care of our region’s water supply is a complex challenge. Many believe our rivers and aquifers are already over-allocated making conservation is essential. Learn about regional water planning processes that support the Texas State Water Plan, and how you can participate and lead water planning efforts for your community. 

Spring Retreat – A two-day retreat with overnight lodging provided
There is no place like the headwaters of a Hill Country river at the western edge of the region to reflect on the region’s natural resources holistically – from aquifers below to the star-filled sky above. You’ll be joined by regional groundwater experts as we cover all aspects of groundwater management, and we’ll spend some time looking up and out as we discuss our region’s night skies and strategies to preserve this iconic component of the Hill Country. Campfire conversations, star gazing, and beautiful overnight accommodations will be provided at this spectacular private ranch along the Nueces River.

Engaging the Legislature and State Agencies
Local issues are greatly impacted by state policy and state agencies. In this session we will connect with our legislative delegations as well as leadership from key state agencies. We will discuss strategies for effective engagement with the Legislature, how our legislators can help us get the most out of state agencies, and what we hope to see in the next legislative session.

Innovative Water Strategies
Water is a finite and fragile resource, every drop matters. We will immerse ourselves in “One Water” strategies including innovative ideas for reuse, rainwater harvesting, lowering consumption, education, decentralized systems, and funding opportunities to implement a new way of doing business.

Development Oversight
The pace of growth in our region is undeniable. Industrial projects, and unplanned sprawl can be a financial burden on the community and unsustainable for water resources. We’ll explore local development oversight options including low-impact strategies, innovative development agreements and model subdivision ordinances. 

Affordability and Healthy Local Economies
Our region is a mix of rural and urban communities, each with unique challenges. We’ll dive deep into the highest priority rural issues for this cohort examining broadband infrastructure, public health, housing, and workforce development, aiming for strategies that lead us towards a healthy and prosperous region.

Hill Country Alliance Leadership Summit
Community leaders, conservationists, Hill Country advocates from across the region join each September for the HCA Leadership Summit. We’ll join in this full-day program, with our own breakout time looking at regional strategies for historic preservation, dark skies initiatives, and Hill Country tourism opportunities.

Land Conservation and Legacy
The Texas Hill Country region covers over 11 million acres in 17 counties of mostly privately held land. Population growth and land fragmentation are significantly threatening these lands. Lean how private land conservation through voluntary conservation easements, and stewardship best practices help balance growth with a land protection ethic that will sustain our region for generations.

Closing Celebration
A final gathering and celebration with spouses or partners included. Enjoy final rounds of sharing and help shape ideas for staying connected at this special wrap-up session. We’ll wine and dine and watch the Hill Country sunset. It’s only the beginning for the new ideas and relationships that have been created.

Lunch and Learn Virtual Sessions | 12 – 1 PM

Virtual sessions will occur on the second Thursday of the month from February through October. Topics and order of sessions are subject to change based on feedback from participants.

Case Studies in Local & Regional Planning
Water Planning Processes
Texas Legislature 101
How Groundwater is Managed and Funding Opportunities
 Innovative Water Solutions – One Water
City Planning, Zoning and Ordinances
Local Case Studies: Transportation
Private Philanthropy and Your Community
Lessons Learned – Participant sharing

Past Meeting Locations

First National Ice Haus, Bandera – Bandera County
Bandera Brewery, Bandera – Bandera County
Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, Blanco – Blanco County
Community Resource Center, Marble Falls – Burnet County
Kickapoo Springs Private Ranch on the Nueces – Edwards County
Blue Hole Primary School, Wimberley – Hays County
The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, San Marcos – Hays County
Cibolo Center for Conservation, Boerne – Kendall County
The Ingenhuett Event Center, Comfort – Kendall County
The Lobby Coffee Shop, Comfort – Kendall County
Kerr County Wildlife Management Area, Hunt – Kerr County
Schreiner University, Kerrville – Kerr County
The Laity Lodge – H. E. Butt Foundation, Leakey – Real County
The Campsite at Shield Ranch – Travis County
Texas State Capitol, Austin – Travis County