The Fulshear City Council convened on July 15, 2025, to discuss key legislative activities and future strategies following the 89th Texas Legislative Session. The meeting began with a presentation from Cornerstone Governmental Affairs, the lobbying firm engaged by the city to navigate legislative challenges that have increasingly impacted local governance.

Mayor Zachary presented the session's context, noting that the council had decided to hire a lobbyist in late 2024 due to unfavorable legislative trends affecting local control. Tyler Nelson, a representative from Cornerstone, highlighted the firm's bipartisan approach and their swift adaptation to the ongoing legislative session, despite starting their work after many bills had already been filed.

Martin Hubert, another Cornerstone representative, provided a high-level overview of significant legislative outcomes. He reported that out of over 9,000 bills filed, approximately 1,200 were passed, marking a legislative success rate of 13.5%, the lowest in two decades. Key priorities addressed included a balanced budget, education funding, property tax relief, and water infrastructure.

Hubert detailed specific legislative measures that could benefit Fulshear, including an increase in the homestead exemption for property taxes and significant funding for water projects. He also discussed land use legislation that could affect local zoning, particularly Senate Bill 15, which reduces minimum lot sizes for larger cities. Concerns were raised about potential future changes to this legislation that could impact Fulshear.

The council members expressed appreciation for the lobbying efforts, particularly the successful meetings arranged with state officials, which facilitated discussions on local infrastructure needs. The importance of maintaining a presence in Austin to advocate for Fulshear's interests was emphasized, as was the need for strategic planning to ensure the city benefits from state appropriations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between the city council and Cornerstone Governmental Affairs, aiming to enhance Fulshear's position in future legislative sessions. The council plans to continue working closely with the firm to proactively address upcoming challenges and opportunities as the city continues to grow.