Advertise on podcast: Local Officials: Stronger, Together Podcast

After more than two decades serving Texas cities—and five impactful years with the TML Risk Pool—Scott Houston signs off with a thoughtful and candid conversation about a career dedicated to public service. In this special episode of the “Local Officials: Stronger, Together Podcast,” Scott reflects on how the Texas Municipal League and the Risk Pool have evolved to meet the changing needs of their members, from legal challenges to politics to emerging risks and innovative coverage solutions. With perspective shaped by years in the trenches, Scott shares insights on what makes the TML and the Pool unique, why relationships matter more than ever, and how collaboration continues to strengthen local governments across Texas. It’s part retrospective, part roadmap for the future—and a fitting sendoff from a trusted voice in the municipal community.

The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who died on duty in 2025 decreased 25 percent compared to the same time period in 2024, according to preliminary data provided by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). The NLEOMF data shows that 111 federal, state, county, municipal, and U.S. Territories officers died in the line of duty in 2025, compared to the 148 officers who died in 2024. The 111 line-of-duty deaths in 2025 represents a near-historic low. The last time annual officer fatalities were at a comparable level was in 1943, when 94 officers were killed in the line of duty. In this episode, Scott visits with Risk Pool Law Enforcement Consultants Chase Stapp and Joseph Florance, about the reduction. You’ll hear about efforts like the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Vincible training program, along with the risk management outreach by Chase and Joseph. Members are encouraged to reach out to Chase and Joe at [email protected] or 512-491-2440 for a no-cost consultation designed to promote excellence in law enforcement. Further Information o   National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) o   Texas Police Chiefs Association’s Vincible Training Program o   TML Risk Pool Police and Fire Resources o   TML Risk Pool Training o   The Pool’s Role in Supporting Excellence in Law Enforcement – A Preliminary Report for Board of Trustees Consideration (2023) o   TML Risk Pool’s Support for Excellence in Law Enforcement – Summary of Actions (2023) o   TML Risk Pool’s Support for Excellence in Law Enforcement – Progress Report (2025)

Texas Government Code Section 2054.5191 mandates artificial intelligence and cybersecurity training for local government employees, elected officials, and appointed officials who have access to a local government computer system or database and use a computer to perform at least 25 percent of their duties. The training must be certified by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) — both this podcast and the YouTube video linked to the left are DIR-approved.  This episode isn’t some boring episode. Instead, join the Risk Pool Cyber Guy — Ryan Burns — and his buddy — Hacker Hank — as they discuss ways that “Hank Hacks” trick local government employees into sending money, downloading ransomware, and more, along with newly-mandated artificial intelligence training.  A local governmental entity must keep track of participants internally and certify its compliance by August 31, 2026, using the Cybersecurity Training Certification for State and Local Governments form. Further Information: OPTIONAL, self-administered cybersecurity and/or artificial intelligence test with answer key.Artificial Intelligence Presentation

The TML Risk Pool has seen far too many accidents and injuries in and around roadways. The Pool’s goal is to provide tools to help Members avoid them, and we’ve developed a program to do just that. R.O.A.D. Ready (The acronym stands for Recognize the Hazards; Observe People, Processes, and Equipment; Assess the Risk Level; and Determine the Safest Course of Action) is a Risk Pool program designed to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property by raising member awareness of dangers on and near roadways, and each January is designated as R.O.A.D. Ready month.    The program recently received national attention through publication in the June 2025 edition of Professional Safety, the American Society of Safety Professionals’ flagship monthly journal, which covers the latest safety management and injury prevention trends. The article, written by Risk Pool Safety and Loss Control Consultants Kolby Burkhart and Manny Trejo, is titled “Improving Roadways Safety: A Practical Framework to Protect Frontline Workers.”   Check out the article here and listen to this episode to hear Kolby and Manny discuss ways to keep your city R.O.A.D. Ready! The Pool extends special recognition to the following R.O.A.D. Ready month participating Members: the Lower Valley Water District and the Cities of Anthony, Mont Belvieu, Beeville, Liberty Hill, Port Neches, Nederland, Rockport, Ingleside, Portland, Jasper, Livingston, Frisco, Schertz, and Fredericksburg.   FURTHER INFORMATION: R.O.A.D. Ready Web Page Find Your Safety and Loss Control Consultant Safety @ Your Fingertips Sign Up Professional Safety Article 2024-2025 Year in Review T.I.P.S. Sheet Texas Police Chiefs Association VINCIBLE Training Program [email protected] January R.O.A.D. Ready Risk Pool Trainings: January 6 Frisco Trenching and Excavation Awareness (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.) January 13 LVWD/Clint Loading and Transporting of Equipment (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.) Field Operations Safety (1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) January 13 & 27 Schertz Safe Police Vehicle Operations (8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.) January 14 Anthony Trenching and Excavation Awareness (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.) Work Zone Safety (10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.) Field Operations Safety (1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) January 20-21 Fredericksburg Safe Police Vehicle Operations (1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Cities and other local governments aren’t required to go through a formal procurement process to join the TML Risk Pool because they are essentially self-insuring when they do so. That being said, many do for various reasons. And when they do, local officials should be aware of various industry tactics to ensure an apples-to-apples coverage comparison. In this episode, Scott visits with the Pool’s Director of Risk Services – Aaron Hardiman – about what that means and how local officials can ensure integrity in their processes. Further Information Claims Made v. Occurrence-Based Coverage Article

In this episode, special guest host Tamara Chafin (Risk Pool’s Communications Officer) interviews Scott Houston (Risk Pool Intergovernmental Relations Manager) about the dearth of city authority in Texas to regulate firearms. Futher Information: Local Governments and Firearms:  Avoiding a Jam V5 (Comprehensive Paper in Q&A Format) Local Governments and Firearms:  Avoiding a Jam V5 (Cheat Sheet) Texas Constitution, Article 1, Section 23 Texas Local Government Code Section 229.001

Texas summers are brutal and can even be deadly. Some local government employees have no choice but to work in the heat to do their jobs. For those employees, the Pool’s loss prevention provides tips and training on how to stay safe and healthy in a demanding environment. In this episode, Scott interviews Safety and Loss Control Consultant Johnny Vera about the Pool’s efforts in this area. He also hears from Risk Management Advisor Robert Hinojosa about a real story of how training can save lives. Further Information: Find Your Safety and Loss Control Consultant  Surviving the Texas Heat T.I.P.S. Sheet Index to all T.I.P.S. Sheets and Publications TML Risk Pool Training Webpage (Live and Online Training)

Our hearts are with those affected by the recent summer 2025 flooding in Texas, and the TML Risk Pool stands ready to assist its Members with Flood Coverage. Whether your entity has the coverage or not, you should know generally what it covers, for how much, and other specifics. In this episode, Scott interviews Paula Marr-Ludwig, who has been with the Pool for 37 years and managed the Pool’s underwriting department for 11 of those, about the ins-and-outs of the Pool’s Flood Coverage.   Further Information ·       Flood Coverage FAQ ·       FEMA Flood Maps Web Page (Search by Address)

Cybersecurity preparedness and response can seem technical, confusing, and daunting for local government officials, but pretending the threat isn’t real won’t save you. The TML Risk Pool’s Cyber Squad (consisting of Cyber Risk Services Manager Ryan Burns and Senior Cybersecurity advisor Mike Bell) is here to help. Whether your entity runs off one computer or 1,000, the Squad’s Fifteen-Minute Cyber Health Checkup for Local Leaders is a very simple assessment you can use as a guide to taking action, immediately. Every step you take to being more secure is a step in the right direction. Listen in to hear Scott interview Mike about how to get started, today. Further Information: 15-Minute Cyber Health Checkup TestTML Risk Pool’s Cyber Liability Home PageTML Risk Pool Cyber Squad YouTube Channel

In this special report, you’ll hear from Jeff Thompson (Risk Pool Executive Director) as he explains the partnership that is the TML Risk Pool and the major rate drivers that affect your 2025-2026 rerates.

In this episode, Scott explains the predictions for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season and visits with a special guest – Matthew Rosencrans, NOAA's lead for the seasonal hurricane outlook – to get his take on things a local official should know about this season. Unsurprisingly, being prepared is one thing. Local officials from almost every part of the state should tune in to learn about one you might not know!   Further information:   National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Hurricane Preparedness Website and 2025 Season PredictionsColorado State University Climate Prediction Center 2024 forecastFederal Emergency Management Agency’s Hurricane Preparedness and Evacuation Planning WebsiteTexas Department of Emergency Management’s Preparedness WebsiteTML Risk Pool’s Hurricane Resources Web Pagewww.ready.gov

In this special video episode, host Scott Houston interviews the TML Risk Pool’s mascot – Risky the Armadillo! In this super-fun conversation, you’ll hear about how Risky came to be, how he got his name, and how he plans to help spread the word about the Pool’s coverages, programs, and benefits for local governments. Watch the YouTube video version to see Risky in person!     Further Information  Risky the Armadillo’s Risk Management Minute #1 – Risky’s Cyber Save!  Risky the Armadillo’s Risk Management Minute #2 – Stay R.O.A.D. Ready!

In this STP episode, host Scott Houston interviews Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Prevention Specialist Heather Gonzales about state wildfire education and prevention resources available to local government officials. He also visits with Borger City Manager Garrett Spradling about the city’s mitigation program, which likely prevented wholesale destruction from the Windy Deuce fire in 2024.     Is your city or other local government prepared? Listen in to find out.    STP episodes are short and informative, with short being the key – most episodes are less than 15 minutes. Check one out today on the Pool’s website or your favorite podcast app! Contact your host, Scott Houston (Risk Pool Intergovernmental Relations Manager) at 512-791-4158 or [email protected] with comments, questions, or ideas for future episodes.

In this episode, Scott interviews renowned customer experience expert Jay Baer, who shares his powerful "Be Quick, Be Clear, Be Kind" customer experience framework.   Jay explains why speed matters in service, how clarity builds trust, and why kindness fosters stronger community relationships. He offers practical strategies for local officials and employees (or really anyone who interacts with customers), showing how responsiveness and empathy can enhance citizen engagement.   This is really great stuff. Tune in to learn how small changes can make a big impact!  Further Information www.jaybaer.comwww.jaybaer.com/newsletterAGRiP Pooling Academy: Building a Better Customer Experience (Pooling Academy Registrants Only)

The TML Risk Pool has seen far too many accidents and injuries in and around roadways The Pool’s goal is to provide tools to help Members avoid them, and we’ve developed a program to do just that. R.O.A.D. Ready is a Risk Pool program designed to save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property by raising member awareness of dangers on and near roadways, and January is R.O.A.D. Ready month. Listen in to learn how you can participate and stop one of your employees from being a statistic.    FURTHER INFORMATION: R.O.A.D. Ready Web Page Find You Safety and Loss Control Consultant Safety @ Your Fingertips Sign Up