Intergovernmental Relations Program

As directed by the City Council, the City of San Marcos participates in state and federal legislative processes by monitoring and advocating for or against policies to support, safeguard, protect and enhance the interests of residents and businesses.

The Intergovernmental Relations Program is guided by the core values found in the City Charter's Statement of Goals and the Comprehensive Plan Vision Statements.

As part of the program, city representatives have visited the Texas State Capitol and Washington, D.C. They've also met with state and federal elected officials including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, and State Rep. Erin Zwiener.

Washington, D.C. Visit:

Tuesday, June 14, 2022, through Thursday, June 16, 2022, City Council members and members of City staff traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss federal programs and funding sources available to support San Marcos residents and businesses as part of the City’s Intergovernmental Relations Program. The group also visited with elected representatives and federal agencies about the City’s most critical needs and top priorities, including meetings with Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Sen. John Cornyn, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

State Program

The City of San Marcos is preparing for the 88th Texas Legislative Session, which will begin in 2023. During the 87th Texas Legislature, City staff and Council members attended a series of webinars to monitor legislation, held meetings with elected officials, and submitted several letters to our state delegation advocating for and against policies on behalf of San Marcos residents and businesses. The City's efforts helped propel policies through the political process and played a pivotal role in adding beneficial amendments to proposed legislation.

During the upcoming session, the City's legislative priorities will follow the Guiding Principles passed by the San Marcos City Council on November 15, 2022. Click here to view the City of San Marcos Guiding Principles for the 88th Texas Legislative Session.

Mermaid Capital of Texas

After years of hard work, state lawmakers passed a resolution during the 87th Texas Legislative Session officially designating San Marcos as the Mermaid Capital of Texas. The resolution was brought forward by State Sen. Judith Zaffirini and state Rep. Erin Zwiener, and was signed by Governor Greg Abbott on May 24, 2021. The designation will remain in place until May 2031.

The resolution celebrates the cultural significance of the mermaid in the San Marcos community and our dedication to protecting and cherishing the San Marcos River. For more information and ways to celebrate, check out the Mermaid Capital of Texas page at visitsanmarcos.com.

Bills we tracked in the 87th Texas Legislative Session:

Federal Program

Along with advocating for and against legislation proposed during the session, the City has worked alongside elected leaders to meet residents' needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and weather events.

In April 2022, the City submitted a project to be considered for funding by the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee. If selected, the Emergency Management Communications Platforms Project would enhance critical infrastructure and support communication with residents during extreme weather or emergency situations.

Name	District
Rep. John Cyrier	House District 17
Rep. John Kuempel	House District 44
Rep. Erin Zwiener	House District 45
Sen. Judith Zaffirini	Senate District 21
Sen. Donna Campbell	Senate District 25

Name	District
Rep. Lloyd Doggett	Congressional District 35
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez	Congressional District 15
Rep. Chip Roy	Congressional District 21
Sen. John Cornyn	U.S. Senate
Sen. Ted Cruz	U.S. Senate