Benefits & Services

Annual conference

The Texas City Management Association (TCMA) meets regularly each year at its annual conference in early summer. The conference provides educational and networking opportunities. Members discuss current trends in city management and related fields.

specialized training

Management-related training programs are offered throughout the year. Some are one-day workshops on topics of interest, and others are more comprehensive, such as the City Management Clinic and the William "King" Cole Series. For additional training opportunities, see the Texas Municipal League's Educational Calendar.

Regional Meetings

Regional meetings provide opportunities for continued professional growth and networking. Please contact your regional president for meeting updates.

Publications

Members receive the Management Messenger monthly. This online newsletter features articles about developments in Texas cities, capsule reports of state and federal policy issues, and pertinent happenings within TCMA. The TCMA Membership Directory is available online and contains biographical information about TCMA members. Other publications available to members are listed in the Publications section.

senior advisor program

This program provides a confidential source of outside counsel to TCMA members who request assistance with personal and professional issues. Discussion topics include working with mayors and councils, overall management questions, and career development counseling. They provide a unique source of outside counsel to TCMA members. Senior Advisors are friends, colleagues, and counselors to the profession. For more information, see Senior Advisor Program.

salary survey

A salary survey is conducted annually for members with full membership status. The survey provides valuable salary and benefit information.

COACHING PROGRAMS

This program is designed to assist senior managers grow talent and initiate staff development throughout their organization. It assists emerging leaders foster relationships with seasoned managers and develop knowledge and skills in local government management. Free webinars are available for members and their staff. View a schedule of available webinars.

Career Assistance

The TML Career Center provides a list of positions posted by cities throughout the state of Texas.

In-Transition Services

TCMA provides support for members in need through telephone calls, articles pertaining to in-transition, waiver of certain TCMA fees, a short-term job bank, and much regional support.

Scholarship Programs

• TCMA annually awards the Clarence E Ridley Scholarship to graduate students enrolled in a Texas public administration program or closely related field. The $5,000 scholarship package benefits both the individual ($3,500) and the university ($1,500).
• TCMA, in conjunction with the William P. Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University-San Marcos, offers an annual fellowship to a TCMA member to attend the entire Barney L. Knight Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program. This $4,865 fellowship pays the entire tuition for the program.
• The Tom Muehlenbeck Scholarship is a one-time $2,500 scholarship available to a Texas City Management Association member's dependent child who is a high school graduating senior and has been accepted to a Texas college or university.
• Leadership Development Scholarships (PDF) are awarded and can be applied to a variety of eligible programs.
• Scholarships are awarded annually to assist local government management professionals attend the TCMA Annual Conference.

managers in residence program

This program connects institutions of higher education and students with city management practitioners. The program provides knowledge and skills for a successful career in local government management and leadership. For more information, see Managers in Residence.

For further information about any of these programs, contact TCMA offices at 512-231-7400.