The Texas Local Government Code requires a political subdivision to appoint a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) before adopting impact fees. To impose an impact fee, the political subdivision must first adopt an order, ordinance, or resolution establishing a public hearing date to consider the land use assumptions and capital improvements plan for the designated service area.

The CIAC serves in an advisory capacity and is responsible for advising and assisting the political subdivision in adopting land use assumptions; reviewing the capital improvements plan and filing written comments; monitoring and evaluating implementation of the capital improvements plan; filing semiannual reports regarding the plan’s progress and reporting any perceived inequities in implementing the plan or imposing the impact fee; and advising the political subdivision when updates or revisions to the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan, or impact fee are needed.

With the passage of Senate Bill 1883, changes to the CIAC’s membership requirements took effect on September 1, 2025. Prior to these statutory changes, the CIAC included members of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), which allowed the two bodies to hold their meetings jointly. As a result, the City Council liaison assigned to the P&Z also served as the Council liaison to the CIAC.

Under the revised statute, members of the P&Z may no longer serve on the CIAC. As a result, the CIAC will operate independently of the P&Z, and a separate Council liaison assignment for the CIAC is necessary. The CIAC meets on an as-needed basis, with the next meeting anticipated in Fall 2026.

Assign a City Council liaison to the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) to facilitate communication between the City Council and the Committee related to impact fees, land use assumptions, and the capital improvements plan.

Assigning a City Council liaison to the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) will strengthen communication and coordination between the Committee and City Council. A designated liaison will help ensure that the Council remains informed of the CIAC’s recommendations and activities related to impact fees, land use assumptions, and the capital improvements plan, supporting transparency, consistency, and informed decision-making for the community.


 

Staff recommends that the City Council appoint a Council liaison to the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) to establish a designated connection between the Committee and City Council and ensure effective communication regarding the Committee’s advisory responsibilities.

Staff recommends that the City Council appoint a Council liaison to the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) at this time.