Legislative Guiding Principles
By Resolution, the City Council resolved to support legislation that supports or advances the principles of local control, to allow locally elected officials to make decisions beneficial to the interests of City residents or that is otherwise beneficial to the City’s interest; and opposes legislation that preempts or erodes the authority of city government or is detrimental to cities. These principles continue to be the guiding principles for the 88th legislative session.
Community Built on Connection
Hurst is nestled in the heart of the DFW metropolitan area and is 10 miles from downtown Fort Worth and 25 miles from downtown Dallas. Hurst is home to some of the best shopping and dining in Tarrant County, pristine parks, excellent schools and, we think, some of the kindest neighbors you’ll ever meet. Every year the City Council reviews their Strategic Plan, soliciting citizen feedback through tools such as our citizen survey and Town Hall Forum to determine community interests The results are then distilled down into strategic priorities and divisional goals. Our citizens, volunteers, staff and the City Council work together to ensure that Hurst remains a vibrant community that continues to attract residents and businesses.
Home Rule Charter
In December 1956, Hurst residents approved the City Charter. The preamble states: We, the citizens of Hurst, Texas, in order to establish a home rule municipal government, provide for the future progress of our City and obtain more fully the benefits of local self-government do hereby adopt this home rule charter in accordance with the statutes of the State of Texas; and do hereby declare the residents of the City of Hurst in Tarrant County, living within the legally established boundaries of said city, to be a political subdivision of the State of Texas, incorporated forever under the name and style of the “City of Hurst” with such powers, rights and duties as are herein provided
Public Safety
The City of Hurst Council and Community are staunch supporters of our Public Safety Divisions, including the police and fire departments Public Safety personnel are entrusted with the care of our community and do so with a passion for their respective call to duty. Funding for public safety continues to be the Council’s top priority, with over 50% of the total budget supporting public safety services Adequate funding must be available and legislation in place that allows our public safety officers the staffing, tools, and funding necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community.
Economic Vitality
The City of Hurst actively monitors external and internal influences on the financial condition of the City and creates strategies to address challenges. No two cities are alike and a flat property tax cap with no inflationary consideration is harmful where sales tax is flat or declining, revenues are decreasing due to multiple legislative decisions such as eliminating red light cameras, fine and fee structures and franchise restrictions. As such, the City of Hurst 2023 legislative priorities include:
Tax Revenue
Preservation of Certificate of Obligation
Balanced and Equitable Sales Tax Allocation
Legal Notice Distribution
Preservation of Uniform Election Dates and Non-Party Affiliation
Public Safety Funding
City and Citizen Voice
The Hurst Way
The City has numerous strategic partnerships advancing “The Hurst Way” philosophy of Public Service, Customer Service, and Financial Sustainability. Utilizing these partnerships expands Hurst’s voice in a metropolitan area and makes the City better equipped to meet its mission to provide responsive services and effective programs to ensure that Hurst remains a vibrant community built on connection. During the legislative process, the City partners with the Texas Municipal League in following thousands of bills filed. This partnership provides needed staff and legal guidance to follow the extensive number of bills that could impact the Community The City of Hurst agrees with the adoptive 2022 TML legislative program, as it aligns with the goals and objectives of the city.
CITY OF HURST ELECTED OFFICIALS
The Mayor and City Councilmembers are elected at large and represent the entire city.
Henry Wilson Mayor mayor.wilson@hursttx.gov
Cindy Shepard Mayor Pro Tem cindy.shepard@hursttx.gov
David Booe Councilmember david.booe@hursttx.gov
John Miller Councilmember john.miller@hursttx.gov
Cathy Brotherton Councilmember cathy.brotherton@hursttx.gov
Gary N Waldron Councilmember gary.waldron@hursttx.gov
Jon McKenzie Councilmember jon.mckenzie@hursttx.gov