We are now accepting nominations for the 2027 UMANT Officers. The following positions are open for nominations:
*President Sarah Luxton will assume role of Immediate Past President beginning 1/1/2027.
Your current officers are as follows:
Nominations will be in the form of a petition with written signatures of three (3) voting members. Candidates must also submit a candidate statement. Only those members with full membership status may be nominated to hold office. Below is a link to the petition, an example candidate statement and the UMANT Bylaws. The Bylaws clearly outline the duties of each position.
2027 Officer Nomination Petition Form
Bylaws
Please submit petitions and candidate statements to Sarah Luxton at sarah.luxton@flowermound.gov.
NOMINATIONS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026.
UMANT is excited to launch a summer leadership book discussion series centered on Performative Outrage by Brook Williams. This engaging and thought-provoking program is designed to create meaningful conversations among emerging local government leaders about leadership, communication, organizational culture, and navigating conflict in today’s environment.
Participants will have the opportunity to read the book alongside peers from across North Texas while engaging in both virtual and in-person discussions throughout the summer. The program is intentionally structured to provide flexibility for busy professionals—members may participate by purchasing a UMANT-provided book, purchasing their own copy independently, or simply joining the conversations.
Thursday, June 25 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Discussion Topics: Chapters 1–6 (pages 1-41)
Thursday, July 9 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Discussion Topics: Chapters 7–12 (pages 42-90)
Mid-to-Late July (Date TBD) An in-person evening discussion featuring author Brook Williams is currently being coordinated. Additional details regarding venue and registration will be announced soon.
UMANT has secured a limited bulk order of books available to members for $15 each while supplies last. Members may pick up books at the following locations/events:
Additional pickup opportunities may be available later in Richardson, Flower Mound, and potentially other locations depending on remaining inventory.
To encourage engaging dialogue and diverse perspectives, UMANT plans to invite guest facilitators from the local government profession to help lead portions of the virtual discussions. Participants can expect guided conversation prompts, leadership reflections, and practical applications relevant to public service and professional growth.
Whether you read every chapter or simply want to join the conversation, this program is intended to create authentic connections and thoughtful leadership discussions among UMANT members.
July 29, 2026
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Richardson IQHQ
(1302 E Collins Blvd., Richardson, TX, 75081)
Whether you read every chapter or simply want to join the conversation, this program is intended to create authentic connections and thoughtful leadership discussions among UMANT members and the author, Dr. Brooks Williams.
URBAN MANAGEMENT ASSISTANTS OF NORTH TEXAS (UMANT) Through the Years: The Leadership Pipeline Behind North Texas City Management
Session Description: For decades, the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas (UMANT) has served as a launching pad for emerging local government leaders. Many North Texas city managers and assistant city managers once served as UMANT leaders while early in their careers.
In this fast-paced panel discussion, past UMANT Presidents representing different eras reflect on how the organization has evolved, how the city management profession has changed, and what the next generation of leaders will need in order to succeed.
Attendees will hear stories from across the decades and gain insight into how professional networks like UMANT continue to shape the future of local government leadership.
Leads: Rebecca Vice and Carey Neal
When: July 30, 2026
Time: 11:45 AM
Location: Ruthe Jackson Center (3113 S Carrier Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75052)
Emergency management tests leaders in ways little else can — demanding clear thinking, steady judgment, and the ability to coordinate across agencies when the stakes are highest. Join us for a compelling Lunch & Learn on how leaders build resilience, lead through crisis, and guide their communities from response into recovery.
This session offers a firsthand account of one of the most significant emergency responses in recent Texas history. Attendees will gain practical insight into crisis decision-making, intergovernmental coordination, communicating under pressure, and supporting a community through long-term recovery. Whether you are leading an organization, serving in local government, or looking to strengthen your own leadership under pressure, you will leave with lessons you can apply well before the next emergency arrives.
The session will feature Dalton Rice, City Manager of the City of Kerrville, Texas, who led the city's response to the catastrophic July 4th, 2025 flood in the Texas Hill Country. Dalton became Kerrville's City Manager in October 2023 and brings a distinguished background of public service, including 13 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret, followed by careers as a paramedic, firefighter, and healthcare administrator. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Law and an MSHS in Health Care Quality, and is a Certified Public Manager (CPM). He is an active member of ICMA and TCMA and serves on several community and economic development boards.
This session will be offered virtually to provide flexible attendance for members across the region.
Event Details
Date: August 13, 2026 Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Location: Virtual via Zoom Cost: Free
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81915611737?pwd=1tRE9aOud0O3hqubj1wsksXIM65M0H.1
Meeting ID: 819 1561 1737
5th Annual North Texas Leadership Symposium
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026 Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM Location: Plano Event Center, 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074 Event Theme: "Next Generation City Hall"
Join us for the 5th Annual North Texas Leadership Symposium, an essential gathering for local government professionals and community leaders dedicated to shaping the future of public service. This year's symposium, themed "Next Generation City Hall," promises a day of insightful discussions, strategic learning, and collaborative networking.
Session Schedule:
Join us in advancing leadership and innovation in local governance. Together, let's build a brighter future for North Texas and beyond!
