About TCCFUI
TCCFUI is a coalition of more than 50 Texas municipalities dedicated to protecting and supporting the interests of the citizens and cities of Texas with regard to utility issues. The Coalition is comprised of large municipalities and rural villages. TCCFUI monitors the activities of the United States Congress, the Texas Legislature, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the Texas Railroad Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission on utility issues of importance to cities.
Our Purpose and History
Purpose
- To provide representation for member cities at all venues where cities have a
vested interest in utility issues; - To educate the staff of member cities;
- To participate in, and influence the results of legal, legislative and regulatory activity affecting the rights of cities with respect to utility and rights-of-way issues;
- To develop model ordinances;
- To provide technical assistance to the membership;
- To establish an active role in the development of telecommunications policy at the Local, State and Federal level;
- To provide other services as may be determined by the membership.
History
On February 16, 1996, over one hundred representatives of cities from the service areas of virtually every investor owned electric, gas, and telephone utility in Texas met in Austin. Two weeks later, on March 1, 1996, a newly created Board of Directors met in Dallas, at Love Field. TCCFUI — originally known as Texas Coalition of Cities on Franchised Utility Issues (but now officially known as Texas Coalition of Cities For Utility Issues) — was formed. Its mission: to coordinate cities’ responses to changing developments in telecommunications and utility law.
What We Do
Seminars & Workshops
TCCFUI offers seminars and workshops to members when significant utility issues arise. TCCFUI is committed to keeping its members informed with one-day workshops and comprehensive seminars. In addition, presentations are offered free to members at Board Meetings.
Notifications
Through its extensive automated email system, TCCFUI provides timely information to its members regarding state and federal utility regulations, and laws, as they are being developed. When necessary, TCCFUI will take any needed action immediately to protect cities’ interests, and keep members informed of the progress.
Telecom & Cable
FCC Rulemaking & Issues
TCCFUI actively monitors the Federal Communications Commission and opposes FCC efforts to restrict city franchising rights or limit the use of PEG fees paid by cable providers. TCCFUI files written comments at the FCC to protect and maintain city prerogatives and revenue streams. TCCFUI challenged the FCC’s attempt to pre-empt local zoning authority on wireless antenna siting.
Federal Legislation
TCCFUI is active in monitoring and commenting on various pieces of federal legislation as they affect cities’ rights to receive proper franchise fees, rights-of-way fees, and regulatory authority over electric, telecommunications, and cable providers. It is expected that future issues will include utility, public safety and internet tax issues which will affect cities. This is done in coordination with other national organizations.
PUC Participation
TCCFUI has been actively involved in monitoring and filing comments when appropriate, in various Public Utility Commission of Texas proceedings as they interpret either SB5 or Chapter 283 concerning telecommunication access line fees. Should this activity increase, TCCFUI will be active in providing information to both the legislature and to the Public Utility Commission on these issues.
Participation in National Telecom Initiatives
TCCFUI has provided technical assistance in delivering city messages on telecommunications issues to Members of Congress and the Federal Communications Commission. TCCFUI delivers breaking news on what is happening in Congress and at the FCC on a real-time basis to member cities. TCCFUI will continue its participation at this level to ensure that Texas cities’ interests are represented.
Electric, Gas, & Water Issues
Regulatory Issues
Working in concert with other organizations, TCCFUI has been actively involved in matters related to Electric Resource Advocacy, Reserve Margin and Electric Emergency Response. TCCFUI follows water utility issues and electricity issues at the Public Utility Commission of Texas and gas utility issues at the Railroad Commission of Texas. TCCFUI has been involved in litigation pertaining to a city’s right to exercise control over its public right of way.
Texas Legislature
TCCFUI has been actively involved in every legislative session since 1997. During the 2019 session TCCFUI presented expert testimony at committee hearings, consulted with lawmakers and their staff and coordinated our membership response to pending legislation.
Board Members
Chairman
Don Knight
City of Dallas
Vice Chair
Tina Paez
City of Houston
Secretary
Chuong Phung
City of Grand Prairie
Treasurer
David Johnson
City of Arlington
Board Member
Larry Collister
City of Denton
Board Member
Dorothy Palumbo
Bojorquez Law Firm
Public Affairs Liaison
Dorothy Palumbo
Bojorquez Law Firm
Past Chair
Janis Everhart
City of Dallas
ERCOT Liaison
Nick Fehrenbach
City of Dallas
Energy Committee Chairman
Phil Boyd
Telecommunications Committee Chairman & Seismic Liaison
Jon Weist
City of Irving
Seminar (Ad Hoc) Committee Chairman
Tina Paez
City of Houston
Texas Coalition of Cities for Utility Issues Member Cities
City of Allen
City of Andrews
City of Arlington
City of Benbrook
City of Bowie
City of Breckenridge
City of Big Spring
City of Bridgeport
City of Brookside Village
City of Brownsville
City of Brownwood
City of Buffalo
City of Canyon
City of Carrollton
City of Cedar Hill
City of Colleyville
City of Conroe
City of Corinth
City of Crockett
City of Dallas
City of Denison
City of Denton
City of Dickinson
City of Electra
City of Fate
City of Fort Worth
City of Frisco
City of Grand Prairie
City of Grapevine
City of Highland Village
City of Houston
City of Huntsville
City of Hurst
City of Irving
City of La Grange
City of Lancaster
City of Levelland
City of Lewisville
City of Los Fresnos
City of Mansfield
City of McAllen
City of Mercedes
City of Mesquite
City of Midlothian
City of Missouri City
City of Newark
City of Nolanville
City of Oak Point
City of Plano
City of Ralls
City of Richardson
City of River Oaks
City of Rosenberg
City of San Saba
City of Seabrook
City of Snyder
City of Spearman
City of Stephenville
City of Sugar Land
City of Sunset Valley
City of Taylor Lake Village
City of Terrell
City of Tyler
City of Waxahachie
City of Webster
City of West University Place
TCAP
Town of Addison
Town of Fairview
Town of Highland Park
Town of Refugio
Town of Thompsons
Town of Trophy Club
Town of Westlake
Village of Jamaica Beach
Members: 75
Updated: Aug 2, 2023
Contact Us
Board Chairman
don.knight@dallascityhall.com
Membership Info
jeverhar@earthlink.net