Recent articles in the Houston Chronicle have raised concerns and created confusion about the role and operations of water districts. Please be assured that AWBD is aware of, and closely monitoring, coverage of MUDs. We are working to ensure that the narrative surrounding MUDs and other special purpose water districts reflects the truth about the work you do every day and the indispensable role our districts play in responsible growth, infrastructure development, and expanding homeownership opportunities across Texas. AWBD is committed to providing training and education for its members and when called upon, to represent MUDs to the greater Texas audience.

Contrary to recent reporting, MUDs ARE:

  • Subject to the property tax restrictions of SB 2.
  • Open and visible to the public. All homebuyers and land purchasers in a MUD are required to be given TWO separate Notices regarding the existence of the MUD, including the tax rate, the voted debt for the MUD, and any debt that has been sold. All MUDs are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and Public Information Act
  • Financially responsible. MUDs prepare annual budgets annually in accordance with the Texas Water Code and are required to manage funds in accordance with the Public Funds Investment Act – just like other governmental entities.
  • Transparent. State law requires that MUDs prepare multiple reports for inclusion in statewide online databases. MUDs are also required to post tax rate and contact and financial information online under SB 2.
  • A proven method for financing quality infrastructure in some of the country’s best master-planned communities. Without MUDs, these communities and thousands of others simply wouldn’t exist or would have been unaffordable for most homebuyers.
  • GOOD FOR HELPING TEXANS REALIZE THEIR DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP!

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

YOU can play an essential role in shifting the narrative by sharing your own firsthand experiences about how your district positively impacts the community you serve. Whether it’s highlighting how new or rehabilitated water and wastewater infrastructure provides reliable service, explaining how thoughtful financial planning kept taxes stable during a period of rapid growth, or describing a community park, trail, or amenity made possible through MUD leadership, these personal stories resonate far more deeply than statistics alone. AWBD will use these anecdotes to create public relation pieces to be published in newspapers and periodicals. Please submit your stories to info@awbd-tx.org.

As these conversations continue in the public arena, AWBD will remain dedicated in advocating for our members and sharing the good news of special purpose districts’ impact in the growth and success of Texas. Your dedication to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and service to your communities is the foundation on which Texas neighborhoods thrive, and it deserves to be accurately represented. Thank you for your continued leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the residents you serve. Together, we will ensure that the value of MUDs is clearly understood and strongly defended statewide.

United Together,

Wendy Duncan

President, Association of Water Board Directors – Texas