Title
Update on Annexation and Development in the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: June 2, 2026
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
Development Services Department
CONTACT: Jennifer Arnold, AICP, Assistant City Manager
Michael Quint, Executive Director of Development Services
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Receive presentation.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This work session discussion is to review and discuss annexation and development in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Recent changes in state law have reduced municipal authority in the ETJ, including new processes allowing landowners to petition for removal from a city’s ETJ. This has limited cities’ ability to manage growth, negotiate development agreements, and coordinate long-term infrastructure planning.
• As a result, many cities have fewer tools to ensure development contributes to infrastructure, utilities, roadway capacity, and municipal services before urbanization occurs.
• Collectively, these changes have shifted more influence over growth patterns from municipalities to the state, landowners, and developers, creating new challenges related to infrastructure costs and service delivery.