The Initiative for Civic Leadership (ICL) offers students a chance to learn more about local government and civic engagement. Throughout the semester, students hear from experts in the field on topics like election administration, nonprofit management, and municipal governance. Recently, Dr. Clark’s State and Local Government Policymaking course hosted two Dallas-Fort Worth area city/municipal clerks and the director for education for the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA).
Municipal clerks are nonpartisan professionals who serve their local communities by upholding the community’s laws and preserving historical records. Depending on the size of the municipality, clerks’ responsibilities include supporting the city manager, mayor, and town council, issuing public notices, administering oaths of office, administering local elections, and certifying all official documents. Municipal clerks ensure compliance, transparency, and integrity in local government operations for all residents.
Alicia Richardson, TMCA 2025 President and City Secretary/Chief Governance Officer for North Richland Hills and Theresa Scott, Town Secretary, Town of Flower Mound, spoke with students about the paths that led them to their careers as city/municipal clerks. Dr. Amy Holt, TMCA Education Director outlined how the state of Texas supports continuing education for municipal clerks through its certification program (administered through the University of North Texas).