The Association of Rural Communities in Texas (ARCIT) recently announced the appointment of two Sealy officials as chairmen of statewide committees.
Mayor Mark Stolarski of Sealy has been appointed as Chairman of the ARCIT Economic Development Committee. The primary purpose of this committee is to review policies and issues from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Texas Department of Agriculture related to rural and small communities, then making recommendations to the ARCIT Board of Directors.
City Manager Larry Kuciemba of Sealy has been re-appointed as Chairman of the ARCIT Local Advisory Committee. This committee reviews Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) policies and issues affecting rural and small communities and also makes recommendations to the ARCIT Board.
These two committees, along with the Public Policy Committee and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Committee, work in conjunction with the ARCIT Board of Directors to ensure the membership has an active voice in educating all entities in rural and small communities in Texas.
ARCIT offers a strong voice and resource to the Texas state legislature, Texas state agencies, and the federal government to promote the best practices, policies and programs for rural and small communities, while enhancing the quality of life for all Texans.
Larger counties in Texas continue to grow at unprecedented rates, and thus a considerable amount of statewide attention and action is being designed to benefit the larger communities without regard as to its impact on the rest of Texas. The needs of Texans living in rural or less populated areas are being pushed to the wayside, but the one size fits all legislative attitude does not work for everyone. It is the aim of ARCIT to ensure the voices of rural and smaller communities in Texas are heard and our members have a seat at the table when state leaders are making decisions impacting rural and small communities.
ARCIT consists of Texas cities with a population of 50,000 and under, counties with a population of 200,000 and under, as well as economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, utility districts in qualifying cities and counties, as well as other groups working within rural and small communities.
For more information about ARCIT, visit www.ARCIT.org or contact Executive Director Kara Mayer Mayfield at Kara@ARCIT.org, 512-788-1819, or 1122 Colorado, Suite 102, Austin, TX 78701.
Photo 1 is City Manager Larry Kuciemba. Photo 2 is Mayor Mark Stolarski.