On January 22 the Hill Country Alliance (HCA) kicked off its 2026 Hill Country Leadership Institute at Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve in the heart of Blanco County.
“Bamberger Ranch is such an incredible place to meet at the start of this program, since it’s a true testament to both Hill Country land conservation and legacy. The legacy we leave behind is often at the forefront of our work as elected officials,” remarked former Hays County Commissioner and Institute alum, Lon Shell.
Now in its fourth year, the Institute has brought together approximately 60 leaders representing communities across 15 counties and has created opportunities for communities to share lessons learned and collaborate across jurisdictional lines.

