Overview
GovernTexas is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals across sectors who want to better understand how power, process, and decision-making actually work in Texas government – and how to navigate that system more effectively in their own roles.
- Public, nonprofit, and philanthropic leaders working on local, state, or regional policy issues.
- Government and public sector administrators navigating legislative, regulatory, or intergovernmental processes.
- Corporate executives, early-stage founders, and professionals engaging with Texas policy and regulatory environments.
- Higher education and institutional leaders involved in strategy, external relations, or public engagement.
- Policy-focused researchers and subject-matter experts whose work intersects with state decision-making or implementation.
- Industry professionals working on energy, technology, education, health, and other critical issues and seeking to understand practical strategy, influence, and decision-making within Texas institutions.
Seminars
- Mapping Institutional Authority
Understanding where decision-making authority actually resides in Texas governance. - Legislative Mechanics & Vulnerability
Understanding how legislation advances, stalls, is reshaped, or dies within the Texas legislative process. - Executive & Agency Strategy
Navigating the executive branch and regulatory environment. - Political Risk & Electoral Pressure
Understanding how electoral incentives, party dynamics, and organized political pressure shapes policy decisions in Texas governance. - State-Local Relations
Navigating intergovernmental leverage, constraint, and pathways between Texas state government and local jurisdictions. - State-Federal Relations
Understanding how federal authority, funding structures, and administrative systems interact with Texas state governance to shape policy feasibility and implementation.
Applied Exercises
Throughout the course, participants will apply their own policy issue or a pre-prepared case study to a series of structured, cumulative exercises that will build to an executive strategic framework. Participants will map institutional power across Texas governance systems; analyze stakeholders and coalition dynamics to assess sources of support, opposition, and leverage; and evaluate jurisdictional authority, political risks, procedural barriers, and implementation challenges.
Capstone Simulation
Participants prepare a 2-3 page Strategic Memo outlining their recommended approach to advancing a policy issue, incorporating institutional analysis, constraint assessment, and coalition strategy developed throughout the course.
In a boardroom-style presentation, participants will defend and refine their proposed approach under structured questioning that mirrors real-world executive, legislative, and stakeholder scrutiny.
Lead Instructor
To apply, candidates must complete the online registration form and submit a current resume/CV along with a short Statement of Purpose.
The Statement of Purpose should be about one page and address the following:
- Your professional background and current role
- Why you are interested in GovernTexas
- The policy, governance, or institutional challenges most relevant to your work
- What you hope to gain from the program and how you expect to apply it in practice
How long is the program?
Participants meet once a week from January 20 to March 24, 2027. Sessions are held Wednesdays from noon to 2:00 pm. Catered lunch is provided. No class will be held March 10 or March 17 due to HISD and Rice University spring breaks.
How many hours should I commit to the program?
- 2 hours spent in classroom instruction weekly
- 1-2 hours spent in asynchronous, virtual instruction weekly
- 1-3 hours spent on pre-readings or applied exercises between sessions
Do I need a policy background to participate?
No. Participants come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. The program is designed to be accessible to experienced professionals regardless of formal policy training.
Is there a remote option?
Yes. Participants may join sessions via Zoom if a scheduling conflict arises. However, in-person attendance is strongly encouraged whenever possible to ensure full engagement in discussions, exercises, and cohort interaction.
What project will I work on throughout the program?
Throughout the program, participants will work on a real policy issue from their own professional context or an instructor-provided case study. Participants will build an institutional power map, stakeholder and coalition analysis, and strategic constraint assessment, culminating in a final strategic memo and capstone simulation that outlines a realistic approach for advancing their issue within Texas governance systems.
What mentorship and professional development opportunities will I receive?
Participants can pressure-test ideas with Baker Institute faculty and experienced policy practitioners throughout the program. Participants can also receive substantive feedback on applied exercises and the final capstone.
Is there a certificate upon completion?
Yes. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate of completion from the James A. Baker III Policy Leadership Program. *Participation in this program does not satisfy credits needed for a Rice University academic degree program.
How selective is the program?
Admission is application-based and designed to maintain a small, high-level cohort of 17-20 participants to support meaningful discussion and peer exchange.
What are the program benefits?
Participants who complete the program will earn:
- A certificate of completion demonstrating satisfactory fulfillment of program requirements and skills.
- Knowledge from experienced practitioners of how Texas government operates in practice
- A portfolio that maps institutional actors, evaluates political constraints, and proposes effective pathways for advancing their issue
- Strategic advising and feedback sessions from Baker Institute faculty and practitioners
- Access to a strong network of world-renowned faculty, practitioners, peers, and alumni working across sectors