POWER Coalition

Property Owners Withstanding ETJ Retractions

Your land.
Your release.
Defend it.

The City of Austin unlawfully retracted ETJ releases already granted to property owners — invoking a "military base" designation around the Bee Caves Armory that has no basis in law. POWER Coalition is the property owners' answer: coordinated federal litigation, legislative advocacy, and a unified front.

Join the Coalition Learn the Issue Learn the Case
Texas Nonprofit Corporation Federal Court   Coordinated Litigation Counsel   Cobb & Gervasi
The Issue

The City moved the goalposts.

Your property was properly released from Austin's extraterritorial jurisdiction under Texas law. The City's attempt to claw those releases back — citing proximity to the Bee Caves Armory — has no legal basis and no legal effect.

POWER Coalition exists to secure a judicial ruling that confirms the validity and finality of every affected property owner's original ETJ release, and to advance legislative protections that prevent retroactive municipal retraction in the future.

01

ETJ Releases Granted

Property owners successfully petitioned for and received releases from the City of Austin's ETJ under applicable Texas law.

02

City Issues Retraction Letters

Austin retroactively voided releases, claiming properties near the Bee Caves Armory were ineligible for ETJ release.

03

POWER Coalition Forms

Affected property owners unite under a Texas nonprofit to coordinate litigation and lobbying against the unlawful retraction.

04

Federal Lawsuit Filed

On June 5, 2026, Cobb & Gervasi filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (No. 1:26-cv-01518-RP), seeking a ruling that confirms the original ETJ releases. Read the Complaint →

Our Mission

One purpose. Three pillars.

POWER is a Texas nonprofit corporation built to challenge Austin's unlawful ETJ retraction through coordinated legal action, legislative advocacy, and a defense of individual property-owner rights.

I

Coordinated Litigation

By pooling resources across all affected property owners, POWER achieves the legal firepower required to pursue this case effectively — from initial filings through final resolution and appeals.

II

Legislative Advocacy

POWER advances property-owner interests in the Texas legislature — seeking statutory clarity that prevents cities from retroactively revoking ETJ releases already granted.

III

Property Owner Rights

Every member retains individual claims and the right to pursue them independently. POWER coordinates — it does not control. Settlements require your written consent. Your rights remain yours.

How It Works

Coordinated strategy. Individual control.

POWER coordinates litigation and lobbying on behalf of property owners. Each member keeps their individual claims, and no settlement binds you without your written consent.

Step 01

You Join & Contribute

Sign the Coalition Agreement and make your participation contribution. One-time or monthly options are available starting at $500.

Step 02

POWER Coordinates

The Board — Curtis Ford (Chair), Craig Jenkins, and Haylee Ford — manages communications with counsel and sets strategy.

Step 03

Counsel Litigates

Cobb & Gervasi files and prosecutes your case in federal court. You stay informed through POWER at every stage of the proceedings.

Step 04

You Decide on Settlement

No settlement binds you without your written consent. You receive at least 30 days to review any recommended offer — with full opt-out rights.

Join the Coalition

Choose your contribution.

Contributions fund legal fees, expert witnesses, filing costs, and lobbying. All contributions are non-refundable. POWER applies funds to its mission of challenging Austin's unlawful ETJ retraction.

Entry
$500
Standard
$1,000
Advocate
$5,000
Champion
$10,000
Patron
$25,000
Monthly · Standard
$500 / mo
Monthly · Advocate
$1,000 / mo
Leadership

Board of Directors

The Board oversees coalition decisions, coordinates with legal counsel, and manages communications among property owners. Decisions are made by majority vote; the Chair holds a casting vote in the event of deadlock.

CF

Curtis Ford

Chair · Board of Directors
CJ

Craig Jenkins

Director
HF

Haylee Ford

Director
Legal Representation

Our Counsel: Cobb & Gervasi

POWER has retained Cobb & Gervasi — a Texas government-litigation boutique with the experience and deep knowledge of state property law to take on the City of Austin. Founding partners Bill Cobb and Alexa Gervasi lead the matter.

  • Proven Texas litigators with reputation built in state and federal courts.
  • Federal practice depth — initial filings through discovery, hearings, and appeals.
  • Partner-level attention. Cobb & Gervasi works hand-in-hand with the Board on strategy and communicates transparently with every member.
  • Former Texas AG Office insider perspective on government cases.
"The City's retraction is unlawful and without legal effect. The Property Owners are entitled to a judicial determination confirming the validity and finality of their original ETJ releases."
Cobb & Gervasi, on behalf of POWER Coalition
Federal Litigation

Court Filings

The case is on file in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division — Property Owners Withstanding ETJ Retractions, et al. v. City of Austin, et al., No. 1:26-cv-01518-RP. Public filings are posted here as the litigation proceeds.

Documents are provided for public information only and do not constitute legal advice. Filings are posted as they become available; the official, complete docket is maintained by the U.S. District Court.

Common Questions

Frequently asked.

If you don't see your question here, contact the Board — we'll get back to you within two business days.

Does joining POWER mean I give up my individual rights?
No. POWER acts as an administrative and coordination entity only. You retain your individual claims and the right to pursue them independently. This is not a class action — no court outcome automatically binds you unless a court of competent jurisdiction so orders, or you individually consent to a settlement.
Can I settle on my own terms?
Yes. No settlement binds you without your written consent. Property owners receive at least 30 days to review any recommended settlement offer, with full opt-out rights as to their individual claims.
Who is our legal counsel?
Cobb & Gervasi serves as primary litigation counsel. The firm brings deep experience in Texas property rights and municipal law, and may associate additional attorneys on a contract basis to support the litigation.
What happens to unspent contributions when the case resolves?
After resolution and payment of all expenses (including final tax-return and wind-down costs), remaining funds are disposed of at the Board's discretion in accordance with POWER's organizational documents and applicable law. No individual property owner has a right to a refund.
Can I communicate directly with our attorneys?
Communications with counsel are coordinated through the Board to maintain a unified strategy. Property owners may request direct communication with counsel in writing; POWER will promptly facilitate such communication. Any direct communications concerning joint strategy or shared interests must be shared with POWER.
What litigation risks should I be aware of?
Litigation involves inherent risks: actual fees and expenses may exceed any budget estimate; proceedings may take longer than anticipated; an unfavorable ruling could establish adverse precedent; and even a favorable ruling may not result in the relief sought if the City takes further legislative or administrative action. Each member accepts these risks as a condition of participation.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
POWER Coalition is organized as a Texas nonprofit corporation pursuing 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status. Contributions are NOT tax-deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Each property owner's specific tax circumstances may vary; please consult your own tax attorney or advisor.