Wini Griffin, Smithville City Council Place 4

08/01/2026

Welcome to August Smithville 🧡

Question: What does transparency look like/mean to you?

07/22/2026

FYI, Mr. Frazier has resigned from his role as the City Manager of Smithville, TX. We thank him for his service to our town, and will be working on his replacement soon.

07/04/2026

Happy 250th Fourth of July!

Today, we celebrate a nation built on the blood, sweat, and tears of all who have called this country home. Whether they have been here for generations or have just arrived. 250 years is truly a reflection of what is possible when people from around the world work together toward a unified vision of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

As we honor the spirit of liberty and justice for all, let us remember our history and look forward to continuing the work of building a better future. Happy 250th 🇺🇸

** fun fact, Texas has only been a part of the United States for 180 years!

07/01/2026

Happy 250th July as an independent nation folks!!

Here’s this month's calendar 📅

Stay informed and follow along with what’s happening in our city.

Full details: ci.smithville.tx.us

06/24/2026

My takeaways from attending the Texas Water Use Interim Hearing at the state Capitol. Watch the video for the gist, use the links for added context, including the complete hearing recording (you'll spot me in attendance), then keep reading below for my fuller thoughts.

**Here's the newd clip I referenced:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ELhC6RWHL/

**Full recording of the hearing:** https://www.youtube.com/live/ssoUAwj4QJc?is=pF_9x-G-CtsF0_iV

The written thoughts:

TL;DR: Texas is making major decisions about data centers without having enough data to understand their longterm impact.
______________________________________________

My biggest takeaway was that Texas doesn't have enough reliable data, oversight, or enforcement to fully understand the long-term impact of data centers on our water, power systems, and communities.

Of the 341 active data centers in Texas, only 17% are reported water use data and only 8% are reported energy use data. Those are disturbingly low response rates for something as impactful on the future of water and power planning.

Another concern is that the regulations/laws that we do have falls on local authorities who aren't properly equipped or prepared to enforce.

I also noted how vulnerable communities without strong local regulations or Groundwater Conservation District (GCD) protections may be to data centers moving in without sufficient oversight.

There was also discussion around national security, foreign influence, and the need for greater transparency and accountability from data center operators.

Overall, my impression is pretty consist with the majority - development is moving wayyyy faster than our understanding of its impacts, and policymakers are trying to figure out how to close that gap.

06/24/2026

Another affordability/attainable housing conversation happening tomorrow (06/25) at 6:30pm. Please show up folks, this is an important conversation for our town and it's future.

Let's get together and talk future plans for housing possibilities in our little town.

06/24/2026

The community listening session with RWHC & GFCF was incredibly valuable. There’s still plenty of work ahead, but it’s encouraging to see organizations investing time, resources, and energy into helping move our community forward.

Thank you to everyone who attended and shared your experiences, ideas, and concerns. Meaningful change starts with community voices, and your participation helps shape the path ahead.

06/19/2026

Here's a quick graphic read for those who aren't familiar with the Juneteenth holiday and it's significance for folks like me in the state of Texas.

Without it, my family would still be physically enslaved. Because of it we have our physical freedom, and must continue working to fight for our mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual freedoms and liberties - alongside our neighbors.

Take a moment today and honor all who came before and worked towards a more united UNITED STATES, making it possible for all of us regardless of color, creed, background to live and work together towards a nation that's greater than it's ever been before 🇺🇸

06/17/2026

Planning to attend tonight's Data Center meeting in Smithville?

This quick video shares what I've learned from speaking with someone involved in organizing the event and from feedback provided by attendees from the meeting in Elgin.

My understanding is that this will be a come-and-go informational event rather than a town hall or formal presentation. City Council members will not be in attendance, as we have a previously scheduled budget workshop at the same time.

The video has more details.

06/16/2026

Here's a look at what's happening this week around Smithville and Bastrop County. Meetings, community conversations, Juneteenth observances, and opportunities to get involved.