Frequently Asked Questions

The HTXelerator is a nonprofit organization that has applied for 501(c)(3) status, whose vision for Houston is an inclusive community that provides opportunity for all its citizens. Formed in 2021, the HTXelerator's mission is to identify and prepare future-focused leaders for public service and educate the community about solutions that will improve Houstonians’ quality of life for generations to come.

The HTXelerator is a way to engage future-focused leaders from all parts of the community to advocate for big ideas, serve on boards and commissions, or run for city council.

The HTXelerator was formed to serve as an early engagement organization that trains future-focused leaders to advocate for big ideas, serve on boards and commissions, or run for city council. The program uses an “accelerator” model to recruit and train potential city-council candidates, board and commission members, and community leaders who are equipped to focus on solutions that position Houston for future success, long-term sustainability, and excellent quality of life.

Successful applicants complete rigorous training and benefit from mentorship with experienced elected officials and community leaders during opening and closing weekend retreats and nine weekly evening sessions. Class members then participate in a pitch competition before an expert panel of judges, followed by the HTXL Games where finalists pitch at a public event culminating in gold, silver, and bronze medalists.

The application process is open until August 22, 2022. The competitive application process produces class members who will be announced publicly on August 29, 2022. The opening weekend retreat is scheduled for September 10-11, 2022 with the program-closing HTXL Games scheduled for December 7, 2022.

In the tech startup world, the accelerator model gathers a cohort for a fixed period of time to gain community, training, mentorship and incentives to accelerate their development. The model culminates in a public pitch event which can result in investment by judges or other investors. We believe the HTXelerator’s training, mentorship, and competition helps class members synthesize the information they have learned and articulate it in a concise and compelling manner. It is particularly helpful if a class member chooses to serve on a board or commission or run for office.

The Executive Directors are Randy Romman, a lifelong Houston resident, Founder of Walking Houston, and former energy professional and Katherine Culbert, a Houston transplant, Safety Professional and Entrepreneur. The HTXelerator is also served by its Board Members: Andrew Barth of CSD Energy Advisors, LLC, Jose Beceiro of the Greater Houston Partnership, Renee Cross of the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, and Durg Kumar of Knightsgate Ventures.

There are organizations that share some of the values of the HTXelerator. However, the HTXelerator is meant to nurture future-focused leaders with bold ideas, that are focused on running for boards, commissions, or Houston City Council. The program is compact and cost-effective to ensure members from all parts of the community that want training for civil service have a chance to get involved.

The HTXelerator has identified four core issue areas: 1. Good Government 2. Leadership 3. Responsible Growth 4. Smart Cities

The HTXelerator is a nonprofit organization that has applied for 501(c)(3) status. It is actively seeking donations to carry out its mission of promoting future-focused policy. Please visit www.htxelerator.org/donate.