Advising clients concerning aspects of their business in Texas.

Colin Parrish

Partner, Statehouse Consultants

Colin is a founding partner at Statehouse Consultants, where he leads policy initiatives for a diverse range of clients, guiding complex projects from initial concept through completion. His work spans developing draft legislation, creating advocacy and business development strategies, and building tailored communication materials. With deep expertise in public policy, particularly within transportation, infrastructure, procurement, public finance, tax and fiscal policy, Colin is known for his strategic, results-oriented approach.

Colin’s career began over two decades ago after he transitioned from a research lab into the world of Texas government. Rapidly rising in influence, he became Chief of Staff to a key Committee Chairman, managing multiple offices, the committee process, budgets, and legislation, including reforms in toll road contracting and procurement. He later served as an Aide and Policy Advisor to the Texas Transportation Commission, where he provided strategic advice during a critical restructuring phase. During this time, he traveled to all 25 TxDOT districts to understand their unique needs. Colin went on to serve as the Texas Governor’s Advisor for Budget, Planning, and Policy, focusing on infrastructure, budget, and economic development. He acted as the primary liaison between the Governor’s office and TxDOT, reviewing agency policies and representing Texas as a delegate to the Border Governor’s Conference.

Throughout his public service, Colin played pivotal roles in major policy initiatives. The final bill he worked on prior to leaving government service was the passage of Prop 1, a constitutional amendment that redirected a portion of the oil and gas severance tax to the state highway fund, this annual transfer started in 2015, was $3.6 billion in 2023 and represents a projected $3.0 billion in 2024. This initiative started the state’s shift away from an overreliance on federal funding that plagues many other states.

Since founding the firm that evolved into Statehouse Consultants in 2014, Colin has consistently delivered successful outcomes. In the 88th Legislative Session, he worked to modernize Texas’s alcohol regulatory system authorizing private wine sales to restaurants and clarified statutory language to allow both Dallas and Houston to host World Cup games in 2026. He has also championed legislation across various sessions, related to tolling services, enhancing industrial project financing, and preserving critical infrastructure funding mechanisms.

Beyond his consulting work, Colin is active in the community volunteering and serving on multiple boards, including Capitol Credit Union, and the Capital Area Council of Scouting America, where he is Vice President of Membership. He is also a founding board member of both the Coalition for Responsible Infrastructure Finance and the Texas Gulf Coast Infrastructure Coalition. Colin’s extensive service, strategic vision, and policy expertise make him a prominent figure in Texas’s public policy and infrastructure landscape.

Amanda Schar

Partner, Statehouse Consultants

Amanda is a seasoned legislative professional with extensive experience navigating the complexities of Texas state government. She served as a longtime staff member and Chief of Staff in the Texas House of Representatives, where she managed legislative and committee processes related to regulatory, infrastructure, environmental, and licensing matters. Notably, Amanda played a critical role in the passage of significant legislation, including the Sunset bill for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Now a founding partner at Statehouse Consultants, Amanda brings her deep expertise and strategic acumen to a diverse portfolio of clients. She leverages a robust network of bipartisan relationships with elected officials and legislative and executive branch staff to achieve impactful outcomes. Amanda’s passion for communication and marketing shines through her ability to craft compelling and effective messaging for her clients.

Throughout her career, Amanda has spearheaded numerous legislative successes, including:

• Expediting the issuance of a water quality permit at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

• Securing authorization for the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority to act as an endorsing entity for the Men’s 2026 World Cup in the Major Events Reimbursement Fund.

• Authorizing the Gulf Coast Authority to use the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to finance projects both within and outside Texas.

• Defeating a proposed measure that would remove a high property tax value area from Lee College’s district during the 86th Legislative Session.

• Advocating for and securing a $10.9 million grant for Santa Fe ISD to repair and replace facilities affected by a school shooting.

• Protecting Industrial District Agreements in annexation reform bills during the 85th Legislative Session.

• Preventing legislative changes that would have lowered the population threshold for creating new public junior colleges within existing community college service areas.

Amanda’s ability to navigate the legislative process, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful results makes her a trusted advisor and advocate in the Texas policy arena.