Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern: A Definitive Profile

Early Life and Education

Trasa Lee Robertson Cobern was born in 1974 as the eldest child of U.S. Army veteran Si Robertson and Christine Robertson in Beaumont, Texas. As a military dependent, her childhood spanned multiple continents:

After high school, she earned a full academic scholarship to Texas A&M University, where she majored in Political Science and actively participated in student government, theater productions, and the revered Aggie football culture. In November 1996, while still a junior, she married her college classmate Kyle Cobern, marking the start of her lifelong partnership.

Military Family Background

Raised in a household defined by service and mobility, Trasa absorbed values of discipline and adaptability. Her father’s 22-year Army career included postings at:

• Fort Hood, TX (1974–1979)
• Vilseck, Germany (1980–1984)
• Fort Bragg, NC (1989–1993)

This pattern instilled in her a global perspective and an ability to forge community bonds quickly. By age 17, she had lived in 4 countries and attended 6 different schools, fostering resilience and cultural fluency.

Marriage and Family Life

After completing her degree in May 1998, Trasa and Kyle settled in Tarrant County, Texas, initially in Fort Worth before moving to Houston and ultimately to Hurst. Their four sons anchor their family narrative:

In 2006, they purchased their longtime home near Kyle’s parents in Hurst, creating stability after years of relocations. Trasa balanced motherhood with a teaching career in the Hurst‑Euless‑Bedford Independent School District, engaging in 5 community boards and mentoring over 200 students during her tenure.

Political Career and Public Service

Trasa entered politics in 2016, leveraging her academic background and community standing:

• 2016: Won her first council seat (Place 4) with 54 % of the vote, focusing on neighborhood revitalization and street maintenance.
• 2018: Ran for Tarrant County Tax Assessor–Collector, securing 21 % in the Republican primary before falling short in the runoff.
• 2024: Returned to the Hurst City Council (Place 7) with 62 % support, emphasizing first‑responder funding and infrastructure upgrades.

Her tenure on the council has overseen the allocation of over $2 million for road repairs and the approval of 3 major redevelopment projects in east Hurst.

Nonprofit Leadership and Civic Engagement

Beyond elected office, Trasa serves as Chief Development Officer at a local nonprofit, where she:

• Oversees an annual budget of $1.2 million for poverty alleviation programs.
• Coordinates distribution of 20,000 meal boxes and 5,000 utility assistance grants per year.
• Manages a volunteer network of 150 individuals across 12 community initiatives.

She also chairs the Neighborhood and Community Advisory Board, participates in the Hurst 101 leadership program (valedictorian, Class of 2014), and sits on the Hurst Library Board, directly impacting literacy programs that serve over 10,000 patrons annually.

Faith and Values

An active member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Hurst, Trasa:

• Attends weekly worship services.
• Leads the Women’s Fellowship Network, which hosts 4 annual service events.
• Attributes her decision to re-enter politics in 2024 to a sense of spiritual calling felt during a January 2024 retreat.

Her fiscal responsibility, life, and public safety policies are moral statements based on her beliefs.

Challenges and Milestones

Trasa’s public journey has included both hurdles and triumphs:

• 2018 Primary Loss: Despite name recognition, she garnered only 21 % in a five‑candidate field, prompting a strategic reassessment.
• Family Scrutiny: In 2016, her father questioned political life as “an ugly business,” highlighting internal family tensions.
• 2024 Comeback: Achieving 62 % of the vote demonstrated effective grassroots outreach and voter engagement.

Milestones include securing $500,000 in grants for local parks (2017) and leading a citywide emergency preparedness drill involving 500 participants (2019).

Looking Ahead

In 2025, Trasa plans to:

• Propose a $3 million bond measure for school facility upgrades by August 2025.
• Expand food‑security programs to reach an additional 2,000 households.
• Mentor 10 aspiring young candidates through a newly launched civic leadership academy.

Her trajectory suggests continued influence on Hurst’s civic landscape, guided by a blend of military‑family resilience, academic rigor, and community devotion.

FAQ

What year did Trasa graduate from Texas A&M University?

She graduated in May 1998 with a degree in Political Science.

How many children does she have?

She and Kyle Cobern have four sons born between 1998 and 2006.

When was her first election victory?

She was first elected to Hurst City Council on May 7, 2016, winning Place 4.

What was her 2024 council election percentage?

She secured 62 % of the vote for Place 7 on November 5, 2024.

What nonprofit role does she hold?

She serves as Chief Development Officer, managing a $1.2 million budget for local community programs.

In which states has she lived?

Her childhood locations include Texas, Germany, and North Carolina, and she has lived as an adult in Fort Worth, Houston, and Hurst.

What faith community is she part of?

She is an active member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Hurst.

What major initiative is she planning for 2025?

She intends to propose a $3 million bond measure for school upgrades by August 2025.