Rural America is emerging as a new hotspot for major infrastructure projects
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Elected leaders in America’s rural communities are planning substantial infrastructure projects nationwide amid a construction boom in less densely populated regions.
Missouri officials unveil statewide roadmap to address transportation infrastructure backlog
Missouri’s updated statewide transportation plan identifies investment priorities to address billions in unmet infrastructure needs statewide.
Port of Seattle planning $4.9B improvement program for Seattle-Tacoma airport
The Port of Seattle is planning $4.9 billion in projects to expand Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with new terminals.
Maryland issues RFI for $100M clean energy program
Maryland is gathering stakeholder feedback on a new $100 million program designed to accelerate renewable energy statewide.
EMU to invest $43M in Roosevelt Hall renovation project
Eastern Michigan University will renovate Roosevelt Hall to create a new home for engineering and technology programs.
Northwest Arkansas National Airport approves design for western concourse expansion
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is preparing to bid a concourse expansion that will add gates, amenities and capacity.
GSA advances $239M headquarters renovation, consolidation plan
Federal GSA officials are moving forward with a $239 million headquarters renovation tied to a future consolidation with OPM.
California opens $45M alternative fueling grant round
California is making up to $45 million available to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure for fuel cell vehicles across the state.
Maryland – Dr. Shawn Joseph has been named superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools after serving as interim superintendent since July 2025. Selected following a national search, Joseph will lead Maryland’s second-largest school district, which serves more than 130,000 students and employs nearly 20,000 staff.
Washington – Shannon Smith has been selected as Seattle’s next chief technology officer and will begin the role June 8. Smith returns to public service after nearly two years in the private sector, most recently serving as director of public sector, county government, for CAI. In her new role, Smith will oversee Seattle’s 633-person IT department and guide the city’s technology strategy, digital modernization initiatives and major technology investments.
National – Brian Barr as chief operating officer for Norfolk Southern. Barr brings more than 28 years of railroad industry experience and joined Norfolk Southern in 2024 to lead the company’s mechanical department. As COO, Barr will oversee railway operations, including transportation, network planning, engineering, equipment maintenance and safety.
Arizona – Bryan Langley has been appointed city manager for the City of Goodyear following approval by the city council. Langley most recently served as city manager of Kyle, Texas, where he oversaw a $600 million-plus annual budget, a $1.3 billion capital improvement program and a workforce of approximately 500 employees.
Virginia – Lavar Youmans has been appointed assistant city manager for the City of Roanoke. Youmans brings more than 16 years of public-sector leadership experience and most recently served as county administrator for Hampton County, South Carolina, where he led fiscal stabilization and strategic planning initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from North Greenville University and a master’s degree in social work from Howard University.
California – Brett Channing has been appointed city manager for the City of Aliso Viejo. Channing brings more than 20 years of local government experience and has held leadership positions throughout Southern California, including assistant city manager and deputy director of administrative services. Channing holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and began his public service career in 2004.
Florida – Karie Friling has been selected as the next city manager for Sarasota following a national search that attracted more than 80 applicants. She previously served as village manager of Homer Glen, Illinois, and is an ICMA-credentialed manager. Friling will become the first woman to serve as Sarasota’s city manager and was chosen unanimously by the city commission.
Idaho – Rick Gehrke has been selected as the City of Ammon’s new public works director and will begin the role in July. He brings more than 25 years of experience in public works, utilities, capital improvement planning, emergency response and municipal operations.
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