Expert Insights returns next week
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Look for Mary’s latest column in our next edition. Or, to read past columns, head to our archives »
FAA awards $481M for airport infrastructure projects
The FAA is awarding $481 million in airport infrastructure grants supporting runway, taxiway, terminal and other projects.
DOE to inherit Energy Star operations, data and IT systems
DOE will take over Energy Star program operations, funding, specifications, partnerships and major federal IT systems.
Denver RTD advances 65 transit infrastructure investments
Denver RTD is advancing 65 infrastructure investments in 2026, including station, rail, bridge and transit capacity improvements.
New York, Idaho name new technology leaders
Idaho appointed Jake Reynolds permanent state CIO, while New York named Meghan Cook chief cyber officer.
New HUD guidance expands public housing redevelopment options
HUD has updated policies giving public housing agencies more flexibility to redevelop, demolish or dispose of properties.
Transportation Trust Fund refinancing could save New Jersey $120M
New Jersey plans to refinance $1.76 billion in Transportation Trust Fund debt, potentially saving about $120 million in debt-service costs over time.
Three NSF research centers receive $90M in federal support
NSF will invest $90 million over five years in three Science and Technology Centers focused on turbulence, genome intelligence and human-robot interaction.
Rebecca M. Olaguibel
Retail and Business Development Director
City of McAllen, Texas
Oregon – Anette Spickard has been selected by the Roseburg City Council to serve as city manager. Spickard has more than 20 years of experience in local government leadership, including city manager roles in McCall, Idaho, and Sedona, Arizona. She starts in Roseburg on Nov. 30. A total of 42 people applied for the position, the city said.
Montana – Debi Meling is the new public works director for Billings. She previously spent 15 years as the city engineer. Over that time, she worked with numerous contractors on a variety of projects. The city engineer position had been open since July, when Dave Mumford retired after almost two decades of service to Billings.
Texas – Bryan Grimes is the new county manager for Parker County following a vote by county commissioners. Grimes previously served as the county’s Director of Strategic Projects. As county manager, Grimes will serve as the principal advisor to the county judge and Commissioners Court.
Alabama – Ettice Brickus crosses the country to become chief of the Selma Police Department. Brickus is a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore Police Department who had been serving as the chief of staff for the Montgomery Police Department since July 2025. She will be the first Black female police chief in Selma history.
Florida – Rafael Villalobos got a standing ovation from the Miami-Dade County School Board on his first day as superintendent. Miami-Dade, the nation’s third-largest school district, has seen enrollment drop by about 15,000 students, which means campus closures are on the horizon for Villalobos and his team.
Wisconsin – Ray Fuiten was recently welcomed as the new chief of the Green Bay Metro Fire Department. Fuiten is a 20-year department veteran. His executive-level experience includes serving as battalion chief, assistant chief of operations and interim co-chief of the department. Fuiten’s goals include building a new training center for firefighters.
Texas – Jesse Salame is being promoted to chief of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) following a nationwide search. Salame is a native San Antonian who joined SAPD in 1999. He was appointed Assistant Chief of the Operations Support Bureau in 2024 and, prior to that, had been Deputy Police Chief since 2022. Salame has also spent time as SAPD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer.
Florida – Karen Jumonville was named city manager following a 3-2 Tallahassee City Commission vote. Jumonville’s contract will be drafted and presented for ratification at an upcoming commission meeting. The city had been searching for a new city manager since Reese Goad announced his plans to retire earlier this year.
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