The political landscape in America just shifted!
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
The U.S. will experience significant changes. The SPI Team is already tracking what you need to know. Watch our three media sites for regular updates.
Read More » | State-By-State Election Results »
Proposal would provide $10B for drinking water, wastewater PFAS treatment
A bipartisan House bill would authorize $10 billion for PFAS removal and emerging contaminant treatment through federal drinking water and wastewater programs.
Transit agencies pursue automated trains in major projects
Washington and Los Angeles advance driverless rail projects, including Red Line modernization and an automated Sepulveda subway beneath the Santa Monica Mountains.
New Hampshire secures approval for 25 Opportunity Zones across 10 counties
New Hampshire receives approval for 25 Opportunity Zones across all 10 counties, expanding federal tax incentives for investment in qualifying communities.
North Carolina receives $550M for Raleigh-to-Richmond rail project
North Carolina receives $550 million in federal funding for Raleigh-to-Richmond S-Line rail improvements, including tracks, bridges and station upgrades.
Illinois, Iowa select $237M alternative for Centennial Bridge replacement
Illinois and Iowa select a $237 million preferred alternative to replace Centennial Bridge, with wider shoulders, pedestrian access and a new Mississippi River crossing.
University of Kentucky advances hospital expansions in Kentucky, Ohio
University of Kentucky trustees approve $335 million for King’s Daughters hospital expansions, including a $200 million patient tower and surgical facility upgrades.
Washington governor creates chief fraud prevention officer position
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson creates a chief fraud prevention officer and statewide workgroup while proposing broader False Claims Act protections.
David Holt
Mayor
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Texas – Renae Ollie is set to become Wylie’s next city manager early next year. Ollie, currently deputy city manager, will move into her new role on Jan. 5, following a 6-0 vote by members of city council. She will succeed Brent Parker, who has been city manager since May 2022. Ollie has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Prairie View A&M University and a master’s degree in city planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Florida – Tyler “T.J.” Wright has been promoted to police chief for Titusville. Wright, who had been serving as acting chief since June, has been with the police department for 19 years, starting out as a patrol officer. He is a graduate of the Brevard Community College Law Enforcement Academy and the FBI National Academy, plus he has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and a master’s degree in public safety from the University of Virginia.
Oklahoma – Deborah Rohrbough has been hired as city auditor for Norman. Rohrbough is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with extensive experience in government auditing, accounting and financial management. The position of the city auditor is one of three positions citywide that is appointed by, and reports to, the city council. Most recently, Rohrbough served as Senior Financial Services Manager for the Oklahoma City Utilities Department.
Ohio – Kevin Braun is the Toledo Police Department’s new chief. Braun had been assistant chief since April 2025. He was a sergeant with the agency when, in 2012, he briefly stepped aside to be a contestant on the ABC reality TV show “The Glass House,” winning $250,000. Braun later rose to the rank of captain and became commander of the Investigations Bureau. He replaces Michael Troendle, who retired.
Michigan – Karen Mondora, who has been serving as acting Farmington Hills city manager since January, will fill the position on a permanent basis. Mondora becomes the eighth person to serve as city manager since Farmington Hills was established. She joined the city in 2012 and has since held several leadership positions, including director of public services and assistant city manager. Mondora replaces Gary Mekjian.
Minnesota – Jeremiah Melquist, currently Assistant Chief of Operations, has been nominated by Mayor Kaohly Vang Her to serve as the next chief of the St. Paul Fire Department. Melquist’s nomination followed a months-long search. He will succeed Butch Inks, who retired at the end of 2025 after more than 30 years with the department.
Kentucky – Ben Davenport has been selected to serve as superintendent of Green County Schools. Davenport has 25 years of education experience – all spent in Green County. Most recently, he served as assistant superintendent. Davenport has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky University. The previous superintendent, Will Hodges, retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year.
Missouri – Keith Townsend, a 26-year veteran of the Hartville Fire Protection District, has been named the agency’s next chief. Townsend previously served as a long-time captain. “His years of experience, leadership, dedication and commitment to our firefighters and community have made him a tremendous asset to this department,” Hartville Fire Protection District said in its announcement.
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