

Capital investments signal an abundance of upcoming infrastructure projects in rural America
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Hundreds of millions in new capital investments will support rural America’s surge for enhanced infrastructure and facilities in 2026.

Pennsylvania addresses statewide housing crisis with new action plan
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has released its first-ever comprehensive Housing Action Plan (HAP), a bipartisan effort to address housing needs across the state.

GSA’s expanded OASIS+ program offers opportunities for small businesses
The U.S. General Services Administration expands the OASIS+ program with continuous enrollment, new service domains and broader small-business access.

New York unveils $200M investment in downtown and housing projects
New York launches $200 million Downtown Albany Strategy to fund housing conversions, mixed-use development and revitalizations.


Caltrans reforms transportation offices, leadership to pursue expanded public transit system
Major changes are coming to California’s public transit system after the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) restored the Division of Mass Transportation, established a new deputy director for transit and rail programs role and released the first iteration of the Director’s Policy on Transit.

CFX board advances $200M SR-417 connector project near Sanford Airport
Seminole County and CFX advance a $200 million SR 417 connector to ease congestion near Orlando Sanford International Airport.


Illinois offers support for major capital projects under expanded STAR bond program
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has announced that the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program has expanded to encompass communities statewide, following the enactment of new legislation in December 2025. The STAR bond program offers financial support to advance major tourism, entertainment, retail and destination-based capital projects designed to develop and economically energize communities.

Sugar Land to seek partners for Imperial District redevelopment
Sugar Land advances a 40-acre Imperial Historic District redevelopment and prepares to issue an RFQ for a master development partner.



Missouri – Melinda Mehaffy has been announced as the next city manager for Excelsior Springs. Mehaffy previously served as the city’s economic development director, where she led efforts to attract businesses and support community development. In her new role, she will oversee municipal operations and strategic planning.
Pennsylvania – James Sipe has been promoted to executive deputy chief information officer for the state’s Office of Information Technology, following a series of leadership changes. Sipe had been serving as the state’s chief information security officer, where he oversaw cybersecurity programs and enterprise risk management. In his new role, he will support broader IT leadership and operations for the commonwealth.
Virginia – Jennifer Hendrick has been named as the new chief strategy officer for the city of Charlottesville. Hendrick brings experience in data operations and strategic initiatives, most recently serving in a leadership role overseeing enterprise data systems. In her new position, she will guide strategic planning, performance management and cross-departmental coordination for the city.
California – David Guhin has been selected as the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors’ next county executive. Guhin most recently served as city manager of Sonoma and previously held senior leadership roles with the city of Santa Rosa, including director of Santa Rosa Water and assistant city manager. In his new role, he will oversee county departments, operations and budget administration.
Michigan – Shay P. Gallagher has been named as the next city manager for Walker, following a vote by the city commission. Gallagher most recently served as deputy city administrator for the City of Kentwood and previously held leadership roles as village manager in Sparta and Lakeview, bringing municipal management experience to oversee Walker’s administrative operations and community services.
Pennsylvania – Sara Hall has been appointed as the executive director for the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience. Hall previously served as senior product manager for PA.gov and worked with Philadelphia’s Digital Services team. In her new role, she will lead statewide digital strategy and service delivery initiatives.
Massachusetts – Sr. Stephen Zrike Jr. has been appointed as the next state Secretary of Education. Zrike most recently served as superintendent of Salem Public Schools and previously led the Holyoke and Wakefield public school districts. In his new role, he will oversee statewide education policy and administration.
New York – Lisa Gelobter has been appointed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as the next chief technology officer and commissioner of the Office of Technology and Innovation. Gelobter previously served as chief digital service officer at the U.S. Department of Education. In her new role, she will oversee the city’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity initiatives and data management strategy.
For more news and opportunities from the public sector, check out www.govmarketnews.com!
