Austin Convention Center representatives presented expansion options to the Downtown Commission on July 21 that included one alternative to demolish the existing center.

A $1.3 billion plan includes the demolition and reconstruction of the existing center in the second and third phases.

City staff members are developing a financial plan and proof of concept using the Palm District Plan, council resolutions, The University of Texas at Austin studies, and the center’s 2020 master plan update as guides.

The master plan calls for expanding exhibition space from 247,000 to 450,000 square feet. In order to remain competitive in the convention market, the plan states that the center would need a minimum of 360,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Meeting space of 65,000 square feet would rise to 120,000 to 140,000 square feet under the master plan target. Minimum programming needs would require 180,000 square feet of meeting space.

The master plan recommends between 100,000 and 120,000 square feet of ballroom space, up from the current 64,000 square feet. An expansion would also allow for a 100,000-square-foot multipurpose hall as well.

One commissioner recommended using a public-private partnership (P3) as a funding vehicle, though convention center staff said only a portion of the project would be viable for a P3.

Austin officials anticipate issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) in the fall for architecture/engineering professional services and a request for proposals (RFP) for a construction manager at risk.

Design work would begin in spring or summer 2022 with the City Council scheduled to approve a contract for general contractor services that summer.

Despite claiming the No. 1 rank for workforce quality and maintaining its third-place status for access to capital, Texas fell two spots to fourth overall in a new study that ranked the top states for business.

Due to its 49th-place showing in a new category titled "Life, Health, and Inclusion," the state stumbled in America’s Top States for Business 2021 conducted by CNBC. Texas also performed poorly in "Business Friendliness" category, falling from 17th to 32nd.

CNBC’s study assessed 50 states on 85 metrics that fell into 10 categories. The "Life, Health, and Inclusion" category is new, replacing the Quality of Life category. It includes new metrics on the battle against COVID-19, health care in general, and the corporate push for inclusiveness.

The study reflects massive changes in the battle for business and jobs. "Cost of Doing Business" and "Infrastructure" are among categories that took on increased significance. Texas improved from 19th to 10th in "Cost of Doing Business," but dropped from eighth to 13th in "Infrastructure." It also fell from 10th to 12th in the "Technology and Innovation" category.

Texas slipped a spot in both the "Economy" and "Cost of Living" categories, going from fourth to fifth and 12th to 13th, respectively. It moved up a few spots from 39th to 33rd in the "Education" ranking.

Virginia’s quality of education and workforce talent contributed to its finish as the top state for business despite its cost of living and infrastructure challenges.

CNBC developed its economic profile of each state from the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It also sourced the Federation of Tax Administrators, American Petroleum Institute, Moody’s Investor Service, and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Miles Mathews brings over 30 years of both public and private sector government experience to the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI) Team.

Miles' impressive career includes years of service in the regulated industries and financial services with specialization in retirement services, insurance, banking, water utilities, and technology startups.

He also has provided services to clients before the Texas Legislature and state and local governments. Miles accrued government relations experience by working with several nonprofit interest groups and serving as a senior government relations manager in the insurance and banking industries.

Miles began his career with the Texas Department of Insurance’s Office of Public Insurance Counsel. In that position, he was responsible for property and casualty insurance issues, including workers compensation and windstorm insurance coverages and rates. He went from there to a public policy role at the Texas Workers Compensation Assigned Risk Pool before moving to a banking position.

Over the course of his career, Miles has served on the boards of various types of industry associations. He was a board member and treasurer of the Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers. He also served on the California Bankers Association and the Association of California Life and Health Insurance Companies.

In 2005, Miles was recognized by the California Latino Legislative Caucus as a Padrino of the California Latino Caucus Institute for Public Policy. He served for two years on the institute’s Corporate Advisory Council.

Miles holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Baylor University and he attended the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.

A November 2 bond election by Judson ISD will seek voter approval for three propositions totaling $302 million to fund school construction and renovations, acquire land for future facilities, and make other capital purchases.

If successful, Proposition A would provide the district with $252.3 million to build new campuses and renovate existing schools.

A Growth and Planning Committee developed a project priority list that included construction of a future middle school, a new elementary school, and replacement of chillers, boilers, and generators as well as installation of gymnasium air conditioning.

Other Proposition A items include future career and technical education (CTE) programs, roofing repairs, drainage improvements, lighting replacements, and Makerspace implementation.

Proposition B would allow the district to sell up to $14.9 million in bonds to construct or improve recreational facilities and fields at all three high schools.

The third proposition, C, would provide $35.3 million to purchase new instructional technology and devices and upgrade existing technology equipment.

Career highlights and education: I was born and raised in Baytown, Texas. I studied engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, where I played football but transferred and completed my degree at The University of Southern Mississippi. I also received a Master of Public Affairs from The Truman School at University of Missouri. I began my career in the public sector as the capital programs manager before working as an assistant city manager for the city of New Braunfels, which led to the opportunity in 2018 to serve as city manager for College Station.

What I like best about my public service is: The people you have the opportunity to work with and the team you get to be a part of. I don’t think most people realize the level of talent and incredible dedication of the people who work in the public sector to make all the things we take for granted happen. In a year that was as difficult as any in recent history for local governments, our people were resilient and chose to serve others in the face of tremendous challenges.

The best advice I’ve received is: Get comfortable being uncomfortable. There will always be adversity in our line of work, but if you’re prepared and ready to lead when you’re faced with a challenge, it could be the difference between success and failure.

My favorite ways to de-stress are: Working out, building something, and doing anything outdoors.

People might be surprised to know that I: Was commissioned as a civil engineering corps officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve shortly after I began my public sector career. I’ve continued to serve and recently returned from a yearlong deployment to the Middle East. I can’t say enough about the tremendous support I received from my family, friends, colleagues, city council, and the entire College Station community. There isn’t a place in the world more supportive of the military and veterans than College Station.

One thing I wish more people knew about the city of College Station is: It’s truly a great Texas city, even if you aren’t an Aggie! In addition to being the home of Texas A&M University, College Station has a fantastic quality of life and virtually unlimited opportunities. It has everything you want in a big city, but still feels like a town where you know everyone. College Station continues to grow, and if you’re looking for a great place to visit, call home, or start a business, there isn’t a better place than The Heart of Aggieland.

In response to public opposition to issuing certificates of obligation to fund the city’s $95 million water treatment rehabilitation project, Odessa councilmembers delayed a vote authorizing the sale.

Councilmembers were set to vote on the resolution at their July 27 meeting to address failures at the plant.

According to a city water quality report, the plant was being pushed to its maximum ability in February which caused issues with its filters and forced the city to reduce flow to MGD to relieve stress on the plant.

However, a petition appeared to have collected enough signatures to require the city to hold a bond election. The signatures will require validation before the City Council revisits the issue on August 3.

The Odessa Water Treatment Plant is designed to treat 50 million gallons per day (MGD), based on filter capacity. In addition, approximately 20 MGD of well water can be processed. The total amount of water treated annually is approximately 7 billion gallons.

City staff said the rehabilitation project would involve enhancements to the plant’s electrical and computer systems, chemical feed and filter, and chemical storage building.

Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L), a municipally owned utility that provides electric service to the city of Lubbock, issued a request for information (RFI) to seek input from retail electric providers for Provider of Last Resort services.

The utility has completed the transition of a majority of its system to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) system. LP&L is actively pursuing transition of the remaining portion of its system to ERCOT and may, at a future date, provide retail customer choice.

Lubbock’s Electric Utility Board and City Council have passed resolutions expressing intent to provide customer choice and directing LP&L to prepare all necessary plans regarding customer choice. The purpose of the anticipated initiation of retail choice is to provide lower rates and more options for its customers.

RFI submissions are due by 2 p.m. CDT August 19.

Missouri City councilmembers are evaluating capital projects for a potential $86 million bond election on November 2.

A bond exploratory committee is forming a list of projects to recommend as three propositions to the City Council.

Many of the city’s local streets and roads, some of which have served more than 50 years, need rehabilitation under the city’s Pavement Maintenance Management Program.

Spread across four council districts, hundreds of proposed street reconstruction projects that total an estimated $75 million are being considered for inclusion in the bond package. Where possible, the city will coordinate bidding and construction in adjacent areas to reduce costs such as mobilization.

In addition, the city is considering renovations to Bicentennial Park, enhancements to trails, and park improvements.

An estimated $10 million revitalization of Sta-Mo Sports Complex would aim to transform the venue into a destination facility that draws visitors. It would convert the baseball-softball only park into a multi-purpose facility that features cricket/multi-purpose fields, outdoor pickleball and basketball courts, and playgrounds.

The committee plans to present its final list of projects to City Council for consideration and action on August 2. The last day to order a bond election is August 16 to place it on the November 2 ballot.

The city of Brownwood intends to advertise for bids later this summer to construct a $8.9 million multipurpose event center and pavilion.

One project goal is to create a new rentable multipurpose event space with indoor and outdoor components to help facilitate events and conventions that will bolster the local economy and business growth.

Construction of the event center is slated for this fall. Two other main elements – a stage/pavilion and outdoor improvements – will be completed in two separate phases.

The existing Ice House building on Lee Street is in the process of being demolished to erect a structure that will function as a stage for large events, small gatherings, and concerts. It also can serve as spill-over outdoor space for the larger event center.

A small, enclosed structure will be built adjacent to the stage to contain support space and additional meeting rooms. The open event green space will accommodate 7,500 spectators with additional depending on crowd control and setup. The maximum occupancy for under the pavilion is 462 with tables and chairs, and just under 1,000 seated auditorium style.

The last phase of the project will be the development of the event center inside of what is known as the Timmins building on the corner of Baker and Greenleaf. Originally built as a warehouse in the 1920s, the building will be converted into a multipurpose event center with spaces for conventions and breakout activities. The intent of the aesthetic is the bring in modern features while preserving the building’s original industrial character.

 Plans for the second phase of the project, which will include a banquet hall and additional meeting rooms, are expected to be complete by the end of the year with construction to begin in early 2022.

Bryan ISD trustees on July 19 signed off on designs and schematics for the Rudder High School expansion project to meet immediate instructional needs and anticipated growth.

The 20,240-square-foot addition will house 14 classrooms, a teacher work area, offices, and conference rooms and feature a building connection and second floor bridge.

Construction documents are set to be finalized in late September, following with advertising for bids in the next two weeks.

Mobilization would begin in December with the addition scheduled to open in January 2023.

The Texas Transportation Commission this week approved a grant of up to $18 million to help finance the Intelligent Transportation Systems Infrastructure project at the Ysleta Bridge (Zaragoza Bridge) and Bridge of the Americas.

El Paso city staff submitted the grant application for funds to design, construct, acquire, and install an intelligent transportation system (ITS) and to design and construct infrastructure projects at the international ports of entry at the bridges.

A preliminary engineering report recommended a network comprising Driver Monitoring Systems, CCTV cameras, Bluetooth readers, and Automatic Vehicle Identification detectors.

The project aims to increase security measures and expedite border crossings and trade.

New Houston ISD (HISD) Superintendent Millard House II announced leadership changes on July 28 as part of the district’s restructuring to meet student needs.

Dr. Rick Cruz will serve as HISD’s deputy superintendent to directly oversee the academics, schools office, student support, and talent teams. Cruz most recently served as chief officer of strategy and innovation for the district. Before that, he was HISD’s chief officer of major projects.

House named Dr. Denise Watts, a nationally recognized leader in school improvement and school leader coaching, as the district’s chief of schools. Watts currently serves as a chief of district support for the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education. Prior to that role, she was the leader of Project L.I.F.T. (Leadership and Investment for Transformation) at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina.

Chief talent officer, chief business officer, and chief of staff are other positions to undergo restructuring at the district.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) selected Brian Barth as its second deputy executive director, effective August 1.

Most recently, Barth served as TxDOT’s director of project planning and development. Before that, he was the district engineer and deputy district engineer for TxDOT’s Fort Worth District and director of transportation planning and development at its Dallas District.

Brenda Hicks-Sorensen started in her new role as the city of San Antonio’s economic development director on July 26. She succeeded Alex Lopez who became an assistant city manager for San Antonio.

Hicks-Sorensen most recently served as assistant economic development director for the city of Fort Worth. Before that, she was vice president of economic and community development for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

The city of Boerne named Danny Zincke and Kristy Stark as two new assistant city managers, effective August 2. Zincke and Stark will fill position vacancies created by the retirements of Deputy City Manager and General Manager of Utilities Jeff Thompson and Assistant City Manager Linda Zartler.

Zincke is currently Boerne’s director of community services. Before that, he was the city’s director of parks and recreation.

Stark most recently served as the director of communications and intergovernmental relations for the city of San Marcos. Prior to that, she was assistant director of planning and development services.

The Tyler City Council ratified the appointment of Kate Dietz as director of utilities on July 28. 

Dietz most recently served as manager of Tyler Water Utilities. Before that, she was an environmental compliance engineer with the city.

The city of Burleson appointed Tommy Ludwig as deputy city manager, effective August 9. He will succeed Robert Ranc who accepted a position with the city of Dublin, Ohio.

Ludwig most recently served as an assistant city administrator with the city of Waxahachie where also was executive director of development services. Before that, he was development services administrator for the city of Dallas.

The Presidio City Council appointed Brad Newton as its city administrator on July 26. He had been serving in an interim role following the resignation of Joe Portillo in February.

Newton also serves as executive director of the Presidio Municipal Development District. Before that, he was director of tourism for the city.

The city of San Marcos hired Rob Fitch as its emergency management coordinator earlier this month.

Fitch comes to San Marcos with 18 years of experience in the field of emergency management and 21 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard. Most recently, Fitch worked as an emergency management coordinator for Penn State University and five Commonwealth campuses.

The city of Clifton selected David McDowell as its new city administrator. He will take over from Pamela Harvey who is retiring as city administrator and city secretary.

McDowell previously served with the city of Burleson as deputy director of recreation. Before that, he held positions with the city of Lancaster.

The state’s annual sales tax holiday for school supplies and clothes is set for August 6-8. State law exempts sales tax on qualified items such as clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks.

Apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free are listed on the Texas Comptroller’s website at TexasTaxHoliday.org.

During the annual sales tax holiday, qualifying items may be purchased tax-free in stores, online or by telephone, mail, custom order or any other means.

The Comptroller’s office estimates that shoppers will save an estimated $107.3 million in state and local sales tax during this sales tax holiday.

Texas Water Resources Institute – 2020 Annual Report

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Natural Resources Management Program Strategic Plan 2021-2031

Dozens of public-sector jobs are available. Click here to view all job openings and guidelines for job submissions to SPI. New jobs added this week: