Expert Insights
Expert Insights
As President and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc., Mary Scott Nabers has decades of experience working in the public-private sector. A well-recognized expert in the P3 and government contracting fields, she is often asked to share her industry insights with top publications and through professional speaking engagements. Get an exclusive look at upcoming trends and insider tips from Mary herself on the SPI blog.
School construction projects boom as education systems address aging facilities and growth
Construction opportunities are almost always abundant, but currently there are more than usual construction projects being launched for public school campuses. Common objectives include major renovation or expansion of aging facilities, total replacement of...
Electrification projects are moving quickly through planning and design stages nationwide
There was speculation and genuine concern in recent months that funding support for electrification projects might be significantly reduced in 2025 and 2026. However, there is no evidence of that being the case and the continuance of funding for electrification...
Renewable Energy Projects Surge at State & Local Levels
For those who worry that renewable energy projects could decline in number over the next several years, there is good news. There are no signs of a slowdown anywhere in the U.S. and in fact, it appears the opposite may be true. Numerous large renewable energy projects...
A New Era of Airport Innovation and Opportunity
As airports around the world launch terminal expansions, air mobility projects, and new conveniences for passengers, U.S. airports face mounting pressure to meet increasingly elevated expectations. U.S. airports are responding by investing in a wave of modernization...
Tourism-Fueled Events Offer Billions in Economic Impact for U.S. Cities
Recently released data shows that travel and tourism contributed approximately $2.6 trillion to the U.S. economy last year. It also created millions of jobs. While that fact may not be surprising, it is less known that tourism also accounts for billions annually in...
Public funding scarcity for critical projects will result in new models of collaborative financing
Several noteworthy trends will lead to significant changes in how states and local governments address critical infrastructure needs in fiscal year 2026. Analysis of legislative actions, published budgets, and documented critical infrastructure needs throughout...
A quick look at new state funding allocations for 2025 and 2026
The Strategic Partnerships Team has extremely good researchers, and it is always interesting to see what they can produce when I ask them to brief me on something. This week I wanted to know if there were commonalities in funding allocations resulting from state...
A Fast-growing Trend May Have Great Impact on Government Procurement
Just hours ago, the Trump Administration asked Congress to claw back $9.4 billion in funding that had already been approved. The requested cuts are primarily a result of recommendations made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) a program led, until...
Water Infrastructure Upgrades Create New Wave of Contracting Opportunities
Water infrastructure and water purity are a top focus for government leaders throughout America. Across the country, cities and counties are investing in large-scale water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades to modernize systems, comply with tightening...
Trump’s proposed 2026 budget offers insight into more change
Everything happens quickly at the federal level of government these days. It has become common to have numerous executive orders announced every few days. So, it seems fitting to look at what has changed, what is likely to change and what may be required in the coming...
Research and tech take center stage in upcoming public investments
Across the country, public agencies and academic institutions are launching ambitious infrastructure initiatives that prioritize cutting-edge research, innovative technologies and public health advancements. From quantum computing hubs and cybersecurity research...
Billion-dollar Airport Projects Set to Transform U.S. Air Travel
Airports represent another industry sector that should not be impacted significantly by any federal funding support shrinkage. The critical nature of airport infrastructure, the immediate and obvious needs and the role air transportation plays in America’s economic...
Education infrastructure projects surge across the nation
Throughout the U.S., projects to upgrade, modernize and stabilize basic infrastructure will launch over the next several years. The infrastructure needs are critical, and public officials are committed to meeting the challenge of protecting public assets and providing...
Transportation upgrades offer multimillion-dollar projects
Transportation infrastructure projects, especially related to bridge work, continue to roll through pre-construction phases throughout the country. Bridge replacement projects carry extremely high price tags, and although bridge upgrade projects tend to be somewhat...
Utility upgrades create multibillion-dollar vendor marketplace
Energy, electricity and power are often used interchangeably in conversations, but while they are related, each is a distinct component. Energy is best described as the capacity to do work. Electricity is a type of energy generated by the movement of electrons, and...
A source of funding support not to be overlooked during uncertain times
As federal funding programs are being canceled or put on hold, there is one program that has remained untouched. The State Small Credit Business Initiative has funding available for local governments to develop credit support and investment programs tailored to their...
Sharing some wisdom about successfully selling to government
The Strategic Partnerships (SPI) firm turned 30 this year. That is shocking especially to me since I remember the company’s birth as if it were yesterday. The job I hold has been one of the most enjoyable experiences ever... and I’m not sure I’ll ever quit since I...
New campus stadiums evolve beyond sports into community assets
New campus planning documents reveal an abundance of high interest in new stadiums, or renovations and repurposing projects for existing facilities. Many universities, in fact, are developing campus complexes with new stadiums as a draw for retail, hotels and student...
Contracting landscape grows as community projects are launched
There’s growing evidence that new state and local government projects remain plentiful across the U.S. Driving this surge in upcoming contracting opportunities are economic development efforts, law enforcement needs and upgrades to all types of public facilities....
Funding support for public projects is showing no slowdown
Governmental entities are stressed... there is no doubt about that! Ongoing changes under the Trump administration are creating heightened uncertainty, placing added pressure on both public officials across all levels of government and private sector leaders...
Many new projects related to health care will launch in 2025 and 2026
Hospitals and specialized health care services in rural areas and small towns have been declining for many years, and that has become a serious concern. Financial stress is the primary reason for the decline. The federal government has provided financial support for...
America confronts urgent water infrastructure needs
The focus on water is extreme in almost every state in America. That’s because there are dozens of water infrastructure projects that simply must be addressed. The most critical issues tend to be water resources, aging water treatment plants, flood control, aging dam...
New contracting opportunities emerge as communities invest in public spaces
At a time of concern about whether federal funding will impact government contracting opportunities, new opportunities are being announced weekly by public officials at the state and local levels of government. And while libraries might have felt threatened, many are...
Hundreds of America’s cities have community-based projects about to launch… no slowdown in sight!
Amid concern about federal funding programs, cities throughout the U.S. are launching community-based projects to enhance citizen services, attract tourism and build community assets. These types of initiatives will continue to provide an abundance of collaborative...
Population growth, weather events and public safety needs are creating great demand for public safety construction
With so many changes announced daily at the federal level of government, inquiries continue to come in from people asking what government contractors should expect. My answer is always the same. While there are few guarantees in life about anything, the one area I am...
Riding the rails will continue for people and freight – contracting opportunities abound… but changes could be looming
At one time, railroads were the predominant mode of travel in America. They still function well, but now hundreds of cities and many states are dealing with rail modifications and roadway revisions because of new safety requirements and other transportation...
Can we stay focused on America’s most critical needs and the public-private collaborations that are required?
Researchers and physicians tell us that one of the best ways to keep our brains functioning well is to embrace learning new things continually. Stretching our brains with new ideas and skills requires rigid discipline – the type we associate with nutrition and...
As America absorbs historic change, business leaders should move quickly to engage with government officials
Although I’ve been involved in government for most of my adult life, I’ve never experienced a more disruptive environment than the one we are dealing with now. America, as we know it, will eventually get back to some degree of normalcy, but until that happens, the...
My thoughts about the government marketplace in these disruptive times
The unique and disruptive chaos so painfully visible at the federal level of government is causing millions of Americans to be extremely concerned about what comes next. The existing angst has disrupted global markets and caused many businesses to put a pause on major...
Outdated correctional facilities in America are creating an abundance of upcoming projects
Construction companies, technology firms and equipment vendors are advised to focus on what is happening with new funding for correctional facilities throughout the country. Plans for these types of facilities are on drawing boards with funding already in place...
Collaborations between public officials and private sector companies continue to multiply
While the federal government faces historic changes and contracting disruptions, local governments continue to offer abundant opportunities for public-private collaborations. Many upcoming projects have been vetted after several years of planning and community...
A bridge repair here, another one there, and many more in sight
America’s old bridges must be repaired, replaced or expanded... and there are thousands of them. They will all receive the attention they require sometime soon because there is no other option. The funding to make these structures safe, sustainable and efficient for...
New healthcare facilities and hospital expansion projects will launch soon in numerous states with more on the way
Many cities, universities and state agencies have new funding for healthcare facilities. Some funding will be used for repurposing or expanding existing buildings. Other funding is earmarked for completely new buildings. These resulting upcoming projects will not only...
Few public projects generate as much diverse demand for industry expertise as infrastructure initiatives
Public infrastructure is a critical component of quality-of-life issues for American citizens throughout the U.S. It is also a huge source of collaboration for public officials and private sector companies. Upcoming projects are abundant and can be found in every...
Transportation projects continue to provide opportunities for government contractors throughout the U.S.
Transportation infrastructure projects are likely to never end because roads, bridges, rail, and public transportation must be maintained. Currently, at the federal level of government, billions are still being allocated for critical infrastructure projects that call...
Transforming public safety facilities for the future
Across the nation, public safety infrastructure is undergoing a significant transformation. Public officials in cities and counties are investing in new facilities to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and support growing...
Major infrastructure projects advancing sustainability and resilience
With many of the nation’s critical systems struggling to meet demand, ensure safety, and comply with regulations, sustainability and resilience have become top priorities for public officials nationwide. The following projects highlight key infrastructure projects...
Public officials rush to launch projects that connect communities, boost the economy and stabilize aging infrastructure
Recently funding has come under review for numerous government programs, however funding is still available for projects that connect communities, boost economic vitality and upgrade aging infrastructure. While current allocations are expected to be fully utilized,...
America’s problems related to homelessness continue to create massive demand for collaborative initiatives
The issue of homelessness is at the very top of priority lists for every mid-size and large city in the U.S. The costs associated with large communities of unhoused individuals are daunting. Different types of remedies exist, and hundreds of cities are planning...
Healthcare demands are fueling needs for new facilities and modern technology throughout the U.S.
The needs for healthcare services throughout the U.S. continue to escalate and the efforts to meet them are creating high demand for construction, engineering, and technology expertise. Multi-million-dollar projects will soon launch in Pennsylvania, South Carolina,...