Texas Government Insider
Texas Government Insider 06-19-26


Another budget crisis in America could be looming
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Texas universities rank among world’s top research institutions
Several Texas higher education institutions earned spots among the world’s top research universities in new global rankings.

WilCo secures $131M to advance key transportation infrastructure projects
Williamson County is set to receive $131 million through CAMPO recommendations for roadway, mobility and trail projects.

Funding opportunities open for water, wastewater projects statewide under TWDB
TWDB has opened applications for the Texas Water Development Fund, providing financing for water, wastewater and flood-control projects statewide.


Dallas City Council advances new vision for South Dallas development, protection
Dallas approved updates to the South Dallas/Fair Park zoning district, creating new standards for housing, commercial growth and neighborhood preservation.

Austin-Bergstrom secures record $90M FAA grant for Concourse B project
Austin airport received a record $90 million FAA grant to help fund Concourse B, a 26-gate expansion under the Journey With AUS program.


New collaborative energy hub at Rice University will support global infrastructure cooperation
Rice University will host the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center, supporting international collaboration on energy security and infrastructure.

CPRIT awards more than $103M for cancer research across Texas
Texas awarded more than $103 million through CPRIT to support cancer research, clinical trials, innovation and researcher recruitment.



Judge Neal Franklin
County Judge
Smith County
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Julius McIntyre
Research Analyst
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Tenured Texas leader to lead Cooke County Library

Kimberly Reiter has been promoted to library director for the Cooke County Library after nearly 20 years with the organization.
Reiter most recently served as assistant director and children’s classes coordinator, overseeing youth programming, outreach and library operations. She holds a Master of Library Science from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University.
Nacogdoches names new executive director for NEDCO

Mary Frances Bradford has been named executive director of the Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) after serving as interim director since late 2025.
Bradford joined NEDCO in 2013 and was promoted to director of business development in 2015. In her new role, she will lead business recruitment, retention and expansion efforts while supporting economic growth initiatives across Nacogdoches and the surrounding region.
Northeast ISD appoints new superintendent

Anthony Jarrett has been appointed superintendent of North East ISD after serving as interim superintendent since December 2025.
Jarrett brings more than 25 years of experience in public education, including six years with North East ISD, where he most recently served as chief instructional officer. His career also includes leadership roles as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent in Northside ISD, and he will now oversee one of Texas’ largest public school districts.
CAPCOG leader announced as NARC representative for Texas

Chris Miller, executive director of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), has been elected to the National Association of Regional Councils’ Executive Directors Council as one of two Texas representatives.
In the role, Miller will help guide national discussions on regional planning, transportation, economic development and environmental policy while representing the interests of Texas regional councils and local governments.
Bryan Texas Utilities shakes up leadership team with new GM

Doug Lyles has been appointed interim general manager of Bryan Texas Utilities, effective June 15, following the retirement announcement of General Manager Gary Miller.
Lyles brings 16 years of experience with BTU, most recently serving as executive director of business and customer operations. A certified public accountant, he has also held leadership roles in fiscal services, financial planning and risk management, and will oversee the utility’s day-to-day operations during the leadership transition.
New chief of police named for Prosper

Brent Brown has been named chief of police for the town of Prosper, bringing more than 24 years of law enforcement experience.
Brown most recently served as assistant chief of police in Celina and previously spent 18 years with The Colony Police Department. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Texas A&M University–Commerce, a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia.
Governor’s Appointments (June 13 – 19):
Texas Early Learning Council
Emily Groomer – Fort Worth
State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Lindsey Bowers – Inez
Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology
Ken Stout – Ropesville
Faraz Khan, M.D. – Houston (reappointed)
Brazos River Authority
Lonnie Key – Lake Jackson
Stephen Luskey – Fort Worth
Jeff Tallas – Sugar Land
Tom Abraham – Sugar Land (Reappointed)
Gary Boren – Lubbock (Reappointed)
Jim Lattimore Jr. – Graford (Reappointed)
Wesley Lloyd – Waco (Reappointed)
Brad Benham – Abilene (Reappointed)
Frederick “Fred” Dodd, II – Bryan (Reappointed)
Teacher Retirement System of Texas Board of Trustees
Pete Pape, Ed.D. – Leander
Dan West – Houston
State Commission on Judicial Conduct
April Aguirre – Pasadena
Derek Cohen, Ph.D. – Austin
Andrew “Andy” Kahan – Houston
Tracy Harrison – Friendswood
Yinon Weiss – Austin
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