Texas Government Insider
Texas Government Insider 09-18-26
A whole new marketplace is evolving as government begins to buy AI
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
New procurement rules, operating procedures, and funding opportunities are emerging for AI purchases by government officials.
Texas forms team to pursue proposed U.S. Space Academy
Texas has assembled a seven-member team to prepare its proposal to host the planned U.S. Space Academy as NASA evaluates potential locations.
NSA plans $500M purchase of longtime San Antonio campus
The NSA plans to spend $500 million to acquire its longtime 953,000-square-foot San Antonio campus near Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Waco hires new CIO as Brownsville technology chief departs
Waco has hired Gustavo Alba as its new CIO, while Brownsville CIO Jorge Cardenas plans to leave the city Oct. 2.
Dallas budget includes $1.3B for capital projects
Dallas’ fiscal 2027 budget includes roughly $1.3 billion for water, aviation, facilities, transportation and other capital improvements.
TWDB approves $123.4M for water, wastewater projects
TWDB approved $123.4 million for seven Texas water and wastewater projects, including major treatment plant work in Denton and Granbury.
New law clears way for federal courthouse in College Station
A new federal law authorizes court proceedings in College Station, potentially setting the stage for temporary space and a future permanent courthouse.
Austin promotes Andrea Bates to lead planning department
Austin has promoted Andrea Bates to planning director as the city advances Imagine Austin and other major land-use and development initiatives.
Texas A&M System plan prioritizes technology, infrastructure
The Texas A&M University System’s five-year strategic plan prioritizes technology, infrastructure, research, student success and statewide community impact.
Missouri City extends interim city manager’s contract
Allen Bogard will continue as Missouri City’s interim city manager well into next year. City Council has approved the extension of Bogard’s contract through Aug. 31, 2027. He has been in the role since July, shortly after Angel Jones departed. Bogard previously served as city manager for Sugar Land. The council also voted to appoint Jim Callaway as a new assistant city manager, working alongside Shashi Kumar and Bertha Alexander.
 Killeen could have new city manager by Thanksgiving
Kent Cagle is wrapping up his stint as Killeen’s interim city manager. His last day will be Oct. 9. Assistant City Manager Laurie Wilson, who is returning from maternity leave, will assume the responsibilities of interim city manager until a permanent replacement is hired. Final candidates for the vacant position will be interviewed later this month.
Police chief selected to serve as Llano’s interim city manager
John Bauer will serve as Llano’s interim city manager. The current city manager, Finley deGraffenried, resigned in August and departs later this month. Bauer is Llano’s police chief. He joined the city staff in late 2024 and has worked for police departments in Plano, Horseshoe Bay and San Saba. He has a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.
Lufkin City Council selects new municipal judge
James B. Guest was unanimously selected as municipal judge by the Lufkin City Council. Guest was recommended by City Manager Kevin Gee. He replaces Bruce Green, who resigned after a two-year term because he is moving outside Angelina County. Lufkin’s municipal judge handles Class C misdemeanor cases.
Manvel’s public safety director announces retirementÂ
Keith Traylor is retiring as Manvel’s public safety director and police chief after 13 years of service to the city and nearly 50 years of combined law enforcement experience. Traylor joined the Manvel Police Department in 2013. At the time, the agency had less than 10 officers. Today, it has more than 50 personnel.
Sherman’s city manager retiring, heading to private sector
Zachary Flores will step down next month as Sherman’s city manager. Flores has been a city employee for 23 years, starting as a patrol officer before becoming police chief, public safety director and, eventually, city manager in 2025. In an email to employees, Flores said he plans to transition into the private sector. Clint Philpott, currently Sherman’s assistant city manager, will serve as acting city manager.
Governor’s Appointments (Sept. 14 – 18):
One-Call Board of Texas
John Mason – Dallas
Marcela Navarette – El Paso
Keith Wall – Spring
Michael Holdman – Robinson
Michael McCloskey – Liberty Hill
District Attorney for the 69th Judicial District
Cullen Cook – Dalhart
Texas Early Learning Council
Jan Lacina, Ph.D. – Fort Worth
Jennifer Vincent – Port Neches
Jennifer Warren, Ed.D. – Bryan
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