Texas Government Insider
Texas Government Insider 05-08-26
America’s airports prepare for a new era of expansion and modernization
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Airports are the target of a new wave of modernization and expansion projects and the trend is expected to continue for the next decade.
Presidential council recommends foundational shift to federal disaster response
A presidential council finalized a report that could significantly reshape FEMA and shift more disaster responsibilities to states.
AI data center boom widens Texas water funding shortfall
UT Austin researchers say Texas data center growth could sharply increase water demand and strain statewide infrastructure planning.
Dallas ISD secures record $6.2B in funding for school infrastructure, upgrades
Dallas ISD voters approved a record $6.2 billion bond package for campus renovations, new schools and technology upgrades.
Texas A&M Regents approve appointment of 28th TAMU President
Dr. Susan Ballabina was unanimously appointed president of Texas A&M University following a national search process.
Texas comptroller releases new TEFA enrollment figures
New data form the comptroller shows more than 53,000 students have enrolled in Texas’ Education Freedom Accounts program for the 2026-27 school year.
Austin adopts TRUST Act as Central Texas cities split on surveillance technology
Central Texas cities are taking different approaches to surveillance technology procurement as some officials embrace the technology while others scale back investments.
Tarleton State University unveils updated master plan for Fort Worth campus
Tarleton State officials released a new master plan outlining future academic, housing and infrastructure expansion for its Fort Worth campus.
Laurie Vanhoose
Consulting Partner
Continue reading »
Southmayd names new city administrator
Jeff Laughlin has been appointed city administrator for the city of Southmayd while continuing to serve as police chief.
Laughlin has taken over the administrator role and will oversee day-to-day municipal operations while supporting the mayor and city council on city management and planning efforts.
Azle unveils internal promotion as next assistant city manager
Amber Beard has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of Azle, following the departure of longtime City Manager Tom Muir .
Beard brings more than a decade of municipal government experience and most recently served as director of public works for the City of Colleyville and general manager of the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation. In her new role, she will support city operations and strategic initiatives for the community.
Marshall announces public administrative leader as next city manager
Greg Smith has been officially selected as city manager for the city of Marshall, effective June 1.
Smith brings 23 years of public administration experience and currently serves as interim city administrator for Morgan’s Point in Harris County. In his new role, he will oversee daily city operations, implement council policies, and manage a municipal budget of approximately $50 million.
Floydada names new city manager
Jesse Finley has been appointed city manager for the City of Floydada following unanimous approval by the city council.
Finley was selected after a months-long search to replace longtime City Manager Darrell Gooch. In his new role, Finley will oversee municipal operations, administration, budgeting, and implementation of city council priorities for the West Texas community.
UT Medical Branch appoints new CIO, vice president
Jayson Laban has been appointed vice president and chief information officer for the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
Laban brings more than 24 years of healthcare and academic medical IT leadership experience, including more than six years with UTMB. In his new role, he will oversee technology strategy, innovation, cybersecurity, cloud adoption and digital transformation initiatives across the academic health system.
New chief of police selected for Fate
Ron Winegar has been appointed chief of police for the city of Fate and is expected to assume the role in early June.
Winegar brings 29 years of municipal law enforcement experience, including serving as chief of police for the Boise Police Department from 2022 to 2024. In his new role, he will oversee police operations, public safety initiatives, and community engagement efforts for the city.
Governor’s Appointments (May 2 – 8):
Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners
Jason Bernal – New Braunfels (Chair)
Judge of the 213th Judicial District Court in Tarrant County
Michael Ferry – Fort Worth
Judge of the 156th Judicial District Court in Aransas, Bee, Live Oak, McMullen and San Patricio Counties
Boyd Bauer – Beeville
District Attorney of the 31st Judicial District in Gray, Hemphill, Lipscomb, Roberts and Wheeler Counties
Leslie Timmons – Shamrock
For more news and opportunities from the public sector
Click Here!
Your Inside Track to Texas Government & Contracting News
Texas Government Insider (TGI) is SPI’s essential FREE weekly publication, delivering the latest developments in state and local government for those doing business with the public sector in the Lone Star State.
Each issue provides a roundup of government contracting news, political insights, key policy updates, and expert analysis from SPI’s team of seasoned researchers, consultants, and subject matter experts. TGI also features exclusive interviews with influential government insiders, details on upcoming conferences, gubernatorial appointments, and valuable procurement intelligence you won’t find elsewhere. Subscribe today!