Surging demand for student housing fuels major campus investment opportunities
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Universities nationwide are advancing student housing projects as enrollment grows, aging dorms are replaced and demand for modern, amenity-focused campus living continues to rise.
Corpus Christi partners with San Antonio for large-scale desalination project
Corpus Christi is exploring a desalination project with the city of San Antonio, aiming to convert a coastal power plant into a major new water supply source.
State, local lawmakers weigh data center growth as energy demand surges
Texas lawmakers are reviewing data center growth as energy demand rises, with new regulations and community opposition shaping the future of AI-driven infrastructure development statewide.
Houston plans $131M downtown flood mitigation project
Houston is advancing a $131 million flood control project to improve downtown water conveyance, reduce flood risk and remove hundreds of acres from designated floodplains.
Celina approves $189M for 2026 infrastructure spending plan
Celina approved $189 million in 2026 infrastructure spending, prioritizing water, roads and public safety projects.
Texas A&M plans $30M HEEP Laboratory Building renovation
Texas A&M plans a $30 million renovation of the HEEP Laboratory Building, expanding research space and upgrading infrastructure to support neuroscience and academic programs.
Round Rock, Williamson County ink funding agreement for major road projects
Round Rock approved two major roadway projects totaling $51 million, seeking to improve connectivity and ease congestion.
Amarillo approves $30M to fund street maintenance projects
Amarillo approved $30.3 million in funding for street improvements, advancing a long-term plan to repair aging roads and address a significant infrastructure backlog.
Bryan promotes pair to lead city operations
The city of Bryan has announced the promotion of Kevin Russell and Lindsey Guindi to serve as assistant city managers.
Russell, who has been with the city since 1992, previously served as Director of Economic Development and has held numerous roles across development services and planning. In his new position, he will support the city manager in operations and oversee key areas including development services, economic development and strategic initiatives as Bryan continues to grow.
Guindi most recently served as director of strategic projects and has held several leadership roles in planning and development. In her new role, she will oversee library services and community development while supporting the city manager on operational oversight and strategic initiatives.
Denton announces new interim city manager
The city of Denten has named Cassey Ogden as its next city manger, serving in an interim capacity and effective April 1.
Ogden previously served as deputy city manager and brings extensive experience in municipal operations and strategic planning. She will lead city administration during the transition period while the city conducts a search for a permanent city manager.
Bullard ISD names new superintendent
The Bullard Independent School District Board of Trustees officially named Dr. Micah Dyer as Superintendent during a special meeting on March 17.
Named the sole finalist for the role, Dyer previously served as superintendent of Cuero ISD and brings extensive leadership experience in East Texas school systems. He is set to begin his new role on March 30, leading district operations and academic strategy.
Dallas appoints new city manager
The Dallas City Council has approved the appointment of Kimberly Bizor Tolbert as the next city manager.
Tolbert has previously served as deputy city manager and chief of staff to the city manager in Dallas. She brings more than 32 years of experience from within the municipality. As the first black woman to serve as city manager in Dallas, she will lead city operations and oversee budgets.
Starbase finalizes new city commissioner
The city of Starbase has announced the confirmation of Taylor Lois Wallace to serve as its next city commissioner.
Lois Wallace will join Starbase to oversee municipal operations following the departure of former City Commissioner Jenna Petrzelka resigned. Lois Wallace, currently working for a pharmaceutical company, graduated from Texas A&M University and earned a master’s degree at the University of Florida.
Governor’s Appointments (March 14-20):
Texas Jobs Council
Brent Taylor (Co-Chair)
Megan Mauro (Co-Chair)
Tony Bennett
Todd Staples
Hector Rivero
Scott Norman
Robert Mele
Robert Wayne Lord
Alan Robb
Lacy Wolf
Mark Maher Jr.
Bryan Edwards
Public Safety Commission
Nelda Luce Blair – The Woodlands (reappointed)
Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists
Tycom Wright – Bedford
Commercial Oyster Mariculture Advisory Board
Bradley “Brad” Lomax – Corpus Christi (Chair)
Eric Davis – Mon Belvieu (reappointed)
Podiatric Medical Examiners Advisory Board
Jose Ayala, D.P.M. – Brownsville
Rahul Patel – San Antonio
Joe E. Martin Jr., D.P.M. – College Station (reappointed)
Texas Physician Assistant Board
Shane Bailey, M.D. – Austin
Jennifer Wegenhoft – Columbus
Texas Animal Health Commission
Ben Scholz
Jimmie Ruth Evans – San Antonio (reappointed)
Barret J. Klein – Boerne (reappointed)
Joe Leathers – Guthrie (reappointed)
Thomas “Tommy” Oates – Huntsville (reappointed)
District Attorney of the 2nd Judicial District in Cherokee County
David Broom – Jacksonville
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities
Dakota Marks – Huntington
State Employee Charitable Campaign Policy Committee
Terry Zrubek – Thorndale
Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Committee
Larry Levine – Houston
LeElle Slifer – Dallas
Sandra Hagee Parker – San Antonio (reappointed)
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