A new community-centered bargain is emerging around data center growth
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
State and local public officials are exploring new agreements to directly deliver benefits to data center host communities.
Fort Worth approves Master Transportation Plan outlining more than $343M in projects
Fort Worth has adopted an updated transportation plan that prioritizes major roadway expansions, multimodal improvements and mobility investments.
State announces business leader to join Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a Texas business executive to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board through August 2027.
UT Austin selected to coordinate semiconductor development program across 10 states
UT Austin will lead semiconductor workforce development efforts across a 10-state region under a new national microelectronics education initiative.
San Marcos weighs $100M city hall, redevelopment project under P3 model
San Marcos is preparing to unveil plans for a new city hall complex that could anchor redevelopment along the Hopkins Street Corridor.
State school choice program expands as Texas districts report enrollment declines
Texas officials have announced historic enrollment numbers for the Texas Education Freedom Account program as districts report decrease.
TWDB to provide $75M to replace lead service lines, seeks information on priority projects
Texas is making nearly $75 million available for lead service line replacement projects through its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program.
Houston committee advances developer fee overhaul to enhance park infrastructure
Houston is considering new developer fees and ordinance changes to increase funding for park maintenance, improvements and open-space investments.
Sarah Treadwell
Executive Assistant
TAMU System names new chief innovation officer, vice chancellor
Dr. Samuel Kim has been named chief innovation officer and associate vice chancellor for the Texas A&M University System after serving in the role on an interim basis since October 2025.
Kim leads Texas A&M Innovation, the systemwide office responsible for research commercialization, startup development, industry partnerships and technology transfer. He brings more than 20 years of experience in deep-technology commercialization, venture capital and advanced materials.
New leader selected to guide Bandera administration
Toni Kunz has been appointed city administrator for the city of Bandera following city council approval.
Kunz assumed the role in early June, succeeding interim administrator Jill Dickerson. As city administrator, she will oversee day-to-day municipal operations, personnel management, budgeting, financial administration and implementation of council policies.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative announces new CEO
Christian Powell has been appointed chief executive officer of Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), effective Aug. 4.
Prior to joining PEC in 2018, he spent more than 18 years with the Lower Colorado River Authority in regulatory and compliance leadership roles. Powell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin and professional certifications in compliance, ethics, and project management.
Georgetown names next assistant city manager
Jack Daly has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of Georgetown, effective June 22.
Daly has served the city since 2013 and most recently was chief business officer for Georgetown’s electric utility. As assistant city manager, Daly will oversee multiple city departments, including Water, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and the Public Library, while helping guide strategic planning and municipal operations.
Public official selected to lead San Benito
Carlos Yerena has been appointed interim city manager for the city of San Benito, effective immediately.
Yerena was selected following the resignation of City Manager Fred Sandoval and will serve while the city conducts a search for a permanent administrator. In the role, he will oversee day-to-day municipal operations, personnel management, budgeting, and implementation of city commission policies.
Texas Southern announces next senior VP, CAO
Rodney D. Smith has been named senior vice president and chief administration officer at Texas Southern University.
Smith brings decades of higher education leadership experience. In his new role, Smith oversees non-academic operations including business and finance, facilities, information technology, human resources, public safety, enrollment management and strategic planning.
Governor’s Appointments (June 6 – 12):
Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee
Sharon Carr – Canadian (Reappointed)
Surendra Varma, M.D. – Lubbock (Reappointed)
Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee
Shelly deZevallos, Ed.D. – Houston (Reappointed)
Finance Commission of Texas
William “Chip” Jenkins – Rockport
Bradford “Luke” Ledbetter – Austin
Sharon McCormick – Frisco (Reappointed)
Laura Nassri Warren – Palmhurst (Reappointed)
OneStar National Service Commission
Casey Jimenez – Missouri City
Karin Morris – Highland Village (Reappointed)
James Senegal – Spring (Reappointed)
Grace Yocum – Round Rock (Reappointed)
Student Regent to University of Houston System
Chris Pepe – Houston
Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities
Jenée Land – Lubbock
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