The next disaster recovery starts before the disaster happens
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Disaster recovery laws have changed. Now is the time for public officials and private sector contractors to provide input as final procedures and processes are finalized and financial allocations are determined.
San Antonio considers TIRZ extension that could support Spurs arena
San Antonio is considering extending the Midtown TIRZ through 2060, potentially generating another $580 million for major development projects.
Texas Space Commission explores upgrades for large spacecraft testing
The Texas Space Commission issued two RFIs seeking existing or upgradeable facilities for advanced testing of large spacecraft and space cargo.
DSHS plans $200M public health laboratory expansion
Texas DSHS is seeking an architect for a $200 million, 220,000-square-foot Austin public health laboratory expansion with specialized biosafety facilities.
Amazon robotics facility anchors Austin’s 2,600-acre Dog’s Head development
Amazon will establish a robotics manufacturing facility at Austin’s 2,600-acre Dog’s Head development, creating up to 500 jobs as the massive project moves forward.
Texas Comptroller launches review of Texas school district spending
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines will review spending at up to four school districts following a request from Gov. Greg Abbott.
Pflugerville plans $10.6M Lake Pflugerville Park improvements
Pflugerville plans $10.6 million in Lake Pflugerville Park upgrades, with construction expected to begin in September 2027.
Austin’s $6.6B budget directs billions to infrastructure
Austin adopted a $6.6 billion FY 2026-27 budget, including a $4.3 billion capital plan for aviation, utilities, transportation and other infrastructure.
El Paso adopts $1.4B budget, lowers property tax rate
El Paso adopted a roughly $1.4 billion FY 2026-27 budget with $371 million for public safety and funding for infrastructure maintenance.
New focus for Brownsville deputy city manager
Felix Sauceda, who has been serving as both police chief and deputy city manager for Brownsville, will relinquish his police chief responsibilities to focus solely on his deputy city manager role. Sauceda was named police chief in 2019 and has held both positions since 2023.
Pastors welcome Los Fresnos city manager
Roberto Baez has been tapped to serve as Los Fresnos city manager. On his first day in office, several local pastors gathered at city hall to pray over Baez. He has previous municipal experience working for the city of Brownsville.
Wichita Falls city manager departing post
Jeff Jenkins will resign his position as Wichita Falls city manager effective Sept. 1. Jenkins says he intends to pursue other professional opportunities. Deputy city manager James McKechnie will fill the role on an interim basis.
Retirement ahead for Pasadena police chief
M.P. Jackson is retiring as Pasadena police chief effective Aug. 28. Jackson joined the Pasadena Police Department in 1979. He had served as assistant chief of police for 12 years before being named police chief in 2025. Raul Granados, the current assistant chief, will lead the department on an interim basis.
Interim San Benito city manager gets post permanently
Carlos Yerena is officially San Benito’s new city manager. Yerena was named interim city manager at a special commissioners’ meeting held in late June. He takes over for Fred Sandoval, who resigned.
Edna police chief leaves department
Kenneth Pyle has left his position as Edna’s chief of police. Pyle was named chief in early 2025. Until an interim chief is named, the city says it will rely on one of the department’s lieutenants to head the police force.
Governor’s Appointments (Aug. 17-21):
State Board of Plumbing Examiners
Julia Hayes – Beaumont
Dave Yelovich – Friendswood (reappointed)
State Cemetery Committee
Dot Cunningham – Houston
Regulatory Compliance Division
Matthew Erickson – Austin
Lower Neches Valley Authority
Justin Gray – Lumberton
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