The next big infrastructure boom has already started
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Billions in new funding has been announced to fund grid infrastructure for America. Timelines for citizen and public official input are open now.
FRA directs $5.3B to rail projects across 23 states, including Texas
FRA is awarding $5.3 billion to rail projects across Texas and 22 other states for crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades and new Amtrak equipment.
Texas DIR names Amy Kelley internal chief information officer
Texas DIR named Amy Kelley its internal CIO, bringing more than 25 years of technology experience to oversee the agency’s IT and AI offices.
Bryan adopts $569M budget with major utility investments
Bryan adopts a $569 million fiscal 2027 budget featuring major electric, water and wastewater investments and $70.8 million in bond-funded capital projects.
SpaceX discusses investment in Brownsville regional water project
SpaceX is discussing an investment in a regional water project that Brownsville officials say could double potable water production capacity in the region.
Texas A&M plans $70.6M hypersonic testing range expansion
Texas A&M seeks a design firm for a $70.6 million expansion of its BAM Range at the RELLIS Campus, extending hypersonic and aero-optics testing.
Study: Houston port activity supports $987B U.S. economic impact
Port of Houston marine cargo activity supported about $987 billion in U.S. economic value and more than 3.5 million jobs in 2025.
$5M gift backs new University of Houston housing, homelessness research institute
The University of Houston has launched a homelessness and housing research institute backed by a $5 million anonymous donation to improve regional responses.
Texas audit flags management, oversight issues at TEA
A Texas audit found management, contracting and grant oversight weaknesses at TEA while finding no improper vendor selections or unsupported payments in tested samples.
Denton hires parks and recreation director
Jen Basham is Denton’s new parks and recreation director. She takes over the role after Gary Packan stepped down at the end of 2025. Basham has 15 years of parks and recreation experience, having previously worked for the City of Burleson.
Unanimous vote for new La Marque city manager
Shawna Burkhart will become La Marque’s city manager following a unanimous city council vote. Earlier in her career, she served as Bay City’s first-ever city manager, stepping into that role in 2019. That was followed by a stint in Del Rio that wrapped up earlier this year.
DART taps next chief audit officer
Mamatha Sparks has been named chief audit officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Sparks has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, government auditing and risk management. She comes from Dallas’ Office of the City Auditor. Sparks replaces Chris Koloc, who retired earlier this year.
Leadership change at Texas Tech’s Costa Rica campus
Paul Vita is set to begin work as the new dean of Texas Tech University-Costa Rica on Sept. 1. Vita was previously the provost and vice president for academic affairs at The American University of Nigeria. He has also held positions in Spain, as well as at Columbia University in New York, Morningside College (now University) in Iowa and the Woodberry Forest School in Virginia.
Levelland city manager retiring in 2027
James Fisher will retire as Levelland’s city manager effective Feb. 1. He began his tenure with the city in 2023. Fisher has spent 33 years in municipal leadership positions, serving the cities of Bee Cave, Brenham, Forney, Murphy and Silverton.
Conroe rebuilding senior management team
Brandy Taylor (pictured) and Jason Miller are the newest members of Conroe’s senior leadership team. Taylor will serve as community development director, while Miller is the new public works director. Taylor has spent much of her career in Conroe’s engineering department; Miller has worked for Conroe for 31 years. Former Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Director Norman McGuire retired in March, with former Deputy City Administrator and Community Development Director Nancy Mikeska opting to retire two months later.
Governor’s Appointments (Aug. 24-28):
State Board of Education, District 4
Tammie Nielsen – Pasadena
State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists
Misti Nielsen – Houston
Private Sector Advisory Council
Jay Bodnar – Richmond
425th Judicial District Court
Jason Bramow – Round Rock
490th Judicial District Court
Cindy Bridges – Rosharon
492nd Judicial District Court
Leonard Peters – Columbus
513th Judicial District Court
Jacqueline Franklin – Bellaire
514th Judicial District Court
Michael Landrum – Houston
515th Judicial District Court
Shawn Nicole Thierry – Houston
523rd Judicial District Court
Donna Hansen – Conroe
District Attorney for the 84th Judicial District
Clay Carr – Borger
Specialty Courts Advisory Council
Carlos Y. Benavides IV – Austin (reappointed)
Leslie Kay Ritchie – Fort Worth (reappointed)
Laura Figueroa – Brenham
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