Cybersecurity is quickly changing the definition of water infrastructure
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Cyberattacks targeting water utilities are driving investment in software, control systems, cybersecurity and other infrastructure modernization projects.
Texas nominates 605 census tracts for Opportunity Zone program
Texas nominated 605 census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation, potentially creating new tax incentives for investment beginning in 2027.
Texas Association of Business names Kelly Keel president, CEO
Texas Association of Business has named TCEQ Executive Director Kelly Keel its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 2.
San Antonio advances $60M land deal for Spurs arena
San Antonio approved up to $60 million in TIRZ funding to acquire land for a proposed downtown Spurs arena at the former Institute of Texan Cultures site.
Dallas City Hall decision delayed as relocation review continues
Dallas has passed an expected deadline for presenting City Hall relocation options as officials weigh costs, alternative sites, litigation and future development.
TDCJ seeks $298M for prison air-conditioning projects
TDCJ is requesting $298 million for air-conditioning projects that would add more than 15,700 cooled beds in Texas prisons.
Texas voucher funding could reach $4.4B as lawmakers await audits
Texas’ education savings account program could require about $4.4 billion to fund current participants, eligible siblings and the existing waitlist.
Texas developers tap MUD reimbursements to finance infrastructure
Texas developers are using TIP financing to leverage future MUD reimbursements for roads, water, sewer and drainage infrastructure.
Texas awards $69.5M for Rio Grande Valley canal projects
Texas approved $69.5 million for 17 Rio Grande Valley canal projects representing $163.6 million in irrigation and water infrastructure improvements.
Matt Creel
Consulting Partner
Alvarado’s city manager leaving for Wisconsin gig
Paul DeBuff will resign as Alvarado’s city manager at the end of the month. DeBuff, who has been in the role for the past five years, has been named the village manager for Menomonee Falls, Wis. “Paul is leaving Alvarado stronger than he found it and, more importantly, ready for what comes next,” Mayor Jacob Wheat said.
Edinburg official taking on ACM role in Alamo
Iris Alvarado Padilla is the new assistant city manager for Alamo. Alvarado Padilla, a graduate of Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Memorial High School, entered public service in 2017 and has previously worked for Hidalgo County, as well as the cities of McAllen and Edinburg. In Edinburg, Alvarado Padilla served the police department in an administrative leadership role overseeing eight divisions and 63 employees.
Princeton taps interim city manager, begins search process
James Waters, Princeton’s police chief, is serving as acting city manager while a search is conducted to permanently fill the position. CPS HR Consulting of Sacramento, Calif., which has a regional office in Austin, will lead the process of identifying candidates, which it estimates could take up to four months. A posting for the job lists a salary of up to $351,000.
Former Texas City police officer will oversee department
Clayton Pope will rejoin the Texas City Police Department (TCPD), this time serving as police chief. Pope brings 24 years of law enforcement leadership experience to the role, including 18 years with TCPD. He currently serves as an administrative captain for the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing a $67 million budget, supervising approximately 40 employees and managing a fleet of approximately 180 vehicles.
San Antonio selects homegrown police chief
Jesse Salame is being promoted to chief of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) following a nationwide search. Salame is a native San Antonian who joined SAPD in 1999. He was appointed Assistant Chief of the Operations Support Bureau in 2024 and, prior to that, had been Deputy Police Chief since 2022. Salame has also spent time as SAPD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison Officer.
Parker Co. promotes from within for county manager role
Bryan Grimes is the new county manager for Parker County following a vote by county commissioners. Grimes previously served as the county’s Director of Strategic Projects. As county manager, Grimes will serve as the principal advisor to the county judge and Commissioners Court.
Governor’s Appointments (Sept. 7 – 11):
Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund Advisory Board
Manny Salazar – Kingsville
Trinity River Authority Board of Directors
Rich Lavinski – Palestine
Steve Barksdale – Athens
Tyler Jackson – Liberty
Martin Black – Dew
Bruce Bynum – Forney
Charles Sartain – Dallas
Whit Wolman – Fort Worth
Lewis McMahan – Dallas
Jeff Bradley – Huntsville
Cary “Cole” Camp – Arlington
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