Freight bottlenecks are creating a new wave of infrastructure opportunities
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Federal and state agencies are advancing major freight corridor projects, creating opportunities in highway, bridge, interchange, technology and infrastructure contracting.
Texas secures $7.5 billion federal border security reimbursement
Texas has received $7.5 billion in federal reimbursement for border security expenses incurred through Operation Lone Star since 2021.
TxDOT’s 10-year plan outlines $95 billion in transportation investments
Texas’ 2027 transportation plan advances major highway projects in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Collin County as TxDOT maps investments through fiscal 2036.
Denton’s $2.22 billion budget advances utility, infrastructure projects
Denton’s $2.22 billion fiscal 2027 budget includes $384.8 million in planned new funding for utility, infrastructure, technology and public facility projects.
Brownsville maps $157.8 million in infrastructure investments
Brownsville plans $157.8 million in capital investments through fiscal 2031, including public safety, road, park and transportation projects.
CPS Energy board selects Frank Almaraz as CEO nominee
CPS Energy trustees nominated interim CEO Frank Almaraz for the permanent position, with a contract vote expected at their October meeting.
Former Bell County CIO Adam Ward joins Austin as technology chief
Austin named longtime Bell County CIO Adam Ward its chief technology officer, overseeing 130-plus employees and a technology budget exceeding $60 million.
Dallas CFO Jack Ireland will retire in January
Dallas CFO Jack Ireland will retire Jan. 5 after more than three decades with the city, prompting a transition in Dallas’ financial leadership.
Texas voter registration deadline is Oct. 5 for Nov. 3 election
Texans have until Oct. 5 to register for the Nov. 3 general election. Here’s how to register, update information and check voter status.
Roland Peña
Consulting Partner
McAllen mayor pro tem joining TML board of directors
Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, mayor pro tem for McAllen, has been selected to serve as the Region 12 director on the Texas Municipal League (TML) board of directors, representing cities throughout the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Cabeza de Vaca’s two-year term will begin at the conclusion of the TML Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will be held Nov. 11–13 in San Antonio. Before being elected a McAllen city commissioner, he was assistant chief of staff for Hidalgo County.
Belton selects interim development services director
Tina Moore has been appointed interim director of Belton’s Development Services Department. Moore has been the assistant director of that department since 2025 and previously served as city planner. She takes over for Bob van Til, who recently left the city. Earlier in her career, Moore worked for the City of Sierra Vista, Ariz., for 20 years, where she held a variety of positions.
New head for economic development in George West
Alan DuBois was selected by George West city council to serve as executive director of the Economic Development Commission. Mayor Andrew Garza administered the oath of office. DuBois told council members he has already developed a PowerPoint presentation to help promote George West to companies interested in relocating or expanding to the area. He also wants to improve the city’s website.
2 key city leaders leave posts in La Grange
Curtis Bradbury (pictured) has left his position as La Grange’s recreation director and will return to his previous employer, Lutherhill Ministries. At Lutherhill, he will become director of guest services for camps located in Galveston and La Grange. Longtime City Secretary Janet Bayer has resigned, as well, after nine years with the city. Bayer taught secondary English in the Leander school district for seven years before being hired by La Grange city officials as a utility clerk in 2017. Two years later, she was promoted to city secretary.
Dickinson appoints interim legal counsel
Derrick Reed has been tapped as Dickinson’s interim legal counsel. The move comes after the former city attorney, Nghiem Doan, resigned in August. Doan now serves the nearby city of Webster. Reed is a founding partner of the Stephens Reed & Armstrong law firm and has 19 years of legal experience. Dickinson has agreed to hire Reed’s firm at an hourly rate, according to City Manager Chaise Cary.
Former Waxahachie city manager filling Alvarado vacancy
Michael Scott will take over as Alvarado’s interim city manager beginning next week. Scott has nearly three decades of experience in the public sector. He served as Waxahachie’s city manager from 2017 until 2025 after previously working as assistant city manager, director of planning, and downtown executive director. Scott has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of North Texas.
Governor’s Appointments (Sept. 28 – Oct. 2):
Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees
Brooks Bennett – Round Rock
Risk Management Board
Elizabeth “Lisa” Maciejewski-West – Horseshoe Bay
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