Airport modernization and new funding is creating an abundance of contracting opportunities
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
New federal funding for airport projects now tops $4 billion and airports of every size and type seem eager to take advantage of using it to modernize, expand, and upgrade airports throughout the U.S.
Blue Origin confirms $674M manufacturing campus in Hutto
Blue Origin plans a 1.3 million-square-foot aerospace manufacturing campus in Hutto, Texas, with major investment, state incentives and more than 2,000 jobs.
Houston advances $60M neighborhood parks initiative
Houston is advancing major parks investments, including $60 million in neighborhood improvements and a $75 million MacGregor Park renovation.
Bryan ISD plans $84.8M in school construction projects
Bryan ISD is advancing $84.8 million in projects for a new collegiate high school and field house, with bidding and construction planned for 2027.
West University Place advances new police station, City Hall renovations
West University Place selected a $61.3 million facilities plan featuring a new police station and renovations for City Hall and fire operations.
Fort Worth advances $280M in flood mitigation projects
Fort Worth is advancing approximately $280 million in flood mitigation projects involving drainage, detention, bridges, culverts and utility relocations through 2029.
TWDB funds $26.8M in water infrastructure projects
Texas approved $26.8 million for water, wastewater and flood projects involving pipelines, wells, storage tanks, treatment systems and planning.
Texas to investigate spending at Austin, El Paso, Prosper, Barbers Hill ISDs
The state will review spending at Austin, Barbers Hill, El Paso and Prosper ISDs, with findings due Dec. 31.
East Texas Water Institute launches to address regional water needs
The East Texas Water Institute will help regional utilities address aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, groundwater data gaps and long-term water planning.
Jeff Jenkins
Consulting Partner
Brenham ACM promoted to city manager
Megan Mainer has been promoted to Brenham’s city manager following Carolyn Miller’s retirement. Mainer, who has nearly two decades of municipal government experience, was initially hired as Brenham’s assistant city manager in 2025. Prior to that, she held positions across the state, working for the cities of Huntsville, Lake Jackson and La Porte.
Cedar Park police chief heading to Round Rock ISD
Mike Harmon is retiring next month as Cedar Park’s police chief to take over the Round Rock Independent School District’s police department. Harmon has been with the city for 28 years. He was hired in 1998 and worked his way up to the chief’s position in 2021. His last day with Cedar Park will be Nov. 6, and he begins his new role Nov. 9. Cedar Park has not named a replacement.
Elgin city manager announces retirement
Robert Eads has retired as Elgin’s city manager. Eads was named to the role on an interim basis in September 2025 before being officially appointed in December. He has nearly 20 years of municipal management experience, including serving as Laredo’s city manager from 2020 to 2022. Development Services Director Beau Perry has been named acting city manager.
Richmond police chief steps into newly created position
Jeff Craig is stepping into the newly created position of Assistant City Manager-Chief of Public Safety for Richmond. Craig, who previously served as Richmond’s police chief for six years, has 44 years of law enforcement experience. In his expanded role, he will work closely with each of the city’s public safety divisions. As part of the leadership transition, Assistant Police Chief Dixie Brzozowski has been promoted to police chief.
Hidalgo County native returns home to lead Alamo
Michael Leo, a Hidalgo County native, is returning home to serve as the new city manager for Alamo. Most recently, Leo served as Senior Director of Enterprise Operations for the City of Pharr, overseeing critical municipal services including EMS, utilities and municipal fiber. Prior to Pharr, he was city manager for Palmview. During his tenure in Palmview, Leo helped achieve the city’s first A+ bond rating.
New Prairie View city manager arrives from Liberty County
Antwyne “A.J.” Johnson has left his job as head of the Liberty County Office of Emergency Management to become city manager for Prairie View. This is Johnson’s first time to serve as a city manager. He had been with Liberty County since 2025. Madison Gonzalez, who was Johnson’s deputy in the Office of Emergency Management, is serving as interim director.
Governor’s Appointments (Oct. 5 – 9):
Texas Juvenile Justice Board
Bryan Collier – Huntsville
Texas Historical Records Advisory Board
Trasa Cobern – Hurst
Upper Colorado River Authority Board of Directors
Zane Blackwell – Eden
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