Billions in new funding will accelerate rail infrastructure projects nationwide
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
New funding is already escalating rail projects throughout the U.S., and these first funding allocations will lead to many more rail projects as public officials at the state and local level of government apply for future funding support. Upgrading America’s rail infrastructure is now a very high priority, and one that many will say is long overdue.
Texas weighs appeal of FEMA flood aid denial as reforms advance
Texas considers appealing FEMA’s denial of household flood aid as proposed federal reforms raise questions about disaster funding and local government costs.
Texas suspends automated permits amid data center dispute
TCEQ suspended automated permitting after watchdogs identified data center approvals issued following Gov. Greg Abbott’s September directive.
TxDOT awards $226M for EV charging stations
TxDOT awards $226 million for EV charging stations across Texas, expanding infrastructure in metropolitan areas and county seats through the NEVI program.
Houston appoints Kevin Berry CIO amid technology modernization
Houston names Kevin Berry CIO to lead its $161.4 million IT department, overseeing cybersecurity, website modernization, AI initiatives and technology consolidation.
UT San Antonio explores next phase of downtown campus expansion
UT San Antonio is exploring San Pedro III, downtown student housing and academic development following the opening of its San Pedro II building.
Fort Worth creates public-private parks and open space conservancy
Fort Worth launches a parks conservancy to attract private funding for land conservation, a potential Benbrook Lake state park and nature center planning.
San Angelo targets May 2027 start for coliseum renovations
San Angelo is redesigning its CRC Roofers Coliseum expansion as construction costs rise, with construction targeted for May 2027.
Georgetown authorizes $46M for regional water initiative
Georgetown authorizes $46 million in TWDB financing for a regional water pipeline, with low-interest bonds supporting long-term water supply improvements.
New Pflugerville ACM arrives from Missouri City
Jason Mangum has been hired as an assistant city manager for Pflugerville. Mangum was selected out of 140 candidates from across the nation. He has more than 25 years of experience in local government, with stops in Arizona, Michigan, Illinois and, most recently, Texas. For the past decade he has worked in Missouri City, first as parks and recreation director and then as assistant city manager.
Tomball fills police chief position internally
Shon Davis has been promoted to Tomball’s police chief after serving as interim chief since July. Tomball City Council unanimously approved hiring Davis for the position at its meeting last week. He is a 19-year veteran of the department. Davis replaces Jeff Bert, who left to take a job with Sam Houston State University.
26-year veteran tapped to serve as Del Rio city manager
Manuel Chavez is Del Rio’s new city manager. Chavez, who was previously assistant city manager, has served as interim city manager on multiple occasions during his 26 years with the city. After the announcement, he thanked members of council – and his wife, Wendy – for their support. Shawna Burkhart, the previous city manager, departed in February.
Sweeny native takes over as city secretary
Tiffany Walker, a third-generation Sweeny resident, recently started as city secretary. Walker replaces Kaydi Smith, who left for a job in the private sector. More than two dozen people applied for the position, the city said. Walker previously worked for the Brazoria County Appraisal District and the Brazoria County Mosquito Control Department, each for six years.
Edinburg police appoint interim chief to lead department
Orlando Garcia, currently an Edinburg police lieutenant, will lead the department on an interim basis. He takes over Oct. 31, the day after the current police chief, Jaime Ayala, retires. Garcia is an Edinburg native who joined the police force in January 2001. He became a sergeant in 2009, before being promoted to the lieutenant rank in 2016. Most recently, he served in the Internal Affairs Division.
Kempner city secretary set to also serve as associate judge
Shaleah Stevens will serve as Kempner’s associate judge, in addition to her role as city secretary. Stevens, who joined the city in 2025, was given the added responsibilities based upon the recommendation of Municipal Judge Gene Isenhour. Kempner had been without an associate judge since Hayleigh Talasek departed late last year.
Governor’s Appointments (Oct. 19 – 23):
State Pension Review Board
Keith Brainard – Georgetown (reappointed)
Karen Smith – Houston
State Board of Social Worker Examiners
Andranik Adams – DeSoto
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