Civic campus projects drive downtown revitalization nationwide
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
Cities are launching civic campus redevelopment projects to modernize city halls, upgrade facilities and revitalize downtown districts.
LCRA shuffles leadership following retirement of Phil Wilson
The Lower Colorado River Authority has announced a new acting general manager and chief financial officer, following the retirement and departure of Phil Wilson.
Public Utilities Commission of Texas selects new leader to join ranks
A new public sector leader will join the PUCT starting in April.
Texas to test eVTOL air taxi network across major cities
Texas will test eVTOL air taxi transportation across major cities through an FAA pilot program exploring next-generation advanced air mobility technology.
Garland opens hotel construction opportunity for developers, P3
Garland officials plan a boutique hotel development downtown that would anchor a walkable arts district near transit and cultural venues.
DIR finalizes new executive director
During its special meeting today, the Texas Department of Information Resources voted to approve the next executive director for the state agency.
Texas opens $88M disaster housing grant program
Texas opened applications for an $88.1 million disaster recovery housing program supporting construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of affordable multifamily rental housing in impacted communities.
El Paso secures funding to advance Interstate 10 deck plaza design
El Paso officials secured TxDOT support to advance design work for a $207 million Interstate 10 deck plaza project planned to create new public space downtown.
San Marcos kick starts airport expansion plan with 170-acre purchase
San Marcos Regional Airport plans expansion after acquiring 170 acres of federal land, increasing capacity for aviation growth and supporting Texas State University flight training.
Austin collaborates with UT for citywide resilience strategy
Austin officials released a resilience playbook outlining strategies to strengthen infrastructure, address climate risks and expand economic opportunity as the city continues rapid growth.
Chris Wallace
President & CEO
North Texas Commission
Lauren Flathouse
Consulting Partner
Judge Glen Whitley
Consulting Partner
Michelle Trimble
Consulting Partner
Patrick Fortner
Consulting Partner
Shenandoah names new city administrator
The Shenandoah City Council approved Sam Masiel as the city’s new city administrator in a unanimous vote.
Masiel previously served as assistant city manager for Huntsville and earlier held leadership roles with the city of Conroe, where he managed internal services operations. With nearly two decades of municipal government experience, he will now oversee administrative operations and strategic initiatives for the growing Montgomery County community.
Hutto introduces new director of development services
Hutto city officials have introduced Howard J. Koontz, AICP, as its director of development services, where he will oversee planning, permitting and development operations for the rapidly growing Williamson County city.
Koontz brings extensive experience in municipal planning and community development and will lead initiatives related to zoning, building inspections, and long-range development planning as Hutto continues to expand within the Austin metropolitan region.
New county administrator to join Harris County
Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously appointed Erica Lee Carter as the county’s new county administrator.
Carter previously served as policy director for Commissioner Rodney Ellis and briefly represented Texas in Congress. In her new role, Carter will lead the Office of County Administration and coordinate operations across county departments, helping guide strategic initiatives and administrative management.
Garland appoints new city manager
The Garland City Council has unanimously approved a three-year contract naming Michael J. “Mike” Betz as city manager.
Betz brings more than two decades of leadership experience with Garland, where he previously served in multiple roles, including CIO and deputy city attorney. He will now permanently oversee city administration, budgeting and implementation of council policies.
Lubbock unveils division director for public works
The city of Lubbock has appointed David Bragg as Division Director of Public Works, after he successfully served in the interim role since August 2025.
Bragg brings more than 19 years of experience with the city and will oversee key operational areas, including streets, traffic, solid waste and pipeline maintenance. City officials said his leadership and proven track record positioned him well to continue guiding essential public works services for the community.
Anna appoints new city manager
Anna city officials have appointed Ronda Perez, ICMA-CM, as its new city manager, bringing nearly two decades of local government leadership experience to the rapidly growing Collin County community.
Perez will oversee municipal operations, budgeting, and strategic planning while working closely with the city council to guide continued growth and development across the city. The appointment follows a leadership transition after the previous city manager stepped down in 2025.
Governor’s Appointments (March 7 – 13):
Governor’s Commission For Women
Nathali Parker Weisman – New Braunfels (reappointed)
Denise Castillo-Rhodes – Houston (reappointed)
Katrine Fromby – Austin
Angela Akins Garcia – Austin
Hannah Wing Pontikes – Dallas
Loreal Sarkisian – Austin
Donna Williams – Arlington
Gina Bellinger – San Antonio (reappointed)
Gita Bolt – Houston (reappointed)
Ashley Bowes Cash – Lubbock (reappointed)
Sasha Crane – McAllen (reappointed)
Maru De La Paz – Harlingen (reappointed)
Amy Henderson – Amarillo (reappointed)
Angelica Rosales – El Paso (reappointed)
Department of Information Resources
Keri Pearlson – Austin
512th Judicial District Court in Williamson County
Sarah Moore – Liberty Hill
Seventh Court of Appeals
Laura Pratt – Lubbock
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