Mary Scott Nabers was one of the speakers this week at the U.S. Infrastructure Conference.
She only returned to Austin last night and unfortunately, no column from Mary today.
LCRA selects Rudy D. Garza as 12th general manager
The Lower Colorado River Authority has appointed Rudy D. Garza as its new general manager, effective July 20. Garza brings 30 years of utility leadership experience, including 14 years at CPS Energy and previous public-sector and energy industry roles.
Plano may develop $1B arena, entertainment district as new home for the Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are considering relocating to Plano as part of a proposed $1 billion plan to develop a sports and entertainment district at Willow Bend. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks are pursuing a new arena development.
Victoria ISD plans $54M modernization project for two school facilities
Victoria ISD will invest $54 million to modernize Smith STEM Academy and STEM Middle School, upgrading infrastructure, safety systems and accessibility.
Austin commits additional funding for Cap and Stitches project
Austin approved a $104 million funding commitment to preserve future cap-and-stitch development opportunities over I-35. The investment supports roadway and foundation infrastructure tied to TxDOT’s highway reconstruction project, laying groundwork for future public spaces and connectivity improvements.
TxDOT board discusses leadership changes, five-year Strategic Plan, World Cup at latest meeting
The TxDOT board addressed leadership transitions, approved the department’s 2027–2031 Strategic Plan and advanced preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Addison moves forward with $14M roadway reconstruction project
Addison is moving forward with final design work on a $14.3 million Airport Parkway reconstruction project. The plan includes replacing asphalt with concrete, upgrading utilities, improving drainage, adding traffic signals and enhancing pedestrian and ADA infrastructure.
Sugar Land moves into design phase for $8M roadway reconstruction initiative
Sugar Land is moving forward with Phase 2 of the $7.9 million Austin Parkway reconstruction project, funded by county and city bonds.
Amy Rister appointed to director role for Port Houston
Amy Rister has been selected to assume her role as director of state government relations for Port Houston.
Rister brings more than 20 years of Texas legislative and public policy experience to the position. She most recently served as committee director for the Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs. She has held several other senior leadership roles supporting House committees and members.
Ben Alonzo becomes full-time city attorney for Edinburg
The city of Edinburg has chosen Ben Alonzo to take over as its permanent city attorney.
Alonzo brings years of public sector experience to the position, providing essential legal service at both the municipal and county levels. He began his career at the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney. He later transitioned to McAllen to serve as assistant city attorney.
Pflugerville promotes Terri Toledo to assistant city manager
Terri Toledo will officially step into her new capacity as the city of Pflugerville’s assistant city manager on May 18.
Toledo will work closely with James Hartshorn, who also moves into his new role as city manager. Toledo currently serves as the city’s management services director. She has been with the city for nearly 17 years, previously operating as communications director and public information officer. Her public sector career began in 2001 as a communications and client relations specialist with ERCOT.
CPS Energy names Frank Almaraz as interim president and CEO
The CPS Energy Board of Trustees has named Frank Almaraz to take over as the company’s interim president and CEO. The decision follows President and CEO Rudy D. Garza’s announcement that he will retire from the company to accept his role as the 12th general manager for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).
Almaraz recently rejoined the company earlier this year as COO. He previously worked for CPS Energy between 2011 and 2022, leaving the company as chief power, sustainability and business development officer. Other leadership roles he held include chief administrative and business development officer, senior vice president and CFO and vice president of energy supply and market operations.
Greg Smith selected as city manager for Marshall
The city of Marshall has chosen Greg Smith to take over as city manager. His first day was June 1.
Smith brings 23 years of public administration experience to the role, most recently serving as interim city administrator for the city of Morgan’s Point. He has also operated as city manager for Denison, Jacksonville, Angleton and Henderson. Other key leadership roles include city administrator for Overton and Shenandoah. He succeeded Melissa Byrne Vossmer in the position.
University of Houston appoints Amanda Canales to newly created director role
Amanda Canales will be the first to occupy the director of Rio Grande Valley external relations role with the University of Houston (UH).
Canales brings more than 15 years of education leadership experience to the role. She previously served as senior principal at IDEA Public Schools before joining UH. She has also served as assistant principal of instruction and international baccalaureate coordinator at IDEA Public Schools as well as the education and public programs director for an art and science museum.
Governor’s Appointments (May 23 – 29):
Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee
Victor Fishman, Ph.D. – Allen
Lin Zhou, Ph.D. – Lubbock
Richard “Ross” Coffman – Austin
John Josephakis – Dallas
Jeff Prevost, Ph.D. – San Antonio
Council On Cardiovascular Disease And Stroke
Christine Cox – Aurora
Brittany Henson – Hemphill
Remedios “Remmy” Perez Morris – Round Rock (Reappointed)
Jennifer Scott – Fort Worth
Lauri Speirs – Kennedale
Texas Industrialized Building Code Council
Suzanne Arnold – Rowlett (Reappointed)
Edwin “Scooter” Lofton – Horseshoe Bay (Reappointed)
Alex Morales – Houston (Reappointed)
Jorge Olivares – San Antonio (Reappointed)
John “Johnny” Scholl – Claude (Reappointed)
W.F. “Dubb” Smith – Dripping Springs (Reappointed)
Lee Ramsey – Aubrey (Reappointed)
Texas School Safety Center Board
Jesus “Roberto” Rodriguez, Ph.D. – Rancho Viejo
Bill Avera – Jacksonville (Reappointed)
Edwin Flores, Ph.D. – Dallas (Reappointed)
Rania Mankarious – Houston (Reappointed)
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