Texas Government Insider
2025 Archive
Presidential permit clears path for U.S.-Mexico bridge expansion in Laredo
Laredo, Texas, has received a presidential permit from the White House to commence construction on an international bridge crossing along the U.S.-Mexico border. The permit – a formal authorization required for cross-border infrastructure projects – clears the way for...
Houston ISD board unanimously approves $2.1B budget amid changing leadership
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has unanimously approved a $2.1 billion budget for the upcoming school year. The decision came from the district’s board of managers, which recently underwent changes when the Texas Education Agency replaced four of its...
USGS deploys water monitoring crews amid rising flood threats in Texas
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announced that field crews will be measuring flooding across Texas following significant rainfall early last week. Many regions across Texas received more than five inches of rain, which resulted in flooding in areas across the state,...
North Texas adopts sweeping $217B transportation plan to meet future growth
The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) in North Texas has approved a sprawling $217.3 billion long-range plan to improve road, rail and public transportation. The council adopted the plan, dubbed Mobility 2050, on June 12 to address multimodal transportation needs...
Lawmakers approve $10B property tax relief package, pending voter approval in November
Texas Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), Senate Bill 23 (SB 23) and House Bill 9 (HB 9) have been signed into law to provide tax relief to homeowners, seniors and small business owners as part of the state’s $10 billion property tax relief package. Because they amend the state’s...
Kerrville unveils downtown expansions, riverfront amenities in updated 2050 plan
Kerrville has adopted the final draft of the city’s modified 2050 Comprehensive Plan, updating the original 2018 document with several changes emphasizing resilience planning and economic development. The plan serves as a guide for the city’s growth over the next 25...
State lawmakers award $30M to renovate historic Corpus Christi theater
The first “talking” movie theatre in South Texas has remained silent for 36 years, but the Texas Legislature is awarding a $30 million grant from the Texas Preservation Trust Fund to bring it back to its 1929 glory. The Ritz Theatre operated as a cinema in Corpus...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Marie Cohan – Statewide Digital Accessibility Officer, DIR
Saluting Texas Lone Star - Marie Cohan Statewide Digital Accessibility Officer, Department of Information Resources My public career highlights and education: Being recognized by the Governor’s Commission for Women as an Outstanding Woman in Texas Government was a...
Is FEMA as we know it about to be abolished?
National disaster management and recovery efforts may face significant changes according to recent statements made by President Trump. Making comments at the Oval Office, the president announced plans to “phase out” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after...
Texas launches $350M nuclear energy program under House Bill 14
The Texas Legislature has passed House Bill 14, a landmark bill catalyzing Texas’ developing nuclear industry and ushering in a new era of energy leadership. The bill establishes the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office (ANEO) alongside a $350 million investment in...
New Alamo laws seek to overhaul site and boost tourism
As renovation work at the Alamo presses onward, legislative action may see control of the historic landmark trade hands. The Texas Legislature approved two bills last week that would shift the site’s management and endorse new public exhibits. Gov. Greg Abbott is left...
Metal License Plates to Replace Temporary Paper Tags in Texas
Starting July 1, Texas vehicle buyers will receive metal license plates at the point of purchase, replacing temporary paper tags. The move follows the scheduled enactment of House Bill 718 (HB 718), which was signed into law during the 88th Legislative Session in...
NCTCOG launches $60M grant program for clean fleet upgrades
The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) will open a Call for Projects this summer to distribute $60 million for updated fleets with clean energy-powered vehicles. Recipients chosen through the North Texas Zero Emissions Vehicles (NTx-ZEV) Project will...
Former Air Force Official Gina Ortiz Jones wins San Antonio mayorship
After a high-profile race, Gina Ortiz Jones has been elected as San Antonio’s next mayor. She will succeed Ron Nirenberg. Although Jones has ample public service experience, serving as mayor will be her first municipal role. She previously served as undersecretary of...
Tomball approves updated drainage master plan, details $31M for projects
The Tomball City Council has signed off on the city’s latest drainage master plan, documenting drainage infrastructure needs and proposed solutions. The master plan will be the first comprehensive update since the previous iteration, which was published in 2014. As...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars: Johnny Casias – City Administrator, City of Selma
My public career highlights and education: Educational highlights include a Bachelor of Arts – Government Degree from the University of Texas at Austin; Masters of Business Administration from the University of the Incarnate Word; Certified Public Manager from Texas...
Texas Legislature approves $20B to divert state water crisis
The Texas Legislature has approved a historic commitment to avert a water crisis, planning a $20 billion investment in state water infrastructure over the next two decades. Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) and House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7) are now awaiting the governor’s...
Houston approves $7B operating budget for 2026, focusing on safety, infrastructure
The city of Houston has officially approved its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, directing approximately $7 billion to cover operating and capital improvement costs for the coming year. The new fiscal year begins July 1. While developing the budget, Mayor John Whitmire...
Texas Cyber Command coming to San Antonio, following $135M state investment
Texas residents, businesses and municipalities are slated to receive enhanced cybersecurity research and support following the signing of House Bill 150 (HB 150). HB 150, introduced during the 89th Legislative Session, designates San Antonio as the home of the new...
San Antonio proposes $250M development plan for multi-billion-dollar Project Marvel initiative
The San Antonio City Council is estimating up to $250 million in infrastructure upgrades to support a new sports district in downtown—Project Marvel. Project Marvel—a multi billion project to transform the downtown streetscape with a new Spurs arena, improvements to...
Texas High-Speed Rail Gains Momentum: Dallas Study Shows $5B GDP Boost
The Texas High-Speed Rail Project has received renewed support following an economic study on the proposed railway’s Dallas-to-Houston and Dallas-to-Fort Worth routes. The new study, commissioned in June 2024 by the Dallas City Council, analyzes the economic viability...
Fulshear Unveils $413M Infrastructure Boom to Support Explosive Growth
Fulshear, Texas—one of Fort Bend County’s fastest-growing cities—is proposing a $35.46 million investment in capital improvements for fiscal year (FY) 2025-26. The funding is part of a broader $413 million, five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) extending through...
Global RFID Leader Chooses Houston for First U.S. Manufacturing Hub
A global manufacturer of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies has chosen to establish its first U.S.-based manufacturing sites in Houston. The Taiwanese-based company recently announced that it would be expanding its operations to the U.S., selecting...
GLO awards over $12M in disaster recovery grants to flood-damaged cities
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has approved over $12 million in federal grants to support infrastructure and housing recovery projects across Texas. The funds come from the Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP) and target communities with ongoing unmet...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Jason Alexander – Deputy Chief of Airport Affairs, ABIA
Jason Alexander Deputy Chief of Airport Affairs, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport My public career highlights and education: I have served the City of Austin for 21 years, including seven on the City Manager’s executive team, and now manage government affairs...
Texas approves historic $8.5B funding bill for public schools, teachers
The Texas House has passed an $8.5 billion bill that will fund public school improvements, boost teacher salaries and enhance all walks of education in Texas. The school funding bill, House Bill 2, will inject billions into school districts statewide, expanding...
Austin injects $104M to I-35 “caps and stitches” projects
The Austin City Council has approved $104 million for the “Cap and Stitch” initiative on Interstate 35 (I-35). On May 22, the council voted 8-2, with one abstention, committing the city to fund critical infrastructure elements for a project that could transform...
Garland plans $71M soccer complex for second-tier professional sports club
The city of Garland will build a $70.9 million soccer complex with plans to lease it over the next two decades to a championship-level soccer team. The project is currently in the design phase. While the construction date has not yet been set, the city anticipates...
Sugar Land invests $12.5M to revitalize city’s historic town square
The city of Sugar Land last week approved a $12.5 million reinvestment for a major town square renovation project. The Sugar Land Development Corporation (SLDC) and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation (SL4B) approved the project, which consists of three, five-year...
Fort Worth agrees to $11M plan to improve the East Berry Corridor
The Fort Worth City Council is moving forward with the $11 million East Berry Corridor Plan. Adopted in May, the plan will revitalize East Berry Street from I-35W to Lake Arlington. After community input and nearly $1.7 million set aside for planning and preliminary...
General Land Office allocates over $45M for affordable housing developments, infrastructure
The General Land Office (GLO) has allocated $45.2 million to support multifamily housing projects and street and drainage improvements across five counties. The funds will help housing authorities across each county recover from disasters dating back to 2008, ensuring...
U.S. Army restructure lands Transformation and Training Command in Austin
The Army Futures Command (AFC) – based out of Austin – will be merged with the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), creating the Army’s Transformation and Training Command (ATTC). The ATTC will also be based out of Austin. The creation of the ATTC is a...
Pflugerville prioritizes roadways, trails, intersections in updated $217M mobility plan
The Pflugerville City Council has approved an updated mobility plan following multiple approved readings. The Pflugerville Pforward Mobility Master Plan (MMP) will be incorporated as a component of the Aspire Pflugerville 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The updated plan...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Mauricio Vasquez – Deputy Director of Applications, Attorney General Child Support Division
My public career highlights and education: I’ve spent most of my career in public service, working at the intersection of technology, strategy, finance, and operations. Most of that time has been at the Office of the Attorney General, where I’ve had the opportunity to...
Texas Parks and Wildlife awarding millions for trail construction, maintenance
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will distribute more than $6.8 million to support trail construction and maintenance projects across the state. The awards come from the National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF), a program that directs taxes generated by...
TSC awards $20M in space industry contracts and grants
The Texas Space Commission (TSC) board of directors has announced more than $20 million in approved projects, with an additional $34 million remaining. At the board’s meeting Thursday, the commission announced it would award: Up to $10 million to CesiumAstro Inc....
Texas launches $6B initiative to secure water future
Texas has launched a $6 billion effort to safeguard long-term water security across Central and South Texas. Led by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA), the WaterSecure Project could provide a sustainable solution for addressing the state’s water crisis. A...
New Braunfels to benefit from $1.4B highway expansion
Over the past five years, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been working on a $1.4 billion project to relieve traffic in the New Braunfels region by expanding the local highway. While the project has been approved and is in the design phase, the...
Texas BDO grants offer $3.8B for broadband expansion
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) has made more than $3.8 billion available through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to expand high-speed internet access throughout the state. Applications for the first round are due Aug. 1, 2025,...
Dripping Springs voters approve $402M bond for schools
On May 3, more than 70% of voters in the Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) approved a $402.3 million bond to build a new school and make critical renovations to existing facilities. The construction of High School #2 is the largest investment...
Kyle maps ambitious water future with billions in projects
The city of Kyle has unveiled a Water Master Plan to guide the city over the next 50 years. The plan accounts for $6.6 billion in projects and is the city’s first comprehensive guideline, creating a framework for acquisition, management and maintenance related to...
Argyle ISD approves $423M for schools and tech upgrades
The Argyle Independent School District (AISD) has approved a monumental $423.2 million investment for improved campus facilities, recreation and technology infrastructure. Supported by local voters, the district will now be able to move forward with projects to design...
Texas Bitcoin strategic reserve bill heads to governor
The Texas Legislature has passed a bill to create a cryptocurrency reserve managed by the Comptroller of Public Accounts. The bill now goes to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to be signed into law. Senate Bill 21—titled the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Investment...
Saluting Texas Lone Star Salvador Hector Ochoa – President, TAMU San Antonio
My public career highlights and education: My career in higher education spans nearly 35 years, including 17 years as a faculty member and 17 years as an administrator with progressive leadership and responsibility. Previous roles include serving as dean of the...
Texas legislative session enters final stretch with key bills pending
As of press time on May 16, 2025. All figures and statistics in this report are current as of deadline but are subject to rapid change as the legislative session progresses. With just over two weeks remaining in the Texas Legislature's 89th regular session, lawmakers...
Celina voters greenlight $2.3B school building project
The Celina Independent School District (CISD) will move forward with a historic $2.3 billion investment in a slate of new school campuses and improvements to existing facilities. Voters approved the bond measure May 3. With funding secured, the district will start...
Sinking Texas cities create costly infrastructure threat
Major cities across the nation are sinking, affecting more than 34 million people and putting thousands of buildings at risk, according to newly released satellite data. In Texas, metropolitan areas such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas are among the most...
New criteria for Texas flood projects awaits final approval
A groundbreaking bipartisan bill designed to open and distribute vital funding to support water infrastructure has been approved by both the Texas House and Senate. If the governor approves Senate Bill 1967, the state will expand the definitions of a "flood project"...
San Antonio establishes panel to advance transportation priorities
The city of San Antonio has created an advisory body focused on advancing community-based transportation plans and policies. The Multimodal Transportation Commission will ensure the city places its residents first in all current and future transportation matters. The...
Water infrastructure gets $113.5M boost in Texas
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will distribute $113.5 million to support water and wastewater system improvements, line replacement and contaminant remediation projects. The city of Paducah will receive the largest sum—$22.7 million—to make various water...
Victoria to transform community center into multi-use covered arena
The City of Victoria has approved a $35 million renovation of its community center to transform the venue into a modern, multi-use facility capable of accommodating a broader range of events and activities. The renovation project includes a new covered arena with...
Port Houston maintains nation’s top waterway ranking
Port Houston is once again ranked the top waterway in the U.S., according to a report issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The sheer volume of tonnage passing through the port, compared to the report’s runner-up, is so large that the difference alone is...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Ben Thatcher, Boerne City Manager
Ben Thatcher City Manager, City of Boerne My career highlights and education: Growing up in a city management family, I’ve dedicated over 23 years to local government. I’m currently the city manager of Boerne, Texas—guiding a 23,000-resident community with a...
Nearly $1B approved for San Antonio technical education growth
Community colleges in the San Antonio area have unlocked nearly a billion dollars for facility upgrades and expansions. In a recent election, voters approved an Alamo Colleges District bond package totaling $987 million, with more than 77,000 people voting in favor of...
Strategic power grid upgrade coming to Permian Basin
Texas utility regulators approved a groundbreaking infrastructure plan to construct the state's first extra high voltage transmission lines, intended to address growing energy demands in the oil-rich Permian Basin. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)...
UT System commits $100M to expand civic leadership program
The University of Texas (UT) System will create a permanent home for the School of Civic Leadership at UT Austin, using $100 million allocated by the Board of Regents. The investment will enable the university to renovate the century-old Biological Laboratories (BIO)...
Austin seeks added funds for $54.5M Barton Springs bridge
The City of Austin is working to secure additional federal funding to replace the Barton Springs Road Bridge, seeking support to compensate for gaps in the project’s anticipated budget. The project is in the design phase, with construction planned for 2027. Efforts to...
GLO allocates $45M for regional mitigation projects
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has approved another $45 million to supplement critical regional mitigation efforts across the state. The funding will enable two counties and four municipalities to execute water and roadway infrastructure improvements. Nueces...
Houston schools to invest $40M in critical infrastructure
Houston Independent School District (HISD) is preparing to move forward with a $40 million capital improvement program targeting critical HVAC and roofing needs across 36 campuses. The improvements, expected to take place during the 2025-26 school year, are intended...
CEOs rank Texas first in nation for business climate
Texas has been ranked the number one state for business for the 21st year in a row, according to an annual survey conducted by Chief Executive magazine. Ranked first above all 50 states, Texas has shown a continual dominance over its competition, drawing from the...
UT System names Zerwas as acting chancellor
John Zerwas, M.D., has been chosen as acting chancellor of The University of Texas (UT) System. He will succeed JB Milliken in the role, effective June 1. Zerwas currently serves as executive vice chancellor for health affairs for the UT System, a position he has held...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Courtney Arbour of TDLR
Courtney Arbour - Executive Director, Texas Dept. of Licensing and Regulation Public service highlights and education: Much of my career has been dedicated to workforce development, where I have led programs designed to connect Texas employers with a skilled and...
Texas votes to establish SpaceX-centered city of Starbase
A new city centered around the space exploration company SpaceX has been officially incorporated following a vote on May 3. The city known as Starbase is currently inhabited exclusively by people connected to SpaceX—predominantly employees. Located in Cameron County...
Starbase incorporation vote begins amid SpaceX legislation defeat
Starbase, home to SpaceX’s launch and manufacturing site, sits on the Gulf Coast in Cameron County’s Rio Grande Valley, roughly 25 miles from Brownsville. The facility supports test flights of SpaceX’s Starship rockets—central to Elon Musk’s Mars ambitions—which...
Abbott appoints new leadership to Texas river authorities
Gov. Greg Abbott has made numerous leadership changes to the Boards of Directors (BOD) for the San Jacinto and Lower Colorado River Authorities. These government agencies are responsible for their respective river basins, including preserving water resources, managing...
BDO launches LEO satellite program to bridge digital divide
The Broadband Development Office (BDO) has officially opened applications for the $30 million Texas Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Broadband Grant Program. Applicants have until May 23 to submit an application. The initiative will help ensure that all Texans will...
$4B airport expansion positions DFW as global hub leader
American Airlines has invested $4 billion to help Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) build a new terminal. The windfall of funding will enable the airport to double the size of Terminal F, putting DFW on the path toward becoming the largest airport hub in...
Fulshear approves $212M water plan for expected growth
The city of Fulshear, Texas, is unveiling a new water infrastructure plan in anticipation of an additional 10,000 customers over the next five years. The updated Water and Wastewater Master Plan, approved by the Fulshear City Council, presents more than $212 million...
High-speed rail from Dallas to Fort-Worth gains momentum
City leaders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are exploring the possibility of a high-speed rail connection linking the metroplex. Fort Worth recently approved spending up to $75,000 for an economic impact analysis of a proposed high-speed rail route to Dallas, joining...
LoanSTAR program finances public sector energy improvements
The Texas Comptroller's Office is accepting applications for its LoanSTAR (Saving Taxes and Resources) Revolving Loan Program, offering low-interest funding to help public institutions implement energy-efficiency retrofits. The program allows eligible entities to...
Mansfield advances plan for walkable $1B community district
The city of Mansfield has kickstarted the design process for its upcoming $1 billion mixed-use community district. Construction is expected to begin later this year. The district—known as The Reserve—will be built as part of a public-private partnership (P3) between...
Belton invests in public safety with $17.7 million bond sale
The Belton City Council approved the issuance of up to $17.7 million in certificates of obligation to support infrastructure and public safety projects outlined in the city’s 2025-29 Capital Improvements Program. The debt will be backed by property taxes and a limited...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Thomas Graham of TABC
This week’s profile is Thomas Graham, executive director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. My career highlights and education: I actually began my career in state government here at TABC in 2005. Starting as an auditor at TABC’s Waco office, I continued to...
Water management boards gain fresh leadership in Texas
Ten Texans have been appointed to serve on state water authority boards. Nueces River Authority Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed three new members and reappointed two members to the Nueces River Authority for terms set to expire on Feb. 1, 2031. Additionally, one...
Texas A&M to lead FAA’s new aviation technology center
The Federal Aviation Administration has chosen the Texas A&M University System to establish and operate its new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT), Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and Sen. Ted Cruz announced. The center will focus on testing...
Abbott taps business, legal experts for TSU Board of Regents
Gov. Greg Abbott has made two appointments and one reappointment to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents (BOR). Ben Proler of Houston is the first appointment. Proler is a commercial manager for Shell plc and serves as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy...
Nvidia expands U.S. manufacturing with $500B Texas investment
Semiconductor manufacturer Nvidia announced it will expand production with two new plants in Houston and Dallas. The expansion marks the first time Nvidia will produce artificial intelligence supercomputers entirely in the U.S. The two new plants will build parts...
$532M road project may include toll lanes in central Texas
Officials at Williamson County, Cedar Park and Leander are considering the possibility of adding toll lanes to Ronald Reagan Boulevard, a major arterial roadway on the county’s west side. The discussions are based on a potential partnership with the Central Texas...
Texas follows federal model with new regulatory efficiency office
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a bill creating an efficiency office in Texas similar to the federal government's Department of Government Efficiency. Texas Senate Bill 14 establishes the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, intended to streamline state...
Port Houston begins 2025 with record-breaking cargo volume
The Port of Houston recently broke a record, starting the year strong by processing the largest number of units of any January in the port’s history. At the start of 2025, Port Houston handled 356,407 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The amount is a 7% increase...
Lottery Commission director resigns as agency faces uncertainty
Ryan Mindell, the executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission, resigned April 21, according to an announcement from the agency. The agency did not give a reason for Mindell’s resignation. The commission will start the process of finding a new executive...
Corpus Christi trail project receives crucial state funding
The City of Corpus Christi is moving forward with the more than $15 million Holly Road Trestle Trail to Tourism Trail Project. The long-anticipated plan received a major boost with a nearly $12 million grant awarded through the Texas Department of Transportation...
Texas budget negotiations enter critical phase
With the passage of Senate Bill 1 by the Texas House of Representatives, the $337 billion Texas state budget for the 2026-27 biennium now moves into Conference Committee negotiations, the final hurdle before becoming law. After nearly 15 hours of debate on April 11,...
Saluting Texas Lone Star: Diana Ramirez
Diana Ramirez County Administrator, Harris County Your public career highlights and education. My first job after graduating from The University of Texas at Austin was with Health and Human Services in Brownsville as a food stamp eligibility specialist. That job is...
Corpus Christi receives millions in federal funding to combat homelessness, improve parks
The city of Corpus Christi will invest $5.2 million to address homelessness and make critical park improvements. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded Corpus Christi grants to support underserved residents battling homelessness and to make...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Julie Parsley
Julie Parsley CEO Pedernales Electric Cooperative Public career highlights and education: I have served as CEO of Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) since December 2017. Prior to PEC, I was commissioner on the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas, and before...
Austin Energy study estimates $50 billion cost, decades of work to bury city’s electrical lines
Austin Energy recently conducted a study on the feasibility of undergrounding the city's expansive overhead electrical distribution line system. After receiving the results, the utility determined that placing all the city’s lines underground would cost $50 billion...
SMU appoints new vice president and provost
Southern Methodist University (SMU) has selected Rachel Davis Mersey to take over as its next vice president and provost. She most recently served as executive vice president and provost of The University of Texas (UT) at Austin. Mersey has been with the university...
Midland reveals interactive online platform covering capital improvement, community initiatives
The city of Midland has launched an interactive online tool to keep residents in the loop about the latest projects, developments and strategic vision. Vision Midland will provide a critical bridge between the city’s residents and the government, offering a roadmap of...
Georgetown plans $16 million road reconstruction effort to enhance safety, mobility along key corridor
The city of Georgetown will spend $15.8 million to improve Leander Road. The improvements are part of an ongoing safety and mobility enhancement initiative and will predominantly involve upgrading the roadway and expanding non-motorized traveler amenities....
Texas Senate approves measure to bolster grid against growing power demands
The Texas Senate has approved a priority bill to harden the state’s electrical grid, advancing solutions to ensure residents will benefit from fewer outages, greater flexibility and enhanced resilience. Power demand on the Texas grid is at an all-time high, and only...
San Antonio to allocate $38 million to infrastructure, drainage, mobility projects
The city of San Antonio will invest $38.3 million into a series of roadway, drainage and railroad improvement projects. The Toepperwein Road project will cost a total of $14.8 million. Plans call for implementing roadway improvements along the route between...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Bill Lewis
Bill Lewis - Director of Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Logistics Texas Department of Criminal Justice Public career highlights and education: In 1984, I joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer. I was promoted through the...
Texas city, school district plan $35 million investments in construction, renovations
The city of Hutchins received approval to invest $28 million into building a state-of-the-art recreation center and library. In addition, the Miles Independent School District (MISD) will spend $7 million to make a series of improvements and renovations to campus...
Groundbreaking water bill passes Texas Senate, moves into House
As water resources continue to be threatened across Texas, the Senate has approved a bill dedicated to addressing and preventing a long-term water supply crisis looming over the state. Senate Bill 7 is one of a package of related bills designed to create new water...
Wes Rapaport appointed chief of media and communications for TDEM
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has promoted Wes Rapaport to chief of media and communications. Rapaport most recently served as the agency’s section chief of media and communications. This is the second pivotal change in the agency’s communication...
EPA approves Texas’ plan to improve air quality in San Antonio region
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved Texas’ State Implementation Plan (SIP) to improve air quality in the San Antonio area. The approval is part of the new administration's efforts to address the nation’s massive backlog of both state and tribal...
HHSC opens $6.3 million debt reduction program for rural hospitals
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has opened applications for $6.25 million to support rural-area hospitals. Applicants have until April 24 to solicit funding. The commission anticipates issuing up to 25 grants to improve the financial stability...
GLO releases $58 million to improve street, water and drainage infrastructure
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) will allocate $58.4 million to support regional mitigation projects across the state. The awards will enable five counties and four cities to advance essential street improvement, water infrastructure, drainage and flood mitigation...
UT System Board of Regents receives three reappointments
Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed three to The University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents. Their terms are scheduled to end Feb. 1, 2031. Christina Melton Crain is a member of the American Correctional Association and the Texas Corrections Association. She...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Michelle Cohen
Michelle Cohen Commissioner Hays County Precinct 2 Public career highlights and education: I am the first Latina elected as a commissioner in Precinct 2. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Finance, an MBA and a Doctorate in Management in...
Gov. Abbott reappoints Kevin Scott to GCA Board of Directors
Kevin Scott has been reappointed to the Gulf Coast Authority (GCA) Board of Directors by Gov. Greg Abbott. His term will end Aug. 31, 2026. The GCA is responsible for providing its district’s water system, controlling water pollution and handling waste disposal. The...
Texas Senate passes bill to create DOGE-inspired efficiency office
In its ongoing pursuit of optimizing government operations and efficiency, the Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 14, titled the Regulatory Reform and Efficiency Act, to create the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO). The bill will now move into the Texas...
TTU System Board of Regents receives new appointments
Gov. Greg Abbott has made two new appointments and one reappointment to the Texas Tech University (TTU) System Board of Regents. All appointment terms will expire Jan. 31, 2031. Doug McReaken is the first appointment to the board. McReaken currently works as chief...
Texas moves bill to found cybersecurity command center through the Legislature
A bill designed to enhance Texas' ability to combat cybersecurity threats is currently advancing through the Texas House. The bill is pending in the newly created Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee. House Bill 150 was introduced to the Legislature as an...
Texas Transportation Commission retains two commissioners
Gov. Greg Abbott has made two reappointments to the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC), retaining Alejandro Meade III and Robert Vaughn as commissioners. TTC oversees the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), operating as the policymakers for the state’s...
Georgetown hires firm to design $94 million wastewater treatment plant
The city of Georgetown will invest $93.8 million to build the Northlands Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). A designer was recently contracted for the project, with construction expected to begin in early 2027. The plant will be built on a 20-acre plot of land located...
Steven Snell selected as county judge for Williamson County
Steven Snell has been chosen as Williamson County’s next judge. County commissioners approved his appointment on March 27 in a three-to-one vote. He will succeed Bill Gravell, who vacated his role as county judge on March 10 to accept a position with the U.S. Small...
TWDB distributes $76 million to improve water systems and replace lead service lines
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will allocate $75.9 million to support upcoming water system improvement and lead service line replacement projects. The grants will supplement local funds. A selection of the projects receiving funds include: The city of...
GSA releases updated list of current federal properties slated for disposition
The General Services Administration (GSA) has released the latest federal assets identified for disposition. Out of the eight properties selected for sale or lease-cancellation, two are Texas-based. The updated property list accounts for more than 2 million rentable...
Texas Senate passes amended bill to prevent cities, counties from hiring lobbyists
The Texas Senate approved a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, preventing school districts, cities and counties from hiring firms to advocate for them in the Legislature. Senate Bill 19 was introduced to stop political subdivisions from using public funds to retain...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – John Muns
John Muns Mayor The City of Plano Public career highlights and education: I earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Abilene Christian University. I served on the Plano Independent School District Board as a trustee for 16 years with three of those...
Waco opens rebidding for $26 million Riverwalk Project
After rejecting all previous applications, the city of Waco is putting its $26 million Riverwalk Project up for rebidding. The new bidding window will be open from April 14 through July 14, with construction expected to begin in August 2025. Originally, bidding for...
City of Taylor welcomes Robert Powers as chief financial officer
The city of Taylor has appointed Robert Powers as its next chief financial officer (CFO). His first official day in the role was March 3. Powers brings nearly 40 years of municipal government experience to the role. Prior to joining in Taylor, he served as finance...
Reactor startup seeks approval to build 30 micronuclear facilities in Haskell County
A nuclear technology startup is planning to build 30 micronuclear facilities in Haskell County. As power demands have skyrocketed due to increasing usage and expansion of data centers supporting artificial intelligence, innovative solutions are needed to support the...
Williamson County approves creation of Spaceport Development Corporation
The Williamson County Commissioners Court has signed off on creating the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation (SDC). An SDC is a nonprofit organization designed to prioritize dedicated infrastructure for spacecraft, rockets and satellites, known as...
Taylor launches online dashboard to track capital improvement projects
The city of Taylor has launched a new Capital Improvement Projects Dashboard that gives residents updates on major public works projects throughout the city. The dashboard is part of the city’s efforts to embrace transparency and accessibility between residents and...
Fort Worth neighborhood selected to receive millions for improvement projects
As part of an annual improvement program, the city of Fort Worth will invest $4.2 million in quality-of-life improvements in the Fairhaven neighborhood. Projects are estimated to begin in October 2025. The funding is part of a city initiative to support historically...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Mary Babcock
Mary Babcock Director of the Human Resources Division Texas Department of Criminal Justice Public career highlights and education: I have had the privilege to serve the state of Texas over the last 18 years, most of which has been spent in criminal justice and victim...
Benjamin Barkley reappointed as chief executive and public counsel of OPUC
Benjamin Barkley has been reappointed to the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) as chief executive and public counsel. His term will expire Feb. 1, 2027. As public counsel, Barkley will handle OPUC’s overall operations and spearhead the office’s consumer...
ACC plans $100 million project to revitalize Highland Campus Building
Austin Community College (ACC) has issued a solicitation for a designer for a $100 million renovation or replacement project. While the design phase is approved, a construction timeline has not yet been decided. The project will either renovate the Highland Campus...
Texas HHS appoints deputy chief information officer and interim chief deputy chief information officer
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) has made two promotions to lead the department’s IT and technology initiatives, systems and projects. MacGregor Stephenson has been selected to take over as interim chief deputy chief information officer. Stephenson...
Round Rock approves designer for $28 million highway expansion project
The city of Round Rock will spend $28 million to expand Highway 79. The City Council recently approved a company for engineering work and will collaborate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to see the project through to completion. While the design is...
Gov. Abbott makes two appointments to Sulphur River Basin Authority Board of Directors
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed two new members to the Sulphur River Basin Authority (SRBA) Board of Directors. The SRBA oversees construction, maintenance and operations inside the state and watershed of the Sulphur River. All the river’s tributaries, both inside and...
BDO halts grants and contracts made through federal broadband expansion and equity program
The Broadband Development Office (BDO) announced it is pausing all grants and contracts associated with the state’s allocation of the federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (SDECGP). Texas was allocated $55.6 million from the SDECGP, the distribution of...
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell transitions to federal advocate role for 4.5 million small businesses
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has resigned from his most recent position to accept a new role with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to advocate for Texas. His first official day was March 10. Now with the SBA, Gravell has assumed his role as Region...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Trey Duhon
Trey Duhon - County Judge, Waller County Public career highlights and education: I obtained a BS in Economics from Texas A&M and my law degree from University of Houston Law Center. I’m currently in my 3rd term (11th year) as County Judge of Waller County. I was...
Amtrak releases Advance Notice for procurement of delivery partner on the 240-mile Dallas-Houston high-speed rail project
Amtrak has released an advance notice to initiate procurement for a project partner to bring a 240-mile high-speed rail line to connect Dallas and Houston. The company is expected to publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in late March or early April soliciting a...
Patrick Frost appointed to ERS Board of Trustees
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Patrick Frost to serve as a member of the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) Board of Trustees. His term will conclude Aug. 31, 2030. The ERS Board is responsible for maintaining a public pension system for Texas state agency...
Attorney General Paxton appoints three to leadership roles
Attorney General Ken Paxton has made a selection of new appointments to round out his executive leadership team. Austin Kinghorn will take over as deputy attorney general for civil litigation, transitioning from his most recent role as deputy attorney general for...
Texas unveils 5-year blueprint for economic expansion
Gov. Greg Abbott is laying out a five-year blueprint focused on Texas’s economic future. The Bigger. Better. Texas. Economic Development Strategic Plan pushes for job creation and continued growth with targeted efforts toward specific sectors and regions. The plan was...
Gov. Abbott makes Board of Director appointments to Guadalupe River authorities
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced multiple new appointments and reappointments to river authority boards of directors along the Guadalupe River. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA) oversees the control, storing, preservation, distribution and management of water...
GLO releases $98 million to improve water systems, drainage, infrastructure
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) will allocate $97.6 million to support regional mitigation projects across the state. The funds will empower four counties and 13 cities and ports to advance critical water systems, drainage and infrastructure projects. The...
Glenn Hegar appointed chancellor of Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) System Board of Regents has unanimously voted to appoint Glenn Hegar to succeed John Sharp as the system’s chancellor. Glenn Hegar currently serves as the Texas comptroller, originally elected to the role in November 2014. As...
Gov. Abbott makes three appointments to Texas Juvenile Justice Board
Gov. Greg Abbott has made a new appointment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board, alongside two additional reappointments. Matthew Marick, Joe Barton, Ph.D., and Stephanie House, Ed.D. now have terms set to conclude Feb. 1, 2031. The board oversees development and...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars: Katy Fallon-Brown
Katy Fallon-Brown Director of the Opioid Abatement Fund Council, The Comptroller of Public Accounts Public career highlights and education: I was a government major at the University of Notre Dame, with a concentration in public service. I earned a master’s degree at...
TWU plans $30 million investment into new College of Business building
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has released a solicitation for a designer for its $30 million College of Business project. While a construction date has not been selected, officials anticipate the project will be completed by spring 2027. The project will create a new...
Schertz approves design for $32 million road reconstruction project
The city of Schertz has approved a $31.8 million project to reconstruct a roadway. Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in September 2025. The project includes significant improvements to a 2.52-mile stretch of Lower Seguin Road. The...
Texas school districts to spend $114 million on construction, renovations
Three school districts across Texas will invest a combined $114 million to improve their campuses, including plans to build facilities, convert school buildings and renovate failing systems. The Anderson-Shiro Consolidated Independent School District (ASCISD) has the...
Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows announces his executive team for the 89th Legislature
With the official convening of the 89th Texas Legislature, Dustin Burrows was elected the 77th speaker of the House. Speaker Burrows has served as a state representative from Lubbock since 2014. Before his appointment, he served as chair of the House Calendars...
Gov. Abbott makes new appointment, reappointments to TAMU System Board of Regents
The Texas A&M University (TAMU) System Board of Regents will welcome a new member and two reappointments. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the appointments on Feb. 26. 2025. All terms are set to expire Feb. 1, 2031. Kelley Sullivan Georgiades is the latest appointment...
West University releases $502 million CIP, prioritizing drainage infrastructure
The city of West University Place has developed a plan of action to invest $502.3 million over the next decade into critical capital projects. Drainage infrastructure will be the city’s primary focus, accounting for approximately 62% of the 2025-2034 Capital...
Saluting Texas Lone Stars – Kelly Keel
Kelly Keel - Executive Director, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Public career highlights and education: My career at TCEQ started 23 years ago and I’ve served in several capacities throughout the agency. Prior to my current position, I was the Director of...
Bobby Jenkins, Jr. appointed as presiding officer of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority
Robert “Bobby” Jenkins, Jr. has been appointed as the presiding officer of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. His term will end Feb. 1, 2027. The authority is a subdivision that enables transportation, planning and project delivery leaders to collaborate...
Texas research institutions may face major medical funding cuts under new NIH policy
Research institutions across Texas could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding under a new National Institutes of Health (NIH) policy. Medical research, especially in the biomedical field, stands as the most vulnerable to an updated policy that would...
TWDB provides $53 million for water system improvements and water loss prevention
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) will deliver $52.8 million to supplement local funds for water system improvement and loss projects. A total of 10 projects will receive the largest partition of the funding - $34.8 million – to execute and complete water loss...
Coppersmith, Halman reappointed to Board of Department of Information Resources
On Feb. 7, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that Walter “Frank” Coppersmith, III and Keith Halman would retain their positions with the Board of the Department of Information Resources (DIR). Both were reappointed with terms ending Feb. 1, 2031. DIR is responsible for...
El Paso University Medical Center allocates $400 million to expand healthcare centers, improve access
The University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) will spend $396.6 million to build new healthcare centers and clinics, expanding access to lifesaving care. The funds will support several initiatives designed to better serve the people of El Paso, including the...
Brian Gardner leaves Dallas to accept deputy CIO position with Austin
After a seven-year stint with the city of Dallas, Brian Gardner has accepted a new role with the city of Austin as deputy chief information officer (CIO). He brings more than 33 years of executive leadership and IT experience in both public and private sectors to the...
TEA appoints board of managers, new superintendent to replace SSAISD board of trustees
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has revamped the South San Antonio Independent School District (SSAISD), appointing a new superintendent alongside a seven-member Board of Managers. The board will replace the current elected Board of Trustees, assuming their...