Government Contracting Pipeline

Published: Wed, 07/09/25

Updated: Wed, 07/09/25

AI Integration Accelerates Across Public Sector Projects

by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping government at every jurisdictional level in America. It is also changing every industry sector and our daily lives. Government contracting and collaborative initiatives are morphing quickly. No trend has ever been as transformative... and the speed of change is historic.

Florida DOT secures $15B state allocation for upcoming transportation, safety projects

Florida’s new $15.1 billion transportation budget fuels major road, bridge, aviation, spaceport and seaport upgrades, adding lane miles, repairing infrastructure and boosting safety—promising faster commutes, stronger supply chains and a modernized travel network.

Transportation projects can access higher federal loans under DOT policy change

The DOT has expanded TIFIA loan limits for all eligible transportation projects, unlocking cheaper financing, speeding delivery and helping states, cities and companies fund major infrastructure upgrades nationwide.

DOI unveils $725M in grants to address abandoned mine land cleanup

The Interior Department is delivering nearly $725 million in 2025 funding to clean up abandoned coal mines, restoring water, land and safety in 22 states and the Navajo Nation.

Oregon invests $155M in bond funds for PSU's performing arts center renovation

Portland State University is building a 1,200-seat performing arts center to host Broadway and opera, part of a sweeping plan with the city to upgrade venues and transform Portland into a top cultural destination.

Louisville initiates AI overhaul, seeks AI proposals to improve government services

The Kentucky city is investing in AI innovation, boosting its IT budget and launching pilot programs to automate city services, improve emergency response and enhance public access.

California launches design phase of $2.1B coastal tunnel project

California’s $40 million boost moves the Last Chance Grade tunnel into design, paving the way for a 6,000-foot bypass to protect Highway 101 from landslides and erosion.

Coos Bay port secures $100M investment for new container terminal, rail improvements

Oregon is investing $100 million in the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project, launching design for a new Coos Bay container terminal linking ocean freight to rail. The $2.3 billion plan promises jobs, trade growth and economic development.

Marcie Kahbody

Deputy Secretary of Technology and Agency Information Officer, State Transportation Agency

Chief Information Officer, Department of Transportation

California

California - Aracely Azevedo has been appointed as the assistant city manager of Santa Clara. Aracely brings over 21 years of leadership experience to the role and most recently served as the city’s director of Human Resources for the past five years.

Utah - Andres Colman has been named COO of the Utah Transit Authority (UTA). Colman brings 24 years of experience with the agency to the role and began his career with UTA as a bus operator.

California - Soon-Sik Lee has been appointed as chief of planning and engineering for the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee brings over 20 years of experience in rail and infrastructure to the role and previously served as the vice president and senior program manager at the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Management corporation (AECOM).

South Carolina - Wesley Ropp has been appointed as CEO of Charleston Water Systems (CWS). Ropp began his career with the utility in 1982 as an accountant and steps into the role following the retirement of longtime CWS leader Mark Cline.

Connecticut - Andraé Townsel has been appointed as superintendent of the Hartford Public School District. Townsel currently serves as superintendent at Calvert County Public Schools and steps into the role following the departure of Leslie Torres-Rodriguez.

Nevada - Rob Stephens has been appointed deputy CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. Stephens brings over 10 years of experience in transportation to the and most recently served as COO for the Transit Authority of River City.

New Jersey - Sandra Marques has been selected as the new assistant superintendent of the east and central school leadership team at Newark Public Schools. Marques brings over 25 years of experience with Newark Public Schools to the role and most recently served as director of Career and Technical Education.

Colorado - Kimberly Bullen has been appointed as the new deputy city manager of Grand Junction. Bullen brings over 25 years of experience in public sector leadership to the role and most recently served as the Public Works director for the city of Fruita.

North Carolina - Caitlin Spruill has been appointed assistant superintendent of Dare County Schools. Spruill previously served as the director of elementary education and steps into the new role following the retirement of Steve Blackstock.

Florida - Antranette Forbes has been appointed as the new economic development director for the city of Apopka, effective Aug. 4. Forbes brings 20 years of experience in economic and business development to the role and steps into the position following the departure of Michele Boylan.

Tennessee - Will Reid has been appointed as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation, effective July 10. Reid currently serves as the chief engineer and deputy commissioner and steps into the role following the departure of Butch Eley.

New Mexico - Anne Kinsinger has been appointed the new director of University of New Mexico’s Accelerating Resilience Innovations in Drylands Institute. Kinsinger brings over 30 years of experience to the role and most recently served as the associate director for the Ecosystems Mission Area at the U.S. Geological Survey.

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