Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 06/27/25

Updated: Sat, 06/28/25

School construction projects boom as education systems address aging facilities and growth

Public school construction is on the rise across the U.S. as districts and universities respond to aging infrastructure, enrollment growth, and evolving educational needs. Projects increasingly focus on modern learning environments, safety upgrades, and long-term facility planning, with many entering design and procurement phases ahead of 2026 construction timelines.

Former Texas state Sen. Hancock to assume acting comptroller July 1, Hegar exits for Texas A&M

Sen. Kelly Hancock will serve as acting Texas Comptroller starting July 1, following Glenn Hegar’s move to lead the Texas A&M University System, which manages a $7.3 billion budget across 11 universities. A special election would fill Hancock’s Senate seat.

Texas unveils $3.3B funding round for statewide broadband expansion

Texas has reopened applications for over $3.3 billion in federal and state broadband funding through the BEAD program, seeking to connect unserved and underserved communities. The state will accept applications between July 9 and July 22 through the state Broadband Development Office.

Texas water board approves $122M for water, wastewater projects

The Texas Water Development Board is awarding over $122 million to support statewide water and wastewater projects. Funded counties include Limestone, Cameron, and Bexar, with assistance covering early-phase infrastructure upgrades and lead line replacements.

Houston reinforces water, airport and road infrastructure in approved $16.7B capital plan

Houston has unveiled a $16.7 billion Capital Improvement Plan through 2030, prioritizing long-term infrastructure resilience. Nearly $8.1 billion will modernize water and wastewater systems, while major investments target airports, streets, drainage and public facilities citywide.

HUD issues disaster, housing relief for Texas’ weather-damaged communities

In response to March’s devastating storms, HUD is expanding disaster recovery support across South Texas. The agency will offer mortgage relief, regulatory waivers, and funding flexibility through programs like CDBG and ESG to help rebuild communities.

Eagle Pass receives presidential permit to expand key U.S. - Mexico bridge

For the third time in three weeks, the White House has approved a presidential permit for a Texas border bridge project—this time for Eagle Pass’ Camino Real expansion. The project joins similar freight and commercial upgrades in Laredo.

30-year education veteran named lone finalist for Socorro ISD’s superintendent

James Vasquez has been named the sole finalist for superintendent of Socorro ISD. A longtime educator and current interim superintendent, he will focus on financial recovery, improving academic performance, and strengthening district operations.

Mackenzie Lyra

Managing Consultant

Learn More about Mackenzie »

Dan J. Saso

Managing Consultant

Learn More about Dan »

Brady Pieper

Managing Editor of Digital Content

Learn More about Brady »

SMU selects former educator for executive vice president and provost opening

Rachel Davis Mersey has been selected as the next provost and executive vice president of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Mersey brings nearly 20 years of higher education experience to the role, serving as a professor at the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University. Prior to her tenure at Southern Methodist University, she also assumed the positions of associate dean, dean and executive vice president and provost for the University of Texas at Austin.

Abilene appoints local government expert as next city manager

The city of Abilene has appointed Emily Crawford to be the next city manager, following the retirement of Robert Hanna.

Crawford served previously as the city manager for Brownwood, headlining several community initiatives such as renewed investments in infrastructure, parks and facilities. As the second woman to hold the role, Crawford will bring over a decade of public sector and local government experience.

Houston Housing Authority names Rackleff as next executive vice president and COO

Neal J. Rackleff has been named the next COO and vice president of the Houston Housing Authority.

Rackleff, a graduate from Brigham Young University and a Juris Doctorate recipient from the University of Southern California, will bring more than 20 years of public sector experience to the role. He will be responsible for the city’s affordable housing and community development efforts among other new roles.

DART appoints St. Louis native and transit veteran as vice president and COO

Trenise Winters has been appointed as Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) next vice president and chief operations officer.

Writers will bring more than 20 years of experience to the role and utilize strategies accumulated through her time with Metro Transit in Missouri. The St. Louis native will manage DART’s operations teams, including bus, light rail, maintenance and mobility management.

Governor's Appointments (April 25-May 1):

TexNet Technical Advisory Committee

Stefan Hussenoeder - Sugar Land

62nd Judicial District Court

Gary Young - Paris

For more news and opportunities from the public sector

Click Here!

7500 Rialto Blvd
Bldg 2, Suite #145
Austin TX 78735
US

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options