Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 08/08/25

Updated: Sat, 08/09/25

May bond approvals drive planning surge for billions in upcoming projects

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

Voters approved tens of billions in new funding for projects that address infrastructure, aging school facilities and municipal-owned buildings.

Texas Republican leaders close ranks to pressure Democratic lawmakers

The FBI is joining the search for Texas Democrats who broke quorum over redistricting, as state leaders push legal and financial penalties.

Apple ramps up U.S. production with $600 billion investment plan

Apple is investing another $100M in U.S. manufacturing—part of a $600B plan to bring tech jobs, chipmaking, and innovation home, with Texas at the center of its bold expansion.

Texas ballot measure targets $850M fund for technical college capital projects

A Texas ballot measure could create an $850M endowment for TSTC, empowering long-term campus improvements, boosting Waco’s economy, and accelerating workforce development across the state’s 11 technical college campuses.

UT Austin secures renewed federal funding for AI research and innovation

UT Austin secured renewed federal funding to advance AI research through its IFML institute, supporting breakthroughs in healthcare, model reliability, and workforce development as part of a $100M national investment.

Bosque County's future $1.2B data campus signals Texas digital growth push

A $1.2B data center campus is coming to Bosque County, Texas, as part of a statewide AI-driven data boom. The project boosts local jobs and strengthens Texas’ digital infrastructure.

Texas Energy Fund approves $216M loan for new natural gas plant in Houston

Texas approved a $216M low-interest loan to build a 456MW natural gas plant in Houston, boosting grid reliability amid rising energy demand from housing, AI growth, and extreme weather threats.

Texas A&M System pioneers pilot disaster recovery technologies, programs

Texas A&M University System is investing $59.8M to develop AI-powered tools and autonomous helicopters that enhance disaster response, wildfire control, and damage assessment amid rising climate-driven natural disasters.

CPS Energy approves $175M transmission line project outside San Antonio

CPS Energy approved a $175M project to boost grid reliability in San Antonio, building a 345kV transmission line to ease strain from rising heat and support growing energy demands by 2027.

TXDOT awards $96M to improve transit access, safety statewide

TxDOT awarded $96M to 64 transit agencies across Texas to improve rural and urban transit services, expand accessibility, and support seniors and residents with disabilities through safer, more reliable transportation options.

Cesar Garcia

City Administrator

City of Kemah

LCRA selects new senior director of Critical Infrastructure Protection

Eric Martinson has been named the senior director of Critical Infrastructure Protection at the Lower Colorado River Authority.

Martinson has been with the authority since 2004 and brings over 25 years of experience to the role. He most recently served as director of Critical Infrastructure Protection and began his career with the authority as a public safety communications specialist.

Texas DFPS names deputy commissioner as acting commissioner

Audrey O’Neill has stepped into the role of acting commissioner for the Department of Family and Protective Services.

O’Neill most recently served as deputy commissioner for programs at DFPS since 2023 and brings over 20 years of experience to the role. O’Neill has also served in other roles such as the principal deputy inspector general for Texas Health and Human Services.

City of Laredo appoints new city engineer

Eliud De los Santos has been appointed as the new city engineer for the city of Laredo.

De los Santos brings experience in infrastructure planning and public works including TxDOT and his most recent role as Interim Utilities Director. In his new role, he will lead efforts to improve the city’s streets, drainage and facilities.

City of Addison appoints new director of airport

Jaime Edrosa has been appointed as the new director of Addison Airport.

Edrosa brings over 20 years of experience in airport operations, aviation security, construction management and public administration to the role. Edrosa most recently served as aviation division manager at Cincinnati Municipal Airport.

City of Anna appoints acting city manager

Marc Marchand has been appointed as the acting city manager for the city of Anna.

Marchand has served as the city’s director of Neighborhood Services since 2020 and steps into the role following the departure of Ryan Henderson. Marchand brings over 20 years of local government experience in parks, recreation, libraries and capital improvement projects to the role.

Odessa names new director of Parks and Recreation

Jon Rogers has been appointed as the new director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Odessa.

Rogers began his career with the department in 2023 as deputy director and most recently has served in the interim director role for the past few months. Prior to working in local government, Rogers was a professional athlete for four years in the Atlanta Braves organization.

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