Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 08/15/25

Updated: Fri, 08/15/25

A New Era in Federal Procurement has Launched

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

GSA’s OneGov strategy is reshaping federal IT buying, expanding into AI and cybersecurity, and centralizing deals with tech giants—posing opportunities and challenges for vendors in the federal marketplace.

As the redistricting saga continues, condensed timelines for 2026 elections concern county officials

Texas’ redistricting standoff threatens October precinct deadlines, with counties on edge and lawmakers weighing separate election schedules ahead of the 2026 primaries.

FEMA provides updated disaster recovery timelines for Central Texas communities

FEMA has set a Sept. 4 deadline for Central Texas governments and residents to apply for recovery aid and receive FEMA assistance, covering housing, repairs and other needs in 10 eligible counties.

San Antonio launches $500M financing program for airport expansions

A new $500 million financing program will help San Antonio advance major airport upgrades, including a $1.6 billion terminal project and other infrastructure improvements in its six-year plan.

Fort Worth adopts $182M Eastside Transportation Plan for major roadway upgrades

Fort Worth’s Eastside Transportation Plan invests $182 million in road, transit and safety improvements, transforming key corridors into pedestrian-friendly, tech-enabled routes.

Georgetown plans $343M water reclamation facility project

Georgetown plans a $343 million Three Forks water reclamation facility to boost treatment capacity up to 22 mgd, with construction starting in 2027 on a 60-acre site.

Central Texas lakes near capacity as LCRA projections boost water outlook

Record July rainfall has filled Lakes Travis and Buchanan, boosting water supply projections and easing drought concerns, with LCRA managing overflow to protect downstream communities.

Cedar Park joins Williamson County to launch spaceport development corporation

Cedar Park and Williamson County are creating the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation to attract aerospace firms, secure grants and boost the region’s role in commercial spaceflight.

Brownsville secures $28M for intelligent transportation projects

With $27.8 million in new funding, Brownsville will launch ITS upgrades in 2026 to ease congestion, boost safety and support private 5G network development.

John Austin Stokes

Executive Director

Concho Valley Council of Governments

UT Austin names new information technology director

Siddhi Nim has been appointed as the new director of Information Technology for the University of Texas at Austin.

Nim brings over 20 years of experience to the role and most recently served as the information technology manager for Texas Health and Human Services. Nim has also previously served in various roles for the Texas Department of Family Protective Services and the Texas Department of Transportation.

Texas DPS appoints chief to new Homeland Security Division

Gerald Brown has been appointed as chief of the newly established Homeland Security Division for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Brown brings 30 years of experience with DPS to the role and has served in multiple leadership positions across criminal investigations. Brown previously led operations for Southeast Texas and is a retired Command Sergeant Major.

Texas DPS names Southeast Texas region chief

Kyle Matheson has been named region chief for Southeast Texas for Texas DPS.

Matheson brings 27 years of experience with DPS to the role and most recently served as assistant chief for Criminal Investigations Division. Matheson also brings experience working in patrol, narcotics investigation and organized crime oversight.

City of Harker Heights appoints new fire chief

Michael Starr has been appointed as the new fire chief for the city of Harker Heights.

Starr brings more than 30 years of experience in fire service to the role and previously served as fire chief for the city of Southlake and the city of Aubrey. His previous roles include a firefighter, driver/engineer and a captain of operations.

UNT appoints president of UNT Health Fort Worth

Kirk Calhoun has been appointed as president of the University of North Texas Health Fort Worth.

Calhoun will become the eighth president of UNT Health and has served as interim president since February. Calhoun holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

City of Sweetwater names new city manager

Bryan Sheridan has been appointed as the new city manager of Sweetwater.

Sheridan has been serving as interim city manager for the city since May and steps into the role following the departure of David Vela. Prior to his role as interim city manager, he worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety for over 20 years.

Governor's Appointments (August 9-15):

75th Judicial District Court

Michelle Mangum-Merendino - Liberty

159th Judicial District Court

Amy Wren - Lufkin

318th Judicial District Court

Brent Morgan - Midland

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