Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 08/22/25

Updated: Fri, 08/22/25

A trend to watch – one gaining strength and expected to grow even stronger
by Mary Scott Nabers, CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.

Across the U.S., billions are flowing into new projects that enhance and reshape public spaces with modern infrastructure to meet emerging community needs.

TxDOT unveils $146B plan to improve transportation statewide

The new $146B Texas transportation blueprint prioritizes safety, mobility, and congestion relief, with $101.6B dedicated to capital projects and $45B for maintenance and development statewide.

TDCJ veteran promoted to lead nation's largest prison network

A tenured public servant will become executive director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Sept. 1, succeeding Bryan Collier as leader of one of the nation’s largest prison systems.

UT System reshapes leadership hierarchy with confirmations to lead universities

The University of Texas System confirmed sweeping leadership changes, naming new presidents at UT Austin and UT San Antonio, while appointing a permanent chancellor to guide the system forward.

Texas, USDA join forces in $750M worm-fighting effort

The USDA will build a $750 million sterile fly facility in Edinburg to stop the spread of the destructive New World Screwworm across U.S. borders.

Houston approves $314M disaster recovery plan

With $314 million in federal disaster relief, Houston will boost housing recovery, expand power backup systems, and fund critical infrastructure to support resilience efforts.

Sherman to welcome $400M nonprofit hospital to enhance regional healthcare services

Heritage Regional Medical Center, a $400 million acute care facility, will break ground in Sherman by 2026, bringing expanded healthcare access, modern design and future-ready infrastructure to the region.

Laredo approves historic city budget with plans for over $500M in capital improvements

Laredo approved a historic $1 billion budget, with a $525.8 million Capital Improvement Plan in progress to modernize roads, utilities, public facilities and emergency services citywide.

Updated strategic plan outlines Port of Galveston’s future expansions to meet growth

The Port of Galveston’s new master plan charts growth, targeting expanded cargo facilities, cruise terminals and mixed-use development to handle rising demand and global trade.

John Osborne

President & CEO

Lubbock Economic Development Alliance

Annabelle Sala

Research Analyst

Stephanie Sargent

Marketing and Communications Lead

Fort Worth Economic Development appoints new director

Jessica Rogers has been appointed as the next director of the Economic Development Department for the city of Fort Worth.

Rogers currently serves as assistant city manager for the city of Tomball and in her new role, she will lead Fort Worth’s economic development strategy, focusing on business recruitment, workforce development and small business development.

TDEM names new division chief of preparedness

Randy Meshell has been named division chief of preparedness for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

Prior to joining TDEM, Meshell most recently served as the Preparedness Division Director for the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region 6. In his new role, he will lead statewide programs that support local jurisdictions with emergency management planning efforts.

Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin selects new nurse executive

Jennifer Pugh has been named Nurse Executive of Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus.

Pugh brings over 15 years of experience as a board-certified pediatric nurse practitioner and more than 11 years of leadership experience to the role. Prior to joining Texas Children’s, Pugh served as associate chief nursing officer and executive director at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Dallas Museum of Art appoints new director

Brian Ferriso has been appointed as the new director for the Dallas Museum of Art.

Ferriso currently serves as the director and chief co-curator for the Portland Art Museum in Oregon and steps into the role following the departure of Agustín Arteaga. In his new role, Ferriso will oversee the DMA’s expansion, estimated to cost about $150 million.

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