Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 08/29/25

Updated: Fri, 08/29/25

U.S. cities are reshaping venues to attract the next big events

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

U.S. cities are investing billions to expand and modernize entertainment infrastructure, competing for the next big events and visitor spending.

Texas' special session drags on as key battles over property tax caps, THC and maps stall

Texas lawmakers face gridlock as the property tax cap heads to conference committee, a THC ban stalls and redistricting advocates push Gov. Abbott for another special session.

San Antonio signs term sheet for $1.3B downtown redevelopment project

The Spurs’ proposed downtown arena advances after the city council approved new funding for the project, with $1.3 billion in commitments secured.

Texas universities to lead historic molten salt nuclear reactor project

Texas will soon host the nation’s first molten salt research reactor at Abilene Christian University, following DOE's commitment of nuclear fuel to power the groundbreaking project.

BDO reveals $200M NOFO to expand middle-mile broadband infrastructure statewide

The Texas Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office is offering up to $50 million per project to build middle-mile infrastructure that boosts resiliency, open access and affordable high-speed internet.

Presidential permits clear path for international border bridge in Brownsville

A new presidential permit allows Cameron County to design a dedicated pedestrian bridge at the Gateway crossing, separating foot traffic from vehicles and streamlining daily border movement.

PUCT announces $240M investment in power grid projects outside ERCOT

Texas regulators selected the first four projects in the Outside ERCOT Grant Program, funding $240 million in grid modernization, reliability upgrades and new transmission infrastructure.

Harris County initiates planning process to shape large-scale flood mitigation efforts

Harris County is studying a potential $30 billion flood mitigation solutions, including 100-foot-deep tunnels and strategies to move stormwater to the ship channel.

TWDB distributes $232M to enhance water and wastewater system infrastructure

Texas communities will receive $231.8 million in TWDB assistance to replace aging water lines, expand treatment plants and modernize wastewater systems for long-term resiliency.

Richard D. Ehlert

Consulting Partner

Ricardo Cruz Blanco

Consulting Partner

Houston names first chief water officer

Andrew Molly has been appointed as Houston Public Works’s first chief water officer, effective Sept. 15.

Molly currently serves as the chief operating officer for the city of Corpus Christi and brings over 25 years of experience to the role. As chief water officer, he will oversee Houston Public Works’s drinking water and wastewater systems.

Socorro ISD appoints new superintendent

James Vasquez has been appointed as the new superintendent for the Socorro Independent School District.

Vasquez most recently served as the interim superintendent at Socorro ISD and began his career in education as a teacher. Vasquez also previously served as principal in Socorro ISD, along with director of student services and deputy superintendent at Ysleta and Socorro ISDs.

Former Dallas chief named chief of Fort Worth PD

Eddie Garcia has been appointed as the next chief of the Fort Worth Police Department.

Garcia brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement to the role and has served as the chief of police for Dallas since 2020. Garcia began his career in law enforcement at the city of San Jose, California police department.

UTHealth Houston appoints new dean of medical school

LaTanya J. Love has been appointed as the dean of McGovern Medical School, effective Sept. 10.

Love most recently served as interim president, and in this new role, she will continue her service as executive vice president for Student and University Affairs and will oversee the medical school’s practice plan strategy and operations.

Grayson College names new first dean of enrollment management

Joselyn Gonzalez has been appointed as the first dean of enrollment management for Grayson College.

Gonzalez brings 16 years of experience in education to the role, including 13 years in higher education and most recently served as director of academic affairs and operations at Tarrant County College’s Trinity River Campus.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins appoints new state director for Texas rural development

James Redfield has been appointed as the state director for rural development in Texas.

Redfield most recently served the Texas Department of Agriculture, managing government and external relations. Redfield has also served as a policy advisor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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