Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 05/02/25

Updated: Tue, 05/06/25

A source of funding support not to be overlooked during uncertain times

The State Small Business Initiative remains untouched amid federal funding freezes, offering billions through 2030 for local governments to develop credit support and investment programs tailored to their economic challenges.

Learn key compliance requirements for successful applications »

Starbase incorporation vote begins amid SpaceX legislation defeat

Early voting is underway for Boca Chica residents to decide whether their unincorporated community will become "Starbase," while Texas lawmakers have blocked a bill that would have expanded SpaceX's authority over local roads and beach access.

Find out why environmental groups oppose SpaceX's expanding influence »

BDO launches LEO satellite program to bridge digital divide

Texas has opened applications for its $30 million Low Earth Orbit Satellite Broadband Grant Program to deliver high-speed internet service to hard-to-reach rural areas with a focus on five counties that face geographical barriers to reliable connectivity.

Discover the program's ambitious speed requirements for remote locations »

$4B airport expansion positions DFW as global hub leader

American Airlines invested $4 billion in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal F expansion, doubling gates and adding international facilities as passenger traffic approaches 100 million by decade's end.

See what's included in DFW Forward's $12B capital plan »

Fulshear approves $212M water plan for expected growth

The city is preparing its water infrastructure for an additional 10,000 customers over the next five years, with equal investments in water and wastewater systems.

See which water projects will receive the largest share of funding »

High-speed rail from Dallas to Fort-Worth gains momentum

Fort Worth has approved $75,000 for an economic impact analysis of a high-speed rail route to Dallas, joining Arlington's $183,750 contribution and Dallas' previously approved $567,000 study.

Discover how the project fits into regional planning for projected growth »

LoanSTAR program finances public sector energy improvements

The Texas Comptroller's Office is accepting applications for its LoanSTAR Revolving Loan Program, offering low-interest funding up to $8 million for energy-efficiency retrofits to public institutions through August 2025.

Find out which public institutions meets the application requirements »

Mansfield advances plan for walkable $1B community district

The city of Mansfield has initiated the design process for a $1 billion mixed-use community district featuring a half-mile canal loop, pedestrian networks, and a new City Hall.

Learn how the project integrates multiple water features »

Belton invests in public safety with $17.7 million bond sale

The Belton City Council approved certificates of obligation worth $17.7 million to fund infrastructure and public safety projects in the city's 2025-29 Capital Improvements Program, with funds expected by May 21.

See how a school conversion creates new safety facility contracts »

Thomas Graham

Executive Director

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

DFW Airport names operations executive McLaughlin as new CEO

Chris McLaughlin has been named CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, succeeding retiring chief executive Sean Donohue. McLaughlin, formerly the airport’s executive vice president of operations, was unanimously appointed by the board following a global search.

He brings decades of aviation and security leadership, including prior roles at Denver International Airport and the TSA, where he helped launch the PreCheck program. The airport, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2024, serves about 90 million travelers each year.

Urban development expert joins Austin leadership

Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson will join the City of Austin's executive leadership team as assistant city manager beginning May 5. Johnson will oversee five key departments including the Austin Convention Center, Development Services, Economic Development, Housing and Planning.

Johnson brings more than two decades of experience in urban redevelopment, real estate and public policy to the role. He most recently served as president and CEO of a Minneapolis-based nonprofit. As chief of Economic and Neighborhood Revitalization for the City of Dallas, he established a $100 million affordable housing fund and developed comprehensive economic policies. Johnson holds degrees from Washburn University, the University of Tennessee and the University of Delaware.

San Antonio leader returns to preservation role

Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed San Antonio resident Alethea Swann Bugg to the State Preservation Board for a term ending Feb. 1, 2027.

Bugg currently serves as board chair of Mission Road Ministries and board president of the Friends of the Tobin Library at Oakwell and holds degrees from Sewanee: The University of the South and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Abbott appoints new leadership to Texas river authorities

Gov. Abbott has made numerous leadership changes to river authorities across Texas that manage crucial water resources and environmental projects.

Learn more about all nine appointees »

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

Presiding Judge of Sixth Administrative Judicial Region

Kirsten Cohoon - Boerne

Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Jason Bernal - New Braunfels

David Marsden - Weatherford

Jennifer Swords - Bedford (reappointed)

Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology

Ken Stout - Ropesville

Faraz Khan, M.D. - Houston (reappointed)

State Board for Educator Certification

Adam Booth - Leander

Tara Turk-Zaafran - Houston

Wanda “Jean” Streepey - Dallas (reappointed)

Latisha Andrews - Houston

Texas Medical Board

Mary “Kelly” Green, M.D. - Marble Falls

Devinder S. Bhatia, M.D. - Houston (reappointed)

Luisa del Rosal - Dallas (reappointed)

James “JD” Distefano, D.O. - College Station (reappointed)

Tomeka Herod - Allen (reappointed)

Robert David Martinez, M.D. - Edinburg (reappointed)

Jason K. Tibbels, M.D. - Bridgeport (reappointed)

Lower Colorado River Authority

Curtis Ford - Austin

Aden Lasseter - Round Mountain

Mark Mayo - Luling

Robert “Bobby” Lewis - Elgin

Margaret “Meg” Voelter - Austin

Stephen F. “Steve” Cooper - El Campo

San Jacinto River Authority Board of Directors

Charles “Ed” Boulware - Montgomery (reappointed)

Mark Micheletti - Kingwood (reappointed)

Ronnie Anderson - Mont Belvieu

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