Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 05/23/25

Updated: Sat, 05/24/25

Mary's column will return next week with more insights on public sector opportunities in the Lone Star State.

Texas launches $6B initiative to secure water future

Texas' Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has initiated a $6 billion water infrastructure project to address projected shortages as water demand increases by 17% while supplies decrease by 11% by 2070.

New Braunfels to benefit from $1.4B highway expansion

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is advancing a $1.4 billion project to expand State Highway 46 between New Braunfels and Seguin, intending to reduce congestion, improve safety and accommodate regional growth.

Texas BDO grants offer $3.8B for broadband expansion

The Texas Broadband Development Office is offering up to $500M per project to expand internet access through the BEAD program, with funding available for cooperatives, local governments, nonprofits, utilities and more.

Dripping Springs voters approve $402M bond for schools

More than 70% of voters in the Dripping Springs Independent School District approved a $402.3 million bond to build a new high school for 2,500 students, renovate existing facilities and fund capital improvements across seven educational facilities.

Kyle maps ambitious water future with billions in projects

The city of Kyle has adopted its first comprehensive Water Master Plan, outlining $6.6 billion in projects over 50 years—including aquifer access, storage and reuse systems—to manage rising demand, support a projected population of 148,000 by 2080 and prevent a water supply gap.

TSC awards $20M in space industry contracts and grants

The Texas Space Commission board of directors has announced more than $20 million in approved projects across five organizations, with an additional $34 million in funding still available.

Argyle ISD approves $423M for schools and tech upgrades

Argyle ISD has approved a $423M investment to build a new middle and elementary school, improve existing campuses, expand sports facilities and enhance technology infrastructure, including security upgrades and classroom resources.

Texas Bitcoin strategic reserve bill heads to governor

The Texas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 21 to establish a cryptocurrency reserve managed by the Comptroller of Public Accounts, making Texas the third state to create such a reserve if Gov. Greg Abbott signs it into law.

Salvador Hector Ochoa

President

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Lone Star College selects Morales as LSC-Online inaugural president

Carlos R. Morales has been selected by the Lone Star College System as the inaugural president of LSC-Online.

He brings 30 years of experience to the role and is currently the president of Tarrant County College (TCC) Connect Campus in Fort Worth. Morales will begin his new position on July 14.

Dalton named vice president for Student Affairs at UT-Austin

The University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) has announced John Dalton as the new vice president of its Student Affairs Department.

Dalton has more than 30 years of higher education experience, including 25 years of experience at UT-Austin. He most recently served as associate vice president for Investigation and Adjudication.

Thompson elected mayor of San Angelo

Thomas Thompson has been elected as the new mayor of San Angelo.

He was officially sworn in on Tuesday during a special session. Thompson previously worked as a councilmember in District 2 and formally resigned before taking oath as mayor.

Owens appointed city secretary of Celina

Ashley Owens has been appointed as the new city secretary by the city of Celina.

Owens brings 13 years of municipal experience to the role, with five years as the city secretary of Coppell, Texas. She began her new position on Monday.

Carroll appointed interim city manager of Vidor

Rod Carroll has been appointed as interim city manager of Vidor.

Carroll is currently the Vidor police chief and steps into the role following the retirement of Robbie Hood. This is the second time Carroll will be serving as interim city manager, with the first being in 2023.

Whittaker named city administrator of Magnolia

Christopher Whittaker has been approved by the Magnolia City Council as the new city administrator.

He comes with experience as city manager in both Angleton and Rockdale, Texas. The hiring of Whittaker comes after months of searching following the retirement of Don Doering in November.

Governor's Appointments (May 16-22):

Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board

Chance Bolton - Lakeway (chair)

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