Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 06/06/25

Updated: Fri, 06/06/25

A quick look at new state funding allocations for 2025 and 2026

States across the U.S. are investing heavily in transportation, education, water systems, and large construction projects in 2025 and beyond. SPI's research team dove into some of the promising state funding allocations around the country and shares their findings in today's column.

Texas High-Speed Rail Project gains momentum: Dallas study shows $5B annual boost

A new study supports Texas’ proposed high-speed rail linking Dallas, Houston and Fort Worth, projecting major economic gains and job creation. Despite lost federal funding, planning continues with local backing and ongoing feasibility reviews.

Texas Legislature approves $20B to divert state water crisis

Texas lawmakers approved a $20 billion plan to strengthen water infrastructure over the next 20 years amid growing drought concerns. Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7 aim to fund conveyance projects, promote water resilience, and support innovative solutions like desalination and aquifer storage. Voters will decide final approval in November.

Houston approves $7B operating budget for 2026, focusing on safety, infrastructure

Houston approved a $7 billion FY 2026 budget prioritizing public safety, infrastructure upgrades, government efficiency and quality of life improvements. Key investments target drainage, policing and community programs, despite a $200 million deficit requiring cuts to general fund departments. The city's five-year Capital Improvement Plan is still in progress.

Texas Cyber Command coming to San Antonio, following $135M state investment

Texas has approved House Bill 150, establishing the Texas Cyber Command in San Antonio to strengthen statewide cybersecurity. The facility will open by 2026 to coordinate cyber threat responses, leverage regional tech talent and support municipalities, businesses and residents against growing digital threats.

Fulshear plans $413M infrastructure boom to support explosive growth

Fulshear is planning a $35.46 million capital investment for FY 2025-26 as part of a $413 million, five-year infrastructure plan. Key priorities include water systems, transportation, parks and technology to support the city’s rapid growth. Major construction is expected to peak in FY 2026-27.

San Antonio proposes $250M development plan for multi-billion-dollar Project Marvel initiative

San Antonio City Council is proposing up to $250 million in infrastructure upgrades to support Project Marvel, a downtown sports and entertainment district. Planned improvements include transportation updates, pedestrian infrastructure, new parking facilities and traffic flow enhancements.

Major RFID manufacturer to expand production operations to Houston

A global RFID technology manufacturer from Taiwan has selected Houston for its first U.S.-based facilities. Plans include a 30,000-square-foot leased site and a future 100,000-square-foot factory and R&D center, citing Houston’s port access and space availability.

GLO awards over $12M in disaster recovery grants to flood-damaged cities

The Texas General Land Office has approved over $12 million in federal grants to fund infrastructure and housing projects in communities affected by past disasters. Funds will improve sewer, drainage, and emergency communications in Harris, Newton, Tomball and Brazoria counties.

Jason Alexander

Deputy Chief of Airport Affairs

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Tenured TDCJ Executive Director retires after nearly 40-year stint

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is announcing the retirement of Executive Director Bryan Collier, who has served TDCJ for almost 10 years.

Beginning his term in 2016, Collier has led the state to lower recidivism rates and procure investments in the state's jail systems. Effective August 31, the TDCJ will pursue another Executive Director, who will be appointed by the Texas Board of Criminal Justice.

Killeen names marketing pro as Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Torrie Bethany has been approved as Killeen’s new Executive Director of Communications and Marketing by Killeen City Council.

Prior to joining the Killeen, Bethany served as the Communications Director for the National Domestic Violence Hotline in Austin. In her new position, Bethany will oversee all internal and external communications, marketing initiatives and public relations efforts for Killeen.

McAllen promotes Assistant City Manager to Deputy City Manager

Michelle Rivera has been appointed as McAllen’s new Deputy City Manager by the city of McAllen.

Riviera brings 30 years of experience in public service and she currently serves as the Assistant City Manager of Development Services for McAllen. In her new role, Rivera will oversee development services and citywide initiatives focused on infrastructure, economic growth, community development and fiscal sustainability.

Brenham appoints parks and rec expert as Assistant City Manager

Megan Mainer has been named Brenham assistant city manager by the city of Brenham.

Mainer brings over 15 years of municipal leadership experience to the role and most recently served as the director of parks and recreation for the City of Angleton. She holds certifications in Public Management and is a member of the Texas Recreation and Park Society.

TAMU names tenured administrator as Dean of College of Pharmacy

Mansoor Khan, has been named dean of the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy.

Khan brings 10 years of experience with TAMU and more than 25 years of leadership experience to the role, including 11 years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. During his time with the FDA, he served as director of product quality research and senior biomedical research scientist in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

A&M-San Antonio selects UC Merced leader as VP for Finance and Administration and CFO

Adriana Rojas has been selected as the new vice president for finance and administration and CFO, effective July 14.

Rojas currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of Auxiliaries and Fiscal Innovation at the University of California, Merced and prior to joining UC, Rojas worked at the University of Texas at Austin for nearly 25 years.

Port Houston selects operations expert as new CSO

Candice Armenoff has been selected as the new Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for Port Houston.

Armenoff brings over 17 years of experience with Port Houston to the role and most recently served as its Director of Operations Planning. As CSO, she is responsible for leading the development and execution of the port’s strategic initiatives.

Governor's Appointments (June 1-June 7):

Texas State Board of Examiners

Nadia Stewart - Round Rock

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission

John A. McCall Jr. - Crockett

Paul Foster - El Paso

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