Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 10/31/25

Updated: Mon, 11/03/25

A new federal marketplace is emerging – Big changes should be noted

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

Sweeping procurement changes are redefining how the federal government buys, manages and secures technology — and who gets to participate.

Four statewide ballot issues to understand before Nov. 4

Texas voters will decide over a dozen constitutional amendments next week, including four vital propositions that address water infrastructure, tax exemptions, research and technical colleges.

Texas A&M University System to launch modular nuclear collaboration at Texas A&M-RELLIS

Texas A&M-RELLIS will host a 5-megawatt modular nuclear microreactor, part of a DOE pilot to advance clean and reliable energy.

Federal judge strikes down Texas book rating law as unconstitutional

A federal judge has struck down the READER Act, ruling the 2023 law restricting school library books unconstitutional.

Waco kick starts $1.4B downtown redevelopment

Waco has launched a downtown redevelopment plan to transform 100 acres with new civic, cultural and riverfront spaces.

Texas launches clean bus program to cut diesel emissions statewide

TCEQ launched two grant programs for Texas schools to replace diesel buses and fund clean vehicle purchases.

El Paso allocates $110M for new police headquarters, command facilities

El Paso will spend $110.1 million to build a new police headquarters and regional command center, modernizing public safety operations.

Study funded for Austin-San Antonio passenger rail line

Travis County approved a feasibility study for a 90-mile Austin–San Antonio commuter rail line, exploring new transit options to ease I-35 congestion and regional growth.

GLO targets state history, cartography at upcoming symposium

Texas GLO will host the Save Texas History Symposium in Austin, celebrating cartography, preservation and the history of Texas.

Gerard Hudspeth

Mayor

City of Denton

Eric Pribyla

Director of Strategic Initiatives

Wayland Branson

Marketing Intern

Harris County selects a new purchasing agent

Kimberly Williams, J.D., has been appointed purchasing agent for the Harris County Office of the Purchasing Agent.

Williams will focus on strengthening procurement partnerships that promote operational excellence and public value. She brings more than two decades of public-sector experience, most recently serving as chief innovation officer for the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Heath announces new assistant city manager

Chelsey Gordon has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of Heath.

Gordon plans to use innovation and data-driven decision-making to advance key city infrastructure projects. Before joining Heath, she served as director of policy development and strategic initiatives for the town of Highland Park.

Pflugerville appoints its next police chief

Willie Richards has been appointed as police chief for the city of Pflugerville.

Richards seeks to ensure the police department reflects and engages the community it serves. His top priorities include reviewing community engagement practices and evaluating evidence management protocols. He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, most recently as assistant police chief for the city of Round Rock.

Liberty Hill City Council selects its next city manager

Thomas Hunter has been appointed city manager for the city of Liberty Hill, effective Nov. 17.

Hunter brings extensive municipal management experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing rapidly growing Texas cities. He previously served as assistant city manager for the city of Pflugerville, where he oversaw multiple departments and strategic initiatives.

Austin appoints general manager of Austin Energy

Stuart Reilly, J.D., has been named general manager of Austin Energy and will assume the role on Nov. 2.

Reilly brings more than 18 years of experience in public power and has twice served as interim general manager for the utility. He will continue advancing Austin Energy’s mission to provide clean, reliable and affordable energy while delivering excellent customer service.

Governor's Appointments (Oct. 25-31):

Upshur County Criminal Defense Attorney

Barry Wallace - Gladewater

Twelfth Court of Appeals

Michael Davis - Palestine

District Attorney of the 9th Judicial District

Michael "Mike" Holley - Conroe

Judge of the 503rd Judicial District Court

J. Brian Williams - Rockwall

Judge of the 286th Judicial District Court

Anna Hord - Levelland

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