Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 11/07/25

Updated: Sat, 11/08/25

The Downtown Comeback: Cities of all sizes are building for the future

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

Cities throughout the nation are advancing downtown revitalization initiatives with a heavy emphasis on impactful community reconnections and urban renewal.

Bexar County voters back $311M publicly funded plan for new Spurs arena

Bexar County voters approved $311 million in bonds for the Spurs’ $1.3 billion arena, advancing the city's Project Marvel downtown redevelopment plan.

Governor appoints inaugural eight to AI Systems Advisory Board

The state has appointed eight members to Texas’ new Public Sector AI Systems Advisory Board, tasked with overseeing responsible AI use across state agencies.

NEISD improvement plan gains $483M boost following voter approval

North East ISD voters approved new bonds to upgrade facilities, technology and athletic complexes across the district's San Antonio facilities.

HCFCD unveils plan for $410M in Harris County flood control projects

Harris County will bid $410M in flood control projects over the next year, part of a $3.5B plan to expand Houston’s stormwater infrastructure.

ERCOT partners to research large power loads on state electric grid

The university partnership will develop open-source models of large energy loads to strengthen Texas grid stability as demand from data centers and crypto operations surges.

New $235M TAMU learning center set to break ground in 2026

Texas A&M University will build a $235 million College Station learning and innovation center to merge creativity and technology in a state-of-the-art facility.

Dallas Love Field plans $800M Love Field Expansion Airport Program

Dallas Love Field has finalized its 2025 Master Plan and started initial design on the $800 million LEAP expansion — the airport’s largest modernization to date.

Nacogdoches County's $75M jail bond receives approval from voters

Nacogdoches County voters approved a $75 million bond to build a new jail, replacing the county’s aging and overcrowded facility.

Maitreyee Gorase

Research Analyst

Windcrest appoints new city manager

Ronnie J. Guest Jr. has been appointed as the next city manager for the city of Windcrest.

A U.S. Army veteran, Guest Jr. will oversee daily operations and assist the city in developing strategic plans for the community. He brings prior experience as city manager and joins Windcrest from his position as senior program manager for military outreach with the International City/County Management Association.

Tomball welcomes new assistant city manager

Sakura Moten has been appointed as the next assistant city manager for the city of Tomball.

Moten brings more than 25 years of experience public and private administration. She brings leadership in finance, purchasing, project management, information technology and customer success. Moten will contribute to city operations, technology and fiscal management.

Division of Emergency Management announces new assistant chief

Paul Gunnels has been selected as Assistant Chief for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Central Texas Region 8.

Gunnels has served as regional section chief for preparedness and response since 2021 and began his fire service career with College Station in 1990. In his new capacity, he will lead regional preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation efforts across Central Texas.

The Colony selects new financial director

Ryan Bredehoeft has been appointed as the next finance director for the city of The Colony.

Bredehoeft previously served as assistant director of finance for the city of Sachse and holds a CPA designation. He brings extensive experience in accounting and financial management and will work with executive leadership to guide the city’s long-range fiscal strategy.

Victoria names new communications manager

Sam Hankins has been promoted to communications manager for the city of Victoria Communications and Public Affairs Department.

Hankins joined the city in 2020 as a communications specialist, overseeing news releases, blogs, columns and newsletters. In her new role, she will support the communications director in developing citywide strategies that promote transparency and trust.

Central Texas College announces new vice chancellor for student success

Dr. Shantay Grays has been named vice chancellor for student success at Central Texas College.

Most recently, Dr. Grays served as provost and executive vice president at Howard Community College. She brings experience leading transformational initiatives that advance student achievement and strengthen community engagement.

Governor's Appointments (Nov. 1-7):

North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors

Justin Hewlett - Cleburne

Dental Review Committee

Lois Palermo - League City

Danielle Franklin, D.D.S. - Dallas

Raymond L. Wiggins, D.D.S., M.D. - Katy

Southern Regional Education Board

Wynn Rosser, Ph.D. - Austin

Texas Historical Records Advisory Board

Elizabeth Factor - Austin

Jelain Chubb - Austin

Texas Commission on Marriage and Family

Carl Caton - New Braunfels (Chair)

Michael Hiller - Lakeway

Robert Pearle, D.Min. - Aledo

Texas Medical Board District Review Committee

Sharon Carr - Canadian

Mark Edwards, M.D. - Sonora

David Lindzey, M.D. - Spicewood

Family Practice Residency Advisory Committee

Alicia Cantrell - Houston (Reappointed)

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