Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 11/14/25

Updated: Fri, 11/14/25

The Final Mile – the U.S. must rush to finish its critical lead pipe cleanup!

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

Despite billions in federal aid, toxic lead pipes remain in service across the country. As new projects ramp up, the question remains: will America finish the job before the funding runs dry?

New leadership to guide Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office panel

Gov. Abbott appointed five leaders to the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office Advisory Panel, expanding the state’s push to reduce regulatory burdens across state agencies.

Richardson voters approve $1.4B bond for RISD improvement plan

Richardson ISD voters approved a bond package to build new middle schools, upgrade 40+ campuses and add a districtwide CTE center under a major facilities plan.

Texas wins authority to regulate carbon-storage wells

The EPA has approved Texas to administer Class VI carbon injection well permits, granting the state full primacy for CO₂ sequestration.

"Y'all Street" is expanding as Nasdaq unveils new Texas exchange

Nasdaq will launch a Texas-based dual listing exchange in 2026, joining NYSE Texas and the Texas Stock Exchange as the state positions “Y’all Street” as a financial hub.

DART advances $2.1B Silver Line rail project

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is unveiling the next steps for the $2.1 billion Silver Line project, offering a new 26-mile rail link to DFW Airport.

UT Arlington unveils major campus projects under updated Master Plan

UT Arlington detailed updates to its Campus Master Plan, including new gateways, housing, academic buildings, greenspace expansion and mobility upgrades.

Laredo receives updated plan to construct federal DHS border wall

DHS now plans to build parts of the 230-mile smart border wall through Laredo's city limits, raising concerns about design, water impacts and community engagement.

Design phase begins for two new Corpus Christi fire stations

Corpus Christi approved design contracts for new Fire Stations 9 and 11, replacing aging facilities with modern, bond-funded buildings.

Austin expands university partnerships to address civil challenges

Austin renewed its UT partnership, expanding university-led research on climate resilience, mobility, housing, emergency communication and homelessness services.

Sour Lake names new city manager

Beau Hansen has been appointed city manager for the city of Sour Lake.

Hansen previously served as deputy building official for the city of Beaumont, where he focused on improving internal systems, public perception and organizational culture. A Sour Lake native, he returns home to lead city operations and strengthen community services.

New city manager to lead Aledo

Candice Edmondson has been appointed city manager for the city of Aledo.

Edmondson will guide the city’s growth and oversee implementation of its comprehensive Parks, Master and Thoroughfare plans. She previously served as city manager for Richland Hills, where she managed a $28 million budget and advanced key infrastructure projects while maintaining long-term financial stability.

Bryan appoints next city manager

Andrew Nelson has been appointed city manager for the city of Bryan.

Nelson previously served as mayor of Bryan from 2016 to 2022, leading major initiatives such as the annexation of the Texas A&M RELLIS Campus and the development of Travis Bryan Midtown Park. As city manager, he will continue advancing Bryan’s strategic growth and innovation efforts.

Pharr appoints new assistant city manager

Melanie Cano has been appointed assistant city manager for the city of Pharr.

Cano will oversee development services, public utilities, public health, code compliance, grants management and parks and recreation. She brings more than 12 years of experience in public administration. In her new role, Cano will continue to enhance quality of life initiatives and strengthen community partnerships.

El Paso Electric names new chief financial officer

Robert Norris has been named chief financial officer for El Paso Electric.

An El Paso native, Norris brings extensive financial and executive experience. As CFO, he will join the company’s executive leadership team and oversee accounting, cash management, financial planning, financial systems, internal auditing, and information technology.

Fort Worth promotes new chief communication officer

Sana Syed has been promoted to chief communication officer for the city of Fort Worth.

Syed brings nearly 25 years of experience in public relations and strategic communications. As chief communication officer, she will lead Fort Worth’s communications and public engagement department, guiding organizational realignment and outreach strategy.

Governor's Appointments (November 8-14):

Advisory Council on Cultural Affairs

Stewart McGregor - Forney

Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. - McAllen

Ethan Gillis - Richardson

Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders

D. Bailey Wynne - Duncanville

Kathey Comer - Tyler

Sabine River Compact Administration Commissioner

Michael H. "Mike" Lewis - Newton (Reappointed)

Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District

Weldon Riggs - Atascosa County

Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council

Sophia Rahman, M.D. - Plano

Stefani Reinold, M.D - Dripping Springs

Brandon Brock, DNP, Ph.D. - Sunnyvale

Kara Chasteen - Lometa

Summer Gainey, Ph.D. - Anderson

Sarah Garrett - Spicewood

Suzanne Gazda, M.D. - San Antonio

Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D. - Houston

Paula Kruppstadt, M.D. - Shenandoah

Amy Offutt, M.D. - Marble Falls

Nathan Pullen - Austin

Martha Shoultz - Dallas

Barry Smeltzer - Boerne

Melissa Smith - Bushland

For more news and opportunities from the public sector

Click Here!

7500 Rialto Blvd
Bldg 2, Suite #145
Austin TX 78735
US

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options