Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 11/21/25

Updated: Wed, 11/26/25

Billion-dollar bridge projects will launch in 2026 as officials tackle decades of deferred maintenance

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

With more than 42,000 structurally deficient bridges nationwide, states are accelerating major replacement projects, combining federal, state, local and private sector funding to modernize critical crossings.

Texas Government Insider will not publish the week of Thanksgiving

In observance of Thanksgiving, the Strategic Partnerships, Inc. team will not publish either the Texas Government Insider or Government Contracting Pipeline newsletters. The newsletters will return the week of Dec. 1.

Federal judges halt Texas' redistricting plans before 2026 midterms

A federal court blocked Texas’ new congressional maps, setting up a Supreme Court appeal before the 2026 elections.

Bryan ISD moves $397M improvement plan forward for districtwide modernizations

Bryan ISD voters approved a $397 million bond to rebuild Bryan Collegiate, upgrade high school facilities, enhance security and modernize technology.

Trump administration mulls moving FEMA to Texas, utilizing state leadership

The White House is weighing a historic move to relocate FEMA headquarters to Texas as leadership changes and top candidates drive a major policy shift.

TxDOT unveils comprehensive plan to improve multimodal transit, access statewide

The Statewide Multimodal Transit Plan outlines strategies to improve mobility, expand intercity connections and prepare Texas transit systems for rapid population growth.

UT-Austin building nation's largest academic supercomputer, advancing AI research development

UT Austin will host the nation’s largest academic supercomputer as the NSF installs Horizon, a system that vastly expands the university’s AI and research capabilities.

TWDB approves $108M for local water, flood upgrades

The Texas Water Development Board approved $108 million for statewide water, wastewater and flood mitigation projects, including major funding for Irving and the East Aldine Management District.

UT Austin remains the only university silent on White House compact as deadline looms

UT Austin is the only university yet to respond to a White House compact offering preferred funding access in exchange for major changes to academic and campus policies.

City of Pharr appoints next assistant city manager

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

She previously served for four years as Director of the Office of Strategic Excellence for the city, where she helped establish and develop the department. In her new role, Cano aims to continue enhancing the quality of life for residents and serving the community.

UTEP names new leader to helm national security, classified research

Joseph Roth has been appointed as Associate Vice President for National Security Programs and Classified Research at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).

He will lead efforts to expand research and innovation in space, artificial intelligence, emerging technology and national security. Roth recently retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Space Force after 28 years of service, where he managed a $3.8 billion portfolio developing, launching and flying experimental and prototype satellites.

Taylor welcomes new downtown director

Niecy Baum has been selected as downtown director for the city of Taylor.

Most recently, she served as community development director for Pittsburg, where she led a Main Street revitalization along with economic development and historic preservation initiatives. As downtown director, Baum will support businesses, enhance community spaces and celebrate Taylor’s heritage.

TxDOT selects Senior Director of District Operations

Eric L. Lykins, PE, has been appointed Senior Director of District Operations for the Texas Department of Transportation.

Lykins began his TxDOT career in 1998 and most recently served as Odessa District Engineer, where he oversaw 55 active projects totaling more than $1.5 billion and guided the district’s $4 billion Unified Transportation Program. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening statewide safety, innovation and operational performance.

San Antonio selects a new leader to oversee security, cybersecurity efforts

Shannon Lawson has been appointed Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of the Alamo Regional Security Operations Center for the city of San Antonio (ARSOC).

Before joining the city, Lawson served as CISO for an IT company, where he developed a cybersecurity strategy and conducted cloud security risk assessments. He looks forward to partnering with regional stakeholders to strengthen San Antonio’s cyber readiness.

Liberty Hill announces deputy city manager

Brandon Pritchett has been selected as deputy city manager for the city of Liberty Hill.

He most recently served as public utility director for Pflugerville, where he oversaw utility operations, long-range planning, regulatory compliance, staffing and budgets while coordinating infrastructure projects with city leadership and community partners. As deputy city manager, Pritchett will support Liberty Hill’s growth.