Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 12/05/25

Updated: Fri, 12/05/25

From scattered offices to service hubs – Cities are rewriting the front doors to government

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

An emerging trend is consolidating municipal service operations as citizens look for convenience and cost savings. Check out this consolidation shift that is expected to continue over the next several years.

Feds deliver positive rating for Austin's $7.1B light rail project

Austin’s light-rail system cleared a major milestone after receiving a positive FTA rating, strengthening its path to a $4 billion federal grant for Project Connect.

New leader to drive state's Health and Human Services Commission

The governor has appointed the next HHSC executive commissioner, following the retirement of Cecile Erwin Young's three years of service.

$100M STEM facility marks major expansion for UNT Dallas

UNT Dallas has opened a $100 million STEM building featuring labs, classrooms and pre-health programs, marking the largest capital investment in the campus’s history.

FTA awards $100M grant for Harris County clean transit transformation

Houston METRO received $100.7 million to replace diesel buses with CNG models, build fueling infrastructure and reduce emissions across its transit network.

Comptroller restructures small business support program to prioritize veterans

Texas replaced its HUB program with new guidance, limiting procurement preferences to qualifying veteran-owned businesses and revoking former HUB certifications under new emergency rules.

Dallas to build $121M Klyde Warren Park expansion with landmark deck

Dallas will invest $121 million to launch Phase 2 of Klyde Warren Park, adding a deck, pavilion and expanded public greenspace beginning in 2026.

Houston advances $36M Bissonnet Corridor safe streets project

Houston will rebuild seven miles of Bissonnet Street with new sidewalks, lighting, signals and bike infrastructure after securing a major federal safety grant.

Bryce Carter

Chief Information Security Officer

City of Arlington

Abby Sharp

Intern in Training

Taylor Hubbard

Managing Consultant

TWDB selects new chief of staff to director

Kate Raetz has been named chief of staff to director Ashley Morgan at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB).

Raetz will support the office by guiding strategic planning, policy initiatives and organizational performance. She previously served as assistant vice chancellor for government relations for the University of Texas System. She brings experience managing operations and supporting executive decision-making.

El Paso ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

Dr. Brian Lusk has been unanimously selected as the lone finalist for superintendent of El Paso ISD.

He currently serves as deputy superintendent for Dallas ISD, where his career spans more than thirty years. Dr. Lusk holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Texas at Austin.

Texas A&M System announces new CIO

Dr. Vince Kellen has been named Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Texas A&M University System.

He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education and enterprise information technology. As CIO, Dr. Kellen will oversee IT strategy, infrastructure and data operations and will focus on strengthening research support and improving efficiency across its universities.

Abilene names new deputy city manager

Noel Bernal has been selected as deputy city manager for the city of Abilene.

Bernal is an experienced public administrator with a strong background in financial management and organizational performance. Most recently, he served as county manager for Adams County, Colorado, where he oversaw a workforce of 2,500 employees and an $821 million annual budget.

Dallas selects new chief information officer

Jeffrey Stovall has been named chief information officer (CIO) for the city of Dallas.

He brings more than two decades of experience leading strategic technology transformation across both the public and private sectors. In Dallas, he will focus on modernizing systems, strengthening cybersecurity, addressing debt and integrating artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and public trust.

Canutillo ISD unveils next superintendent

Josue Borrego has been selected as the next superintendent of Canutillo ISD.

He currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Houston ISD, where he supports the district’s transformation efforts through strategic guidance and problem-solving. Before joining Houston ISD, he spent more than ten years in Dallas ISD in several roles, including assistant principal.

Governor's Appointments (Nov. 22 - Dec. 5):

Texas Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors

Eric Andresen - Austin

Crystal Long - El Paso

Health Professionals Workforce Coordinating Council

Clifford Porter, M.D., Ph.D. - Austin

Bryan Sick, DNP - Houston

Candice Smith - Canyon

Cheletta Watkins, M.D. - Forney

University of Houston Board of Regents

Patrick Fertitta - Houston

369th Judicial District Court in Anderson, Cherokee and Leon Counties

Jonathan Richey - Rusk

502nd Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County

Mark Hanna - Sugar Land

501st Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County

Richard "Rick" Bell - Richmond

504th Judicial District Court in Ellis County

Gregory "Greg" Wilhelm - Midlothian

Governing Board for the Texas School of the Deaf

Heather "Hex" Lightfoot - Austin

Gregorio Mata - Edinburg

Oscar Ocutu, Ed.D - Manchaca

Texas Commission on the Arts

Theresa Chang - Houston (Reappointed)

Karen Partee - McKinney (Reappointed)

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