Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 12/19/25

Updated: Fri, 12/19/25

University megaprojects drive next wave of capital investment on campuses throughout the U.S.

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

Universities nationwide are accelerating construction plans as campuses confront infrastructure and rising enrollment needs.

State fast-tracks flood mitigation, prevention strategies following July flooding

Texas is quickly advancing two Senate bills, launching an initiative for flood mitigation across 30 counties following severe 2025 flash flooding.

Texas taps longtime UNT professor as next state historian

The governor has appointed the fifth Texas State Historian, selecting a former educator and UNT professor to lead statewide efforts promoting Texas history.

TAMU System approves $250M to build learning facility, residence hall

The university system moves $250 million in new academic and housing projects into design, including a 112,000-square-foot learning commons and a 950-bed residence hall.

El Paso unveils comprehensive climate action plan to guide city priorities

City officials have unveiled the Regional Climate Action Plan, outlining strategies to cut emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

TWDB invests $240M to enhance water systems statewide

Texas awarded $239.5 million for water and flood projects, funding major upgrades in Fort Worth, Mineral Wells, Abilene and several rural districts.

TxDOT to expand Central Texas highway with $145M project

TxDOT will spend $145 million to widen FM 812 and improve mobility between US 183 and SH 21, with phased construction beginning in 2028.

Round Rock enters design phase for latest downtown revitalization project

Round Rock advances Phase 2 of its Northeast Downtown project, planning pedestrian-focused upgrades and utility improvements along Sheppard Street.

Courtney Arbour

Executive Director

TDLR

Plainview promotes director of information technology

David Ellis has been promoted as director of information technology for the city of Plainview.

Ellis will lead the city’s information technology operations, including system maintenance, software management and internal technical support. He brings more than nine years of service with the city as an IT specialist and holds an associate degree in network and system administration from DeVry University.

NCTOG selects public affairs and communication officer

Caroline Vandergriff has been selected as public affairs and communication officer for the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTOG).

Vandergriff will oversee media relations, public outreach and strategic communication efforts for the agency. She brings nearly 15 years of experience in television journalism, most recently serving as a reporter for CBS News Texas. Her background in journalism will support the agency’s ability to communicate clearly, effectively and strategically.

Texas A&M University System names director of Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Dr. Kiril Dimitrov has been named director of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL).

Dimitrov will lead statewide diagnostic and research efforts supporting animal health in Texas. He brings extensive scientific expertise, having joined the laboratory in 2019. Dimitrov previously served as head of virology and molecular diagnostics and later as assistant agency director for microbiology and research.

Denton selects chief of police

Tony Salas has been selected as acting chief of police for the city of Denton.

Salas will assume command of the police department effective Jan 10. He brings nearly two decades of experience with the Denton Police Department, where he has served as a patrol officer, narcotics and major crimes detective, sergeant, deputy chief and assistant chief.

Richmond appoints executive director of development corporation

Lacie Chambers has been appointed as executive director of the Development Corporation of Richmond (DCR).

Chambers brings a deep understanding of the community and a strategic mindset with a proven record of building partnerships, positioning her to guide Richmond through its next chapter of economic growth. At DCR, Chambers will assist with due diligence, provide real-time market intelligence and help connect private-sector enterprises.

Leander ISD names superintendent

Chris Clark has been appointed as the acting superintendent for Leander ISD.

Clark will lead day-to-day district operations and maintain stability during the superintendent search process. He brings senior leadership experience, most recently serving as assistant superintendent for Leander ISD and previously as managing director of academic programs for Frisco ISD.

Governor's Appointments (Dec. 13 - 19):

Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee

Ann Shippy, M.D. - Austin

Sid Miller - Stephenville

Natalie Bachynsky, Ph.D. - Lovelady

Padmaja Patel. M.D. - Midland

Cheryl Sew Hoy - Austin

Jaclyn Albin, M.D. - Bedford

Kathleen Davis, Ph.D. - Denton

Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force

Heather Bellino - Austin

Jia Benno - Austin

Megan Bermea - Cedar Park

Hillary England - Pflugerville

Allison Garcia - Round Rock

Mariah Gardner - Converse

Staley Heatly - Vernon

Kathryn Jacob - Waxahachie

Julie Kinser - Amarillo

Kevin Larence - Pflugerville

Daisy Lopez - Brownsville

Heather Mahaffey - Denison

Michael McNutt - Round Rock

Jarvis Parsons - Bryan

April Propst - Abilene

Hannah Rahaman - Katy

Michelle Shields - Amarillo

Chris Smyth - Round Rock

Glorida Teryy - Buda

Leila Wood - Austin

Jamie Wright - Houston

Texas Women's University Student Regent

David Jennings - Sanger

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