Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 01/02/26

Updated: Fri, 01/02/26

Navigating uncertainty and opportunity in 2026

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

Nationwide, major initiatives are reshaping government priorities in 2026, creating uncertainty but also significant opportunities for public and private leaders.

Federal award kick starts Texas' $1.4B rural healthcare plan

Texas will receive more than $1.4 billion to modernize rural healthcare, with new investments supporting prevention, telehealth, infrastructure upgrades and local provider capacity.

State unveils leadership for budget, policy team

The governor has appointed five leaders to key roles in the Budget and Policy Division, strengthening the team that guides Texas’ fiscal and policy strategy.

Austin Energy outlines $735M plan to strengthen grid resilience

Austin Energy’s new resiliency plan strengthens grid reliability through circuit hardening, wildfire mitigation, DER integration and new intelligent systems.

TFC appoints new leader as major state facility projects continue

The Texas Facilities Commission appointed a new executive director, succeeding the retiring Mike Novak and guiding major state construction and facilities initiatives.

DIR, Texas Tech target cybersecurity in energy infrastructure with new course

Texas DIR and Texas Tec launched a free cybersecurity training course to help energy providers protect the electrical grid and meet national security standards.

Mineral Wells secures nearly $60M for systemwide water upgrade

Mineral Wells is moving forward with a $58.8 million water system overhaul funded, in part, by the Texas Water Development Board.

State awards $25M to expand recovery housing through UTHealth Houston

Texas is providing $25 million to UTHealth Houston to expand recovery housing and support services for people recovering from opioid-use disorder across the state.

Christianne Simmons

Chief Transformation Officer

City of Fort Worth

TxDOT appoints new Odessa district engineer

Saul Romero, P.E. has been appointed district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Odessa District.

Romero brings more than 15 years of experience with TxDOT. He began his career in 2008 and has advanced through design, construction and maintenance roles. As district engineer, Romero will oversee planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance across 12 West Texas counties

UTSA announces founding dean

Jinjun Xiong has been appointed founding dean of the University of Texas at San Antonio’s College of AI, Cyber and Computing, with an anticipated start date of March 1.

Xiong currently serves as SUNY Empire Innovation Professor and director of the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the University at Buffalo. As founding dean, Xiong will build the college’s strategy and partnerships, with a stated emphasis on applying AI and related technologies to solve society’s challenges.

Milano ISD announces next superintendent

Kevin Terry has been selected as the lone finalist for superintendent of Milano ISD.

A 26-year district veteran, Terry has served as acting superintendent since October 2025 while continuing as director of operations. As superintendent, Terry will guide the district through its leadership transition and maintain continuity across academics and district operations.

New leader selected for Atlanta District engineering

Katie Martin, P.E. has been selected as district engineer for TxDOT’s Atlanta District.

Martin brings more than two decades with TxDOT, most recently serving as the Atlanta District director of transportation planning and development. In her new role, Martin will oversee planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the state transportation system.

Pharr appoints new leader for public safety, enforcement

Juan F. Gonzalez has been appointed chief of police for the city of Pharr.

Gonzalez has more than 16 years of experience with the Pharr Police Department. He previously served as assistant chief and deputy chief and had led the department as acting chief since September 2022. As chief, Gonzalez will oversee the city’s public safety operations.

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