Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 01/09/26

Updated: Fri, 01/09/26

Multimillion-dollar wildlife overpass and underpass projects are reshaping America’s roads

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

Wildlife overpass and underpass projects are expanding nationwide as states target highway safety, habitats and collision reduction.

Dallas County advances plan for $5B jail replacement

Dallas County is planning a $5 billion jail replacement, with site selection and early planning underway for a decade-long justice infrastructure project.

New state leader helms Texas' Commission of Insurance

The governor appointed a new leader to head the state's insurance department, selecting a legal and communications expert for the role.

Garland plans $360M in bond projects under new mayor

Garland voters approved a $360 million bond for a variety of capital projects while electing a new mayor to guide the city’s next growth phase.

DFW leads nation as America's top tech hub, report finds

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranked No. 1 in the 2026 North American Tech Hub Index, surpassing Washington, D.C., as Texas metros continue to climb.

Comptroller to distribute $1.2B in sales tax revenue to local governments

Texas will distribute $1.2 billion in January sales tax revenue to cities, counties and transit agencies, reflecting a 4.9% increase over last year.

Sugar reinvigorates public safety under $63M police facility overhaul

Sugar Land will build a $63.2 million police headquarters and renovate facilities, expanding operations, courts and emergency response with construction starting in 2026.

Tarleton State University plans new $57M on-campus parking garage

TSU is planning a $57 million parking garage with 1,500 spaces, expanding north campus access and mobility beginning in late 2026.

LaFluer to lead East Texas Council of Governments board

Leward LaFluer has been appointed as the chair of the East Texas Council of Governments Chief Elected Officials-Rural Transportation Planning Organization Board.

LaFleur currently serves as the Marion County Judge. As chair of the ETCOG board, he leads county judges, area mayors and TxDOT district engineers in setting rural transportation priorities and oversight for workforce programs across ETCOG’s 14-county region. LaFleur has served on the board since 2018 and has chaired since 2023.

Taylor selects Ducay to lead citywide planning

Joe Ducay has been selected as planning manager for the city of Taylor.

Most recently, Ducay worked as a senior planner for the city of Austin, where he led long-range transportation and mobility planning at both the citywide and neighborhood level. Ducay will oversee and direct the city’s planning division and serve as a key liaison to boards, commissions, developers and the public.

San Antonio commerce unveils new vice president of aerospace, cybersecurity and military affairs

Tim Farrell has been appointed vice president of military affairs, aerospace and cybersecurity for the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

Farrell brings more than 30 years of Air Force service, including leadership in operations and planning roles. In his new role, he will lead engagement with military and industry stakeholders, strengthen regional partnerships and support mission growth tied to San Antonio’s military, aerospace and cyber economy.

Brown out as state Insurance Commissioner after five-year tenure

Cassie Brown will retire as Texas insurance commissioner effective February 2, 2026.

Brown has led the Texas Department of Insurance since 2021 and has overseen the regulation of one of the nation’s largest insurance markets. During her tenure, the agency emphasized consumer protection and market oversight across insurance lines that affect households and employers statewide.

ETCOG announces new vice chair of rural transportation planning

A.J. Mason has been reappointed vice chair of the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) Chief Elected Officials-Rural Transportation Planning Organization Board.

Mason currently serves as Camp County Judge. Mason joined the ETCOG in 2016 and has held the vice chair role since 2018. He will continue to guide ETCOG efforts with chair Leward LaFluer.

Governor's Appointments (Jan. 3 - 9):

Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board

Jason LaFond - Austin

Higher Education Coordinating Board

Darryl Heath - Colleyville

Colt McCoy - Aledo

Ashlie Thomas - Victoria (Reappointed)

Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Kenny Marchant - Coppell (Reappointed)

Ajay Thomas - Austin (Reappointed)

Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee

Col. Omar A. Perea - El Paso

Small Business Assistance Advisory Task Force

Eduardo Contreras - Austin (Reappointed)

Lisa Fullerton - San Antonio (Reappointed)

Omar Veliz - El Paso (Reappointed)

Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation Board of Directors

Lemuel Williams, Jr. - Austin (Chair)

David Lewis - Austin

Valerie Vargas Cardenas - San Juan (Reappointed)

Agriculture Finance Authority

Nelda Barrera - McAllen

Colby McClendon - Lavon

Scott Frazier - Chapman Ranch

Zachary Davis - Decatur

Justin Tucker - Cameron

Tommy Henderson - Byers

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