Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 09/12/25

Updated: Fri, 09/12/25

FEMA at a Crossroads... What Americans Need to Know

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

With the downsizing of FEMA, state and local government officials are initiating plans to take over disaster recovery operations.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit adopts largest service change in 40-year history

DART will cut routes, reduce frequency and raise fares in 2026, part of its largest service overhaul in decades.

Beaumont plans $700M infrastructure plan for citywide upgrades

Beaumont approved a $700.1M Community Investment Plan earlier this month, funding water, streets, parks, downtown and public safety projects across the city.

Eight Texas public universities emerge as America's top institutions

Texas public universities climbed in Forbes’ 2026 national rankings, with UT-Austin and Texas A&M in the top 25 and UH breaking into the public top 50.

McKinney City Council allocates $327.7M for capital projects

McKinney approved a $942 million budget for FY 2025-2026, with $327.7 million for capital projects in water, roads, parks, public safety and technology.

TAMU System authorizes new capital plan with $831M in new FY 2026 projects

The Texas A&M University System has approved a $6.6 billion capital plan, advancing projects across multiple campuses, from new labs to expanded health facilities.

Governor issues executive order targeting hemp restrictions for minors

Gov. Abbott issued an order directing Texas agencies to regulate hemp sales, enforce protections for minors and study a statewide framework for the industry.

Hood County puts $149M infrastructure bonds on ballot

Hood County voters will decide Nov. 4 on $149 million in bonds, with Proposition A funding jail expansion and Proposition B supporting nine road projects.

Texas A&M scientists help reveal strongest clues yet for ancient life on Mars

Texas A&M researchers discovered chemical patterns in Mars’ Jezero Crater that resemble life-friendly settings on Earth, hinting at potential biosignatures.

Aubrey A. Spear

General Manager

San Jacinto River Authority

East Chambers ISD selects new superintendent

Andrea Smith has been announced as the new superintendent for the East Chambers Independent School District. The move will effectively promote Smith from her previous position as assistant superintendent.

Smith has been with the school district since 2018, where she had served first as a principal. She will now oversee a district with approximately 1,550 students across primary, elementary, middle and high school campuses.

TDCJ announces new Chief Projects Officer

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has announced the selection of Michael Bates as the agency's next Chief Projects Officer.

Bates has over 17 years of experience with the agency, beginning his career as a correctional officer in 2008. He has served in multiple leadership roles including assistant warden, warden, director and deputy division director of the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division.

McAllen appoints communications expert as next director of public information

Irma Chapa has been appointed to the city of McAllen as the next director of public information, effective Sept. 2.

With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, healthcare, banking, and federal public service, Irma brings a wealth of expertise in strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations.

Georgetown ISD appoints new superintendent

The Georgetown Independent School District has unanimously appointed Dr. Devin Padavil as its new superintendent.

Dr. Padavil brings over 22 years of educational experience, including his previous role as superintendent of Taylor ISD. He also served a area superintendent at Leander ISD and an assistant superintendent for secondary schools at Fort Bend ISD.

Highland Park appoints Lough as assistant town administrator

The town of Highland Park announced the appointment of Taylor Lough as Assistant Town Administrator, effective September 10.

Lough brings extensive municipal experience and leadership to the role, according to the town. She will oversee the Administrative Services Group, which includes Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Policy Development and Strategic Initiatives, Municipal Court and the Town Library.

CapMetro promotes Conlan to executive vice president

Kevin Conlan has been promoted to the executive vice president and chief financial officer for CapMetro.

Conlan brings strategic thinking and integrity to the role along with leadership experience. He will oversee several CapMetro initiatives seeking to improve the quality of ridership and services in Central Texas.

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