Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 10/24/25

Updated: Mon, 10/27/25

Rebuilding the Rules: Contractors face most significant DBE shake-up in 40 years

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

Applicants to the USDOT's DBE program are set for new mandates and requirements under an interim rule that emphasizes additional accountability and oversight.

New Texas leadership to guide Department of Defense

The White House has nominated a Texas senator, a Purple Heart recipient and 9/11 survivor, as the next assistant secretary of defense at the DOD.

Texas intermodal ports contribute $26.9B to state GDP in 2024, reports find

Comptroller data shows Port San Antonio and AllianceTexas are economic powerhouses, adding nearly $27 billion to the state GDP in 2024.

Public Utility Commission welcomes new leader following appointment

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed a new public sector leader to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, overseeing ERCOT and state utility regulation through 2031.

CapMetro unveils plan to expand rail, improve infrastructure throughout Central Texas

CapMetro’s new Transit Plan 2035 expands Austin’s bus and light rail network, improves access and modernizes citywide transportation.

TEA announces Fort Worth ISD takeover

The Texas Education Agency will take control of Fort Worth ISD, replacing its elected board after years of low performance.

McAllen announces $230M redevelopment for new mixed-use community

McAllen is planning a $230 million redevelopment of the former Boeye Reservoir, creating a luxury mixed-use district expected to generate $400 million annually.

Hawkins accepts nomination to Texas Supreme Court

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed a former Texas solicitor general and appellate attorney, to the Supreme Court of Texas for a term ending in 2026.

Texas DMV set for wave of new public sector leaders

Gov. Abbott has made new appointments to the state DMV board, providing oversight over vehicles, dealer regulation and grant programs.

Texas Capital’s main street to get major facelift under new urban design plan

Austin will launch a redesign of Congress Avenue in 2026, upgrading sidewalks, bike lanes and streetscapes as part of a $130 million project.

Tracy Baker

Intern

TxDOT promotes district engineer for Beaumont District

Ana Mijares, P.E., has been promoted to district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Beaumont District.

Mijares will oversee planning, design, construction and maintenance of transportation systems across eight Southeast Texas counties. She has served TxDOT for more than 30 years, most recently as deputy district engineer. Mijares earned her B.S. in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and obtained her professional engineering license in 2004.

Corpus Christi International Airport welcomes new director of aviation

Richard McCurley has been named director of aviation for Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA).

McCurley will oversee all strategic and daily operations at the airport, focusing on building a high-performance culture and strengthening relationships with regional stakeholders. He brings more than 35 years of aviation experience, including service as director of aviation for a New Mexico airport.

Fredericksburg names new emergency management coordinator

Ashley Morris has been appointed emergency management coordinator for the city of Fredericksburg.

Morris will lead the city’s emergency management department as the Hill Country continues recovery and mitigation efforts following this year’s regional flooding. She brings experience as preparedness and outreach division manager for a Maryland county office of emergency management, where she led countywide preparedness plans and public education initiatives.

Bonham Economic Development Corporation appoints new executive director

William Mayers has been appointed executive director of the Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO).

Mayers will guide Bonham’s economic development strategy, focusing on business attraction, fiscal management and redevelopment initiatives. With more than two decades of experience, he previously served as executive director of the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation, where he led industrial recruitment and long-range planning efforts.

San Antonio names interim director of public works

Juan G. Ayala has been appointed interim director of the public works department for the city of San Antonio.

Ayala leaves his role as director of military and veteran affairs to fill the position following the retirement of the previous public works director. He will oversee the delivery and completion of infrastructure projects and services throughout the city. A retired Marine Corps major general, Ayala is a former inspector general of the Marine Corp.

Princeton names new development services director

Shailaja “Shai” Roos has been appointed development services director for the city of Princeton.

Roos will oversee the city’s planning, zoning, inspections, permitting, code enforcement and environmental sustainability programs. She brings 27 years of experience in urban planning and community development across sectors. Before joining Princeton, she consulted for multiple states on long-range planning and operational efficiency.