Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 02/06/26

Updated: Fri, 02/06/26

Building Air Travel’s Next Era: Airport projects move forward nationwide

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

U.S. airports are advancing terminal expansions, capacity additions and parking projects to support future passenger and economic growth nationwide.

Comptroller announces historic start for Texas Education Freedom Accounts program

Texas’ Education Freedom Accounts program broke national records more than 42,000 students applied on the first day of the new school choice initiative.

State unveils first round of priorities for upcoming legislative session

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released the first Senate interim charges, signaling legislative priorities on taxes, infrastructure, education and state oversight.

TEEX hosts 2026 Cyber Readiness Summit amid nationwide push for secure digital systems (Sponsored)

The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service gathered elected leaders, educators and private partners to discuss cybersecurity at the 2026 Cyber Readiness Summit, focusing on NIST-based strategies to strengthen public-sector cyber resilience.

Houston plans $142M rail grade separation project in West Belt

The city of Houston will spend $142 million to build a series of grade separations along a railroad in the West Belt Subdivision. Currently in the design phase, construction is expected to begin in 2029.

The West Belt Railroad Grade Separation project will build a total of three grade separations, targeting the Commerce Street/Navigation Boulevard and York Street/Sampson Street areas. These efforts will help make rail crossings safer for travelers and reduce noise for local communities while enhancing traffic flow.

The separators will either go under or over the existing tracks. In addition, the city will close four at-grade crossings that have proven to be exceedingly dangerous for travelers. Once finished, the city anticipates that the area will be quieter and have reduced vehicle emissions.

The nine-mile West Belt Subdivision is a major freight rail line, making it both a hazard and nuisance to surrounding neighborhoods. With the removal of a total of six at-grade crossings, the city will create a sealed freight rail corridor while alleviating traffic congestion.

Local Governments’ Biggest Blind Spot: The $4.1T market hiding in city hall (Sponsored)

While some obsess over checkout buttons and instant credit, America’s most reliable cashflows crawl through municipal offices.

Del Rio receives $17M loan to rehabilitate containment wall, water treatment plant

The Texas Military Preparedness Commission (TMPC) will loan the city of Del Rio $17 million to build two critical water infrastructure projects.

The commission will provide the funds through the Texas Military Value Revolving Loan Fund (TMVRLF). The program is designed to enhance the value of military facilities, infrastructure projects and economic development efforts in defense communities.

Del Rio will receive funding to advance two projects that involve rehabilitating a containment wall and modernizing a water treatment plant.

The San Felipe East Springs Containment Wall rehabilitation project will consist of restoring and reinforcing a roughly 90-year-old structure to safeguard one of the city’s essential water sources.

Water erosion has deteriorated the wall over the years, compromising its integrity and posing a credible risk of failure. Once completed, the city will use the containment wall to maintain water levels for pump operations, prevent structural failure and secure critical infrastructure.

Flower Mound advances $50M arts center project in River Walk District

Flower Mound plans to dedicate $50 million toward a new arts center in the River Walk District, with design and procurement phases set to begin soon.

Dean A. Huard

Senior Consultant

Jesus A. Torres

Research Analyst

Taylor unveils planning expert as new director of development services

The city of Taylor has formally announced Martin Griggs as Taylor's new director of development services.

Griggs, a Texas A&M University graduate, brings more than 14 years of municipal experience, previously serving as deputy director of community development with the city of Pearland. In his new role, he will guide Taylor's future development efforts as the city experiences population growth.

Liberty Hill announces new procurement administrator

Officials with the city of Liberty Hill have announced Kelly Wenzel as the next procurement director.

Wenzel previously served with the city of Liberty Hill prior to departing for a separate position. She will return to Liberty Hill and oversee the city's procurement-related activities, bringing a deep expertise in municipal operations and public service.

TDCJ taps technology pro for chief data officer

Pranit Shah has been announced as the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's new chief data officer.

Shah, a self-proclaimed technology evangelist, brings a strong understanding of technology, data management and artificial intelligence. Previously, he served as a data and analytics community ambassador for a private company and as lead enterprise data and AI architect for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

New chief information security officer announced for Dallas College

Michael Anderson has been announced as the next chief information security officer (CISO) for Dallas College.

Anderson will join the college with six years of public service experience. He anticipates securing the university's world-class environment dedicated to learning, teaching and growth. He will oversee initiatives that drive digital and IT transformations campuswide.

Brownsville promotes internally for next chief people officer

Perla Cepeda has been promoted by the city of Brownsville to serve as the next chief people office.

Cepeda brings over a decade of human resources and organizational development experience to the role, previously working as the director of organizational development and human resources. With Brownsville, she will guide the implementation of several programs throughout the city.

AAMPO names new executive director

The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) has unveiled Brendon Wheeler as the next executive director, following a nationwide search with more than 30 candidates.

Wheeler brings more than 16 years of experience in municipal project planning, previously serving with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. He will join AAMPO on an interim basis, guiding programs and initiatives across Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall counties.

Governor's Appointments (January 31 - February 6)

Texas Southern University Board of Regents

Paloma Ahmadi - Shavano Park

State Board for Educator Certification

JoMeka Gray - Belton

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