Texas Government Insider

Published: Fri, 03/06/26

Updated: Sat, 03/07/26

Transit-oriented development projects continue to reshape American cities

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

Transit-oriented development projects across the U.S. are transforming areas around rail and bus hubs into walkable mixed-use districts.

TxDOT advances $850M I-10, US 69 interchange overhaul

TxDOT is investing nearly $850 million to rebuild the I-10 and U.S. 69 interchange in Beaumont, expanding lanes and improving freight movement and evacuation routes.

UT hospital system gears up for $300 million expansion near Houston

UTMB will invest $300 million to expand its League City hospital campus, increasing emergency capacity, adding patient beds and enhancing diagnostic services through 2030.

Texas awards $160M for rail crossing separation projects

The Texas Transportation Commission awarded $160.4 million for rail crossing separation projects aimed at reducing congestion, improving freight mobility and enhancing safety across several Texas communities.

Texas advances SB 3 flood siren mapping effort

Texas officials are mapping flood-prone areas across 30 counties to determine where outdoor warning sirens are needed to improve disaster preparedness and protect residents.

Bistone water district advances $29.4M pipeline project

The Bistone Municipal Water Supply District will invest $29.4 million to replace aging transmission pipelines and improve water reliability for more than 12,000 residents.

City council members in El Paso approve policy guidelines for large-scale data center developments

El Paso explores new guidelines for data center projects as Texas experiences rapid growth in energy- and water-intensive computing infrastructure.

Michael Austinson

Business Development Associate

Emily Geevarghese

Partnership Associate

Jacob Fisher

Business Development Associate

Belle St. John

Partnership Associate

Amarillo appoints new chief financial officer

The city of Amarillo has appointed Omolola (“Lola”) Ogunremi as its new chief financial officer (CFO) following a competitive national search.

Ogunremi previously served as assistant finance director for the City of Bowie, Maryland, where she oversaw the municipality’s operating and capital budgets. With more than 18 years of experience, she will now oversee Amarillo’s finance department and help manage the city’s roughly $557 million budget.

Surfside Beach names first ever city administrator

The village of Surfside Beach has approved William Cox to serve as the community’s first city administrator.

The city council voted to select Cox during a council meeting, marking a significant step as Surfside Beach establishes the new administrative leadership role to oversee municipal operations and support strategic planning and governance for the coastal community.

Taylor announces new chief of police

Officials in Taylor have selected Joseph Chacon as its new chief of police, following a competitive selection process that included multiple interviews and community meet-and-greet sessions with finalists.

Chacon previously served as Chief of the Austin Police Department and later as emergency services director for Pflugerville. With more than 25 years in law enforcement leadership, he will now lead the Taylor Police Department and guide the city’s public safety strategy following the retirement of former chief Henry Fluck.

Hays County unveils new deputy county administrator

Hays County has appointed Tucker Furlow as its first Deputy County Administrator, a newly created executive role designed to strengthen coordination across county departments and support major operational initiatives.

Furlow previously served in the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office and brings legal and administrative experience to the position. County officials said the role was established to help streamline processes and improve communication as the rapidly growing Central Texas county expands its programs and services.

Terrell City Council names new city manager

The Terrell City Council has appointed Mark Mills as the city’s new city manager.

Mills joined the City of Terrell in 2023 as Assistant City Manager and had served as Interim City Manager since May 2025 following the retirement of the previous city manager. His appointment formalizes the leadership transition and places him in charge of overseeing city administration, operations, and strategic initiatives for the Kaufman County municipality.

Governor's Appointments (March 1 - 6):

Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees

James M. Bass - Austin (Reappointed)

Holly Williamson - Houston (Reappointed)

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