The unique and disruptive chaos so painfully visible at the federal level of government is causing millions of Americans to be extremely concerned about what comes next. The existing angst has disrupted global markets and caused many businesses to put a pause on major business decisions.

Officials at the state and local levels of government are either following the federal government’s lead with similar changes and disruptions, or they are simply waiting to see what comes next.

For almost 30 years, Strategic Partnerships, Inc. has existed at the intersection of government and the private sector. More than half of our team members are former government executives, and the other half are industry experts. Because of what we do, our eyes are never off what is happening in the U.S. government marketplace.

Today, we find ourselves positioned at a unique vantage point that provides us a close view of history in the making. Because of that, we are often asked to predict what will happen next. Our clients seek guidance, and we struggle daily to stay informed so we can provide it. That task was easier a few years ago.

Today, at this moment, there are no absolutes. These times are too unique, and changes are occurring faster than one would have thought possible. But, because of requests, I’ll share my thoughts about what I believe we should expect.

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Austin Community College (ACC) has issued a solicitation for a designer for a $100 million renovation or replacement project. While the design phase is approved, a construction timeline has not yet been decided. 

The project will either renovate the Highland Campus (HLC) Building 5000 or demolish and replace it with a new building. The plan may also encompass additional renovation work to nearby HLC Buildings 1000, 2000 and/or 4000 to support site work. 

ACC will incorporate two programs with supporting spaces, equipment and utilities, with the potential for future additions. The first program calls for a health clinic, which will include dedicated areas for clinical, dental, diagnostics and lab services. The college will also incorporate a pharmacy into the building’s layout. 

The second program includes the construction of a wellness center as part of the building. Amenities will include a fitness facility, expanded basic need spaces and mental and social services spaces. The project scope features a number of student life engagement spaces. 

(Photo courtesy of Accshelley.)

The city of Round Rock will spend $28 million to expand Highway 79. The City Council recently approved a company for engineering work and will collaborate with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to see the project through to completion. While the design is now underway, the construction date has not yet been set. 

The project site along US 79 extends from Interstate 35 to east of A.W. Grimes Boulevard, covering more than two miles in total. The city’s primary goal is to expand the road into a six-lane divided highway. Travelers will benefit from three travel lanes in each direction once the project is completed. 

The design will incorporate additional infrastructural features including a raised median and selected median breaks. The city will build an underpass at one intersection and an overpass at another to accommodate traffic. 

To better facilitate traffic flow along the corridor, Round Rock will alter the intersection at US 79 and I-35. Additional improvements will incorporate new traffic signals, turn lanes and sidewalks. 

The project vision calls for modifying driveways and access points to better protect drivers and non-motorized travelers. Shared-use paths will be installed along both sides of US 79, improving mobility options for pedestrians and bicyclists.

(Photo courtesy of Max Andrey on Pexels.)

Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) has made two promotions to lead the department’s IT and technology initiatives, systems and projects.

MacGregor Stephenson has been selected to take over as interim chief deputy chief information officer. Stephenson currently serves as director of strategic operations for the Texas HHS Commission, collaborating with the executive commissioner and chief of staff to direct and manage critical projects. Before joining HHS, Stephenson worked as chief of policy and research at the Texas Division of Emergency Management, deputy chief of staff to the Texas governor and chief of staff in the Texas House of Representatives. 

He has also been extensively involved in higher education, serving as assistant commissioner for academic affairs at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and associate vice chancellor of academic affairs for the Texas A&M University (TAMU) System. He earned a law degree from the University of Denver and a Doctor of Philosophy from TAMU. 

James Huang has been selected as HHS’ next deputy CIO of artificial intelligence and chief artificial intelligence officer for HHS. His tenure with the department will begin April 1, 2025. He will continue serving as senior adviser to the HHS CIO until that time. 

In his new role, Huang will be responsible for directing and driving AI innovation and initiatives, implementing the technology across HHS operations. Before joining HHS, he served as chief data officer for the Texas Department of Transportation. 

Mary Babcock

Director of the Human Resources Division

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Public career highlights and education: I have had the privilege to serve the state of Texas over the last 18 years, most of which has been spent in criminal justice and victim services. I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Schreiner University and a master’s degree in the same field from Texas State University.

What I like best about my public service is: The opportunity to make the government work better for the people. We have the chance to impact lives on a daily basis – it is up to us to make sure that impact is a positive one. 

The best advice I've received: “Bloom where you are planted.” 

There are always things to learn, chances to grow and impact to make if you are open to it.

People might be surprised to know that: I began studying violin at the age of 6. I’ve been fortunate to perform all over the United States, including at Carnegie Hall and George W. Bush’s first inauguration events. While I no longer play with an ensemble, music is still an important part of my life, and I enjoy sharing a love for music with my children. 

One thing I wish more people knew about the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is: Post-conviction is the longest phase of the criminal justice system, and the impact of crime does not end at conviction like it does on TV. Our team works hard each day to help victims of crime exercise their rights and to provide public safety. There are endless opportunities to make a difference at TDCJ! 

The Broadband Development Office (BDO) announced it is pausing all grants and contracts associated with the state’s allocation of the federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program (SDECGP). 

Texas was allocated $55.6 million from the SDECGP, the distribution of which is now in question due to the ongoing federal realignment and new administration priorities. There is no timeline for resuming a program funded with SDECGP allocations, according to an email from the BDO. 

The disruption in funding allocations does not affect any other ongoing BDO programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas program. 

The BDO recommends potential applicants hold off on investing significant time and resources in preparing applications. The office is seeking additional clarity of the future of the program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). 

As the office works with the NTIA to determine the future of the program, it will communicate any updated guidance made available. 

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay on Pexels.)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is unveiling a wave of 31 historic policy considerations. The agency said the goal is to boost domestic energy production, spark the automotive industry and lower the cost of living. 

The EPA says it will continue to advance environmental goals while prioritizing the deregulation of several existing federal initiatives to grow the manufacturing and energy sectors, reduce the cost of living and create jobs, especially in the auto industry.

Critics of deregulation argue that such moves could undermine efforts to reduce emissions and address the growing threat of climate change. They warn that rolling back power plant regulations, for example, could increase greenhouse gas emissions and worsen air quality, especially in low-income and minority communities.

Click here for more information about how deregulation will affect the energy and transportation sectors

(Photo courtesy of digifly840 on Pixabay.)

Arizona is seeking public comment on a new state transportation plan, which proposes $12.7 billion in investments for the state’s transportation network. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is unveiling an update to the state’s Transportation Facilities Construction Program for fiscal years 2026-2030, a tentative five-year plan that guides the state’s future funding allocations, projects and priorities for transportation.

In this newest installment, the program update looks to maintain and upgrade Arizona’s transportation system while advancing the state’s mid- and long-term goals for interstates, state highways and local roads.

Click here for more details about Arizona’s multibillion transportation plan

(Photo courtesy of Manfred Guttenberger on Pixabay.)

Suffolk’s City Council unanimously approved a $2 billion Community Improvement Plan (CIP) at a meeting on March 5. The project will address and improve the area’s infrastructure and equipment needs over a 10-year period from 2026 to 2035. 

The plan includes $534 million worth of projects set to be completed over the next five years with $241 million of the funding coming from local spending. The CIP is set to be updated annually and is subject to change as needs arise.

The plan was adopted with an amendment to include the Driver Elementary School demolition in the 2026 fiscal year. In this project, the 55,100-square-foot main building will be torn down, while the 9,000-square-foot gymnasium will remain. $620,000 from the construction reserve fund will be used as funding.

Click here for more information about Suffolk’s CIP

(Photo courtesy of User: Kubigula.)

Commissioners in Fulton County, Georgia, have approved a roadmap detailing $278 million in capital improvements to increase water and sewer capacity over the next 25 years. 

Fulton County Public Works Director David Clark said the North Fulton Water Distribution Master Plan and a separate rate study will help determine which projects and funds are necessary to maintain the system.

Commissioners will have an opportunity to discuss and vote on the rate study in the next one to two months, Clark said.

The improvements are being made to accommodate expected growth. While the county owns all sewer collections north of Atlanta, its water distribution pipes only service Johns Creek, Mountain Park, Alpharetta, Milton and most of Roswell.

Click here for more information about Fulton County’s long-term water infrastructure plan

(Photo courtesy of inkflo on Pixabay.)

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell has resigned from his most recent position to accept a new role with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to advocate for Texas. His first official day was March 10. 

Now with the SBA, Gravell has assumed his role as Region 6 advocate, where he will represent more than 4.5 million small businesses across five states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. 

Gravell was re-elected county judge in 2022 with a term set to conclude at the end of 2026. Until a permanent replacement is found, Valerie Covey will preside over the court in an interim capacity. The next election is scheduled for November 2026. 

Gravell served Williamson County for more than 12 years, taking office as county judge in 2019. Before that, he was a justice of the peace and a court administrator. 

Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed two new members to the Sulphur River Basin Authority (SRBA) Board of Directors. The SRBA oversees construction, maintenance and operations inside the state and watershed of the Sulphur River. All the river’s tributaries, both inside and outside the boundaries of the authority, are included under their jurisdiction. 

As part of its duties, the SRBA handles any work considered essential to the authority’s operations and for its administration of controlling, storing, preserving and distributing the Sulphur River and its tributary systems’ water. This includes the stormwater and floodwater.

Aaron Rolen is the first appointment. He has worked as an attorney and director of a law firm for the past 11 years. Rolen is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Trucking Association. He earned a law degree from the Southern Methodist University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in history from Dakota Wesleyan University.

Jason Spencer is the second appointment. The presiding executive director and president of the Avinger Economic Development Corporation, Spencer previously served for 23 years in the U.S. Navy. He is a member of the Ex-Student Association for The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a master’s degree in professional accountancy and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He also has a master’s degree in management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Benjamin Barkley has been reappointed to the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) as chief executive and public counsel. His term will expire Feb. 1, 2027. 

As public counsel, Barkley will handle OPUC’s overall operations and spearhead the office’s consumer representation in utility matters at state and federal regulatory agencies and courts. OPUC is responsible for representing residential and small commercial consumers in the electric, telecommunications, water and wastewater utility industries across the state. 

Barkley’s reappointment will allow him to retain his current position as chief executive and public counsel. Before joining OPUC, he worked as the assistant general counsel and public advisor for the Office of the Governor. 

Other roles held throughout his career include senior policy adviser, general counsel and committee clerk to a Texas state senator. He also previously served as an assistant district attorney for the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office. 

Barkley is a current member of the State Bar of Texas. He earned a law degree from Boston College Law School and a bachelor’s degree in political science and honors studies from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

(Photo courtesy of Daniel Ziegler.)

(Correction from 3/7/25 Newsletter: The original article inaccurately stated that the RFQ for the upcoming high-speed rail project has been released. The article has been amended to clarify that Amtrak published an ‘Advance Notice for the Texas High Speed Rail (HSR) Project Delivery Partner' through the Amtrak Procurement Portal and that the official RFQ will be published later.)

Amtrak has released an advance notice to initiate procurement for a project partner to bring a 240-mile high-speed rail line to connect Dallas and Houston. The company is expected to publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in late March or early April soliciting a delivery partner to help manage the program, design work, construction, quality management and procurement.

Fort Worth has chosen Dave Lewis to lead the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. Lewis has been with the city since 2019, initially serving as the assistant director for golf and athletics. He was later appointed to interim director and deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department. He brings more than 16 years of parks and recreation experience to the role. His first day as director was Feb. 17, succeeding Richard Zavala. 

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has appointed Elizabeth Sifuentez Koch to chief budget and efficiency officer. Koch has been with the department for nearly 16 years, most recently as deputy director of its Sunset Review Team. She started in 2009 as deputy director of budget and planning. 

Rice University has elected to make John Lawrence a permanent executive leader with the university. Lawrence has been chosen as the university’s next chief investment officer (CIO) and president of Rice Management Company. He has been serving in an interim capacity since October 2024, as well as deputy CIO. Lawrence has been with the university since 2012. 

Lawrence Bryant has officially stepped into his new role as assistant city manager for the city of Euless. He left his most recent role as assistant city manager for Azle to pursue the opportunity. Bryant was with the city of Azle since 2003, serving in multiple capacities as a management analyst, administrative services manager and director of administration and finance. His first day as Bryant’s assistant city manager was March 11. 

Gov. Greg Abbott announced these appointments and reappointments from March 7 through March 13:

Texas Optometry Board

Tory Moore, O.D. - Dumas

James Oevermann, O.D. - Montgomery

Judith Chambers - Austin (reappointed)

Family and Protective Services Council

Tymothy Belseth - Pflugerville

(both reappointed)

Julie Krawczyk - Garland

Enrique Mata - El Paso

The Office Of Public Utility Counsel

Benjamin Barkley - Austin (reappointed)

Sulphur River Basin Authority Board Of Directors

Aaron Rolen - Bogata

Jason E. Spencer - Avinger

62nd Judicial District Court

William “Bill” Harris - Paris

Texas School Safety Center Board

(all reappointed)

Nidia De La Cerda - Corpus Christi

Robert McClelland - Dripping Springs

James Mosley - Borger

Noe E. Perez - Laguna Vista

Michael Slaughter - Wylie

Jill Tate - Colleyville

Texas Government Insider is a free weekly newsletter detailing important happenings throughout the state and summarizing current political issues relevant to individuals interested in government.

Publisher: Mary Scott Nabers

Editors:

Adam Rollins

Candace Barnette