Strategic Partnerships, Inc.: Texas Government Insider

By Editor | February 14, 2026 |

Cities bet big on sports tourism and community recreation

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

Cities are investing in venues and mixed-use districts to drive tourism, economic growth and community development nationwide.

Sugar Land to seek partners for Imperial District redevelopment

Sugar Land has approved a comprehensive redevelopment vision for the 40-acre Imperial Historic District, seeking to create a new economic hub for the city.

With the guiding plan adopted, Sugar Land will move forward with the next step in the procurement process by issuing a Request for Quotation in late February. The city will kickstart the second procurement phase in summer and select a master development partner in time to begin construction in late 2026.

Developers struggled with reimagining the district for more than 20 years as attempts to kick off meaningful redevelopment projects stalled or failed outright. Most recently, a private development firm’s $1 billion vision to transform the area into a mixed-use project with retail, entertainment, offices and housing failed to make meaningful headway and ultimately was shelved.

The city acquired the 40-acre property in 2025, securing ownership with the intent to finally realize the district’s full potential. The urban design firm partnered for the project finalized the guiding plan after holding a series of planning sessions with the public to guide the district’s footprint.

The district’s historic nature played a significant role in determining the city’s course of action, ensuring the result will reflect its importance to Sugar Land’s history through public spaces, art, tours or interpretive signage. The vision calls for boosting the district’s activity and cultural presence through the inclusion of income-generating and experimental businesses, office spaces and housing options. In addition, the city has taken particular interest in preserving the Char House – a historic building that may become a museum, hotel, food hall, event space and/or lookout point.

Housing stands out as a notable component in the plan with designs in place to transform the district into a gathering place. By focusing on expanding housing options – including live and work buildings, townhomes and multifamily apartments – more residents will be able to invest in the district’s success.

Sugar Land will work to improve and expand mobility infrastructure within the district. These enhancements will connect the district to nearby amenities and neighborhoods, including the Imperial neighborhood, Mayfield Park, The Hill, Constellation Field and other developments. Plans include building shaded sidewalks, safe crossings and other nonmotorized transit options.

TxDOT to spend $125.5M improving I-20 in Abilene

TxDOT will spend $125.5 million to widen and reconstruct I-20 in Abilene, expanding lanes and upgrading bridges, drainage and frontage roads.

State launches modernization hub to help agencies meet requirements

Texas DIR launches tools to help agencies comply with HB 5195, modernizing public websites and meeting WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards.

Texas appoints new legal expert to state transportation commission

Pat Gordon has been appointed as the latest member of the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC). His term is set to expire on Feb. 1, 2027.

The TTC oversees the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is responsible for its regular activities and strategic vision. These responsibilities include policymaking for the state’s highway system, assisting the development of public transportation, developing a statewide transportation plan and adopting rules to facilitate TxDOT operations.

Gordon has an extensive private sector law career under his belt, most prominently working as a partner for a prominent law firm over the past 32 years. He began his legal career in 1983, specializing in business, corporate and tax law.

In the public sector, Gordon currently serves on the Texas Tech University (TTU) Board of Regents and is a member of the State Bar of Texas. He serves as a member of the El Paso Children’s Hospital Board, where he was once chairman and currently holds the role of vice chairman.

He is a former Board member of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. In addition, he served as the Texas commissioner for the Rio Grande Compact Commission for 15 years and currently serves as a member of the El Paso/Juarez Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Houston plans $86M regional detention basin near I-10 corridor

Houston will invest $86 million to construct a 95-acre-foot regional detention basin in Memorial City to reduce flood risk and protect infrastructure.

Austin inks deal with Round Rock ISD seeking to fast-track construction projects

Austin and Round Rock ISD signed a 25-year agreement streamlining permitting and site plan approvals to accelerate school construction projects.

New appointment to lead Governor’s Criminal Justice Division

Andrew Friedrichs has been appointed as the director for the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. Friedrichs will assume the role on March 1, 2026. He will hold the position with no term limit, set to expire only at the governor’s discretion.

As director of the Criminal Justice Division, Friedrichs will be directly responsible for directing funds from the Office of the Governor to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and local governments. These allocations will support criminal justice practices and ensure law enforcement are adequately equipped for daily operations.

Friedrichs currently serves as executive director for the Commission on State Emergency Communications – a role he has held for two years. Prior to joining the commission, he was with the Office of the Texas Governor for nearly eight years, working as director, deputy director, administrator, associate administrator and lead program coordinator of the Criminal Justice Division.

Before migrating his career to state government work, Friedrichs was a program coordinator at RMIT University. This shift followed a six-year stint with the US Navy.

Friedrichs has a master’s degree in justice and criminology from RMIT University, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and an associate’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from the American Military University.

TAMU-College Station enters design stage for nearly $21M GI Lab

Texas A&M will invest $20.5 million to renovate a 41,200-square-foot building for its GI Lab, expanding research capacity and modernizing facilities by 2027.

Young announces as Madisonville’s next city manager

The city of Madisonville has announced Kelcey Young as its new city manager.

Young previously served as city manager in Sweet Home, Oregon, and Pinole, California, bringing extensive municipal administration, operations, finance and community engagement experience to her new post in Madisonville, where she is expected to begin in early February.

Laredo ISD elevates interim superintendent to permanant role

Guillermo Pro is appointed as superintendent of schools by the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees, approving his contract after he served as interim superintendent since July 2025.

Pro previously served as the district’s director of fine arts and has held leadership roles within LISD, including principal of Martin High School. In his new role, he will lead academic and operational functions for one of South Texas’s larger districts.

TEA appoints first inspector general for educator misconduct

The Texas Education Agency has named Levi Fuller as its new inspector general for educator misconduct.

Fuller previously served as chief of staff for State Representative Andy Hopper and as an Assistant Attorney General in the office of the Attorney General of Texas, where he worked on litigation and enforcement matters. In his new role, he will oversee educator misconduct investigations, certification sanctions, and compliance processes.

Midland nonprofit names new executive director

Senior Services of Midland County has announced Jessica Sargent as its new executive director.

Sargent succeeds Charlie Schwedler, who retired after nine years leading the organization. She previously served as director of the Saginaw County Commission on Aging, where she led millage campaigns and expanded programs supporting older adults.

El Paso names new capital projects leader

The city of El Paso has appointed Javier Acosta as director of the Capital Improvement Department, effective Feb. 16.

Acosta previously served the city as engineering division manager and floodplain administrator and brings more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, capital program delivery, and public infrastructure leadership to oversee planning, design, and construction for major transportation, drainage, public facilities, and utility projects.

Governor’s Appointments (February 7 – 13)

One-Call Board of Texas

Tina Polin – San Antonio

Joe Canales – Frisco

Roberto De Leon – Corpus Christi

Derek Delgado – Lubbock

Andrew Elijah Keefer – Austin

Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

Erin Smith, O.T.D. – Dallas

Lynn Wilde – Houston

Eddie Jessie – Houston

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Strategic Partnerships, Inc.: Texas Government Insider

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