Texas projects are among 26 rail, bus rapid transit and streetcar projects that are recommended for funding in President Barak Obama's FY 2015 budget. The funding is part of the $302 billion the President would spend on transportation during the next four years. Included in that total is $2.5 billion for new rail and transit projects.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx (left) said the current administration believes that "transit access is going to become increasingly important as a way of moving people." 

Former mayor joins Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center

Former Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame (pictured) has been named Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. He will office at the center and be available for coaching, networking assistance and general business advice for both clients and staff.

Adame served two terms as mayor of Corpus Christi, retiring in late 2012. While serving in that role, he became well-connected as Region XX president of the Texas Municipal League, as president of the board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Corpus Christi Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Texas State Aquarium and the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. Adame is owner of Joe Adame and Associates, a commercial/industrial real estate company.

Dr. Flavius Killebrew, president and CEO of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, said Adame's experience as a business and community leader will "assist the Innovation Center in continuing to create opportunities and help bring more jobs to our Coastal Bend region."

San Antonio transit group OK'd to develop new streetcar system

VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio recently won federal approval to begin planning and to seek federal funding to develop a streetcar system for the downtown area.

Federal Transit Administration officials gave the green light after a partnership comprised of VIA, San Antonio city officials, Bexar County and the Texas Department of Transportation agreed to provide matching local funding for any federal funding awarded for the project, said Jeffrey C. Arndt, president of VIA.

The goal of the downtown streetcar project is to enhance mobility in the downtown area by connecting the streetcar system with existing transit services, Arndt said.

Alvin Community College selects Albrecht finalist for president

Regents for Alvin Community College recently selected Christal Albrecht (pictured) as the lone finalist for president. Once her contract is approved after the required 21-day waiting period, Albrecht will replace Dr. Rodney Albright, who is retiring after 38 years in that job.

Currently president of Florida State College at Jacksonville, Albrecht also was president of the Desert Vista Campus of Pima Community College in Arizona and a vice president for Lone Star College-Cypress Fairbanks.

Albrecht has an associate degree in science from State University of New York (SUNY) Jefferson Community College, a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, a master's degree from Norwich University and a Ph.D. from the University of Houston. She is scheduled to begin her new duties in May.

Round Rock to issue $71 million in bonds for improvements

Round Rock City Council members recently agreed to issue $71 million in bonds to pay for upgrades to parks, additional outdoor trails and a new fire station. Voters in November approved $123.6 million in bonds to upgrade infrastructure and recreation facilities.

Among the projects expected to begin construction this year are the $17 million Heritage Trail, $16.3 million for a new police and fire training facility and $14.9 million for upgrades to Old Settlers Park.

Lone Star College moving ahead to expand campus in Tomball

Despite defeat of a $497 million bond proposal in 2013, Lone Star College-Tomball officials recently agreed to move ahead with plans to build a new entrance to the campus and a new $36.3 million campus west of Tomball.

The new entrance is needed because a project to widen SH239 will impact the south entrance to the campus and must be realigned, according to Susan Karr (pictured), president of LSC-Tomball. Construction on the new entrance most likely will begin in early 2015, with officials requesting bids on the project this fall, she said.

Construction of the proposed 85,000-square-foot Creekside Center campus is expected to begin this summer, Karr said. The new campus will provide those living in the northeast area of Tomball a more convenient and closer location to attend classes. The new center should be open in early 2016 and offer a combination of courses for associate degrees and workforce programs, she said.

Maitland appointed to serve as commercialization head for TEES

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) has announced that Dr. Duncan J. Maitland (pictured) has been appointed assistant agency director for commercialization. Dr. M. Katherine Banks, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering, said Maitland's experience in developing and commercializing biomedical devices "will enhance our commercialization efforts by helping our researchers identify promising technologies and pursue their commercialization."

Maitland is an associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and is also the director of graduate programs for the department. He is also the group leader of the Biomedical Device Laboratory that develops a number of interventional devices including those based on shape memory polymer (SMP). SMPs have attracted increased attention from the scientific community for numerous applications, ranging from aerospace applications to the biomedical industry.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to hold $1.2 billion bond election in May

Anticipating more than 15,000 new students through 2020, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District trustees recently scheduled a $1.2 billion bond election for May 10.

Board members focused on facilities, security, transportation and technology proposing to spend $197.6 million on four new schools, another natatorium and third agriculture center. Trustees also are asking $72.3 million for transportation to buy new buses and build a transportation center and for $666.6 million to spend on building renovations.

Upgrading security, including the installation of bullet-resistant glass at entries and new digital cameras, would cost about $53.3 million, while trustees proposed spending $217.2 million to upgrade technology throughout the district by installing high-speed wireless access and network electronics infrastructure.

Dallas city manager to review Housing Department

Dallas City Manager A.C. Gonzalez (pictured) recently directed a review of several projects overseen by the city's Housing Department. He also hired a compliance officer to ensure the department has acted according to state and federal regulations, policies and procedures.

Gonzalez also moved responsibility for property transactions from the Housing Department to another city department. He asked the city auditor to review housing projects on Bexar Street in South Dallas and in the Lancaster Corridor to identify potential conflicts with existing policies, rules and regulations.

The city manager also announced plans to begin a national search for a new director of the Housing Department to replace the former director, Jerry Killingsworth, who retired in 2013. Bernadette Mitchell is serving as interim director of the department until a new director is hired.

Abilene approves $2.7 million for improvement, repair projects

Citing a surplus in the city's approved budget, Abilene City Council members recently approved $2.7 million to pay for capital improvement projects, including $350,000 to upgrade a health clinic and $200,000 to repair the roof of the fire department.

Council members also approved $450,000 to buy land and $1.8 million for various capital improvement projects. The city received more revenue than originally estimated and spent less on personnel, supplies and other services, which produced the budget surplus for 2013, city officials said.

Gregg County approves $511,000 for its share of airport project

Gregg County commissioners recently approved $511,000 to pay the county's share of the second phase of a $5.5 million safety upgrade of the East Texas Regional Airport.

County Judge Bill Stoudt (pictured) said the $511,000 would be used on later phases of a road around the perimeter of the airport to increase safety and avoid fuel trucks using runways to reach some hangars.

Current plans are to begin the final phases of the airport safety project by cleaning up the west side of the airport by asking for bids from contractors in May. The final phases of the project will focus on the south and east sides of the airport, according to Roy Miller, the airport director.

Baytown to pay $2.6 million for land for new police station

The Baytown City Council recently approved up to $2.6 million to buy land for a new headquarters for the police department. City officials are expected to buy an 11-acre tract of land on North Main to serve as the police headquarters.

Texas Education Agency appoints conservator for La Marque ISD

Texas Education Agency (TEA) officials recently appointed Carlos Price as a conservator to oversee operations of La Marque Independent School District. TEA placed the district on probationary status last week, citing poor financial and academic performance.

Superintendent Terri Watkins will continue to be responsible for daily operations of the school district, but Price must approve any decisions made by Watkins or board members, said Sally Partridge, commissioner for accreditation and school improvement for TEA. Price will be in that post until at least August and assist the district in identifying issues that led to its lowered accreditation status and in developing a plan to improve the district's academic and financial performance, Partridge said.

TEA officials will decide at the end of six months whether the district can do without a monitor or to extend the term of the conservator.

Bastrop County selects Rivas to coordinate job creation program

Bastrop County officials recently selected Rebecca Rivas as the first coordinator of the new Job Creation Program funded by $2 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The new program is designed to help create jobs for residents, lend support to local businesses and strengthen the local economy by offering up to $30,000 in forgivable loans to employees for each full-time job they create. Employers may qualify for as much as $90,000 in loans to fund three full-time employees, according to county officials. HUD regulations also require that 51 percent of the jobs created through the program go to persons with low to moderate incomes and that employees hired under the program earn at least $12 per hour.

Rivas previously was a teacher for 12 years and a project manager for a company working with the WIC program and online nutrition education.

Abilene hires design firm to re-purpose former middle school

Abilene City Council members recently hired an architect to create a design and provide a cost estimate to re-purpose a middle school given to the city by the Abilene Independent School District.

While city officials have not decided how the historic Lincoln Middle School will be used, they do plan to preserve the historical integrity of the aging school.

Fort Worth Housing Authority selects management company

Fort Worth Housing Authority officials recently approved the selection of a private management company, QuadCo Management Solutions LLC, to service public housing apartments.

The management company will be paid $19,656 a month for that service, according to Brian Dennison (pictured), vice president of development and asset management for the housing authority. Dennison cited federal budget cuts from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the agency being forced to cut expenses.

Falls City ISD seeking approval of $39.5 million bond proposal

Trustees for Falls City Independent School District recently scheduled a $39.5 million bond proposal on May 10. Bond committee members recommended spending bond funds, if approved, on new facilities, including a new auditorium.

El Paso revises bid policy for small business owners

The El Paso City Council recently approved a change in policy to improve the definition of local businesses that will earn additional points when bidding for city contracts. City officials are planning to award about half a billion dollars in contracts for quality-of-life projects approved in a 2012 bond proposal.

The newly adopted bid policy creates a first tier of businesses that will earn additional points if the business is headquartered in El Paso, with corporate officers in the city directing and controlling that business.

The new policy also creates a second tier of local business that will receive extra points, but fewer than first tier businesses, if the company has operated with local employees in the city for more than a year. The policy also states that businesses in the second tier cannot operate from a temporary construction trailer or significantly rely on offices outside of El Paso. Council members set a goal of requiring at least 25 percent of the value of local contracts be subcontracted to certified local businesses.

Killeen eyes $140,000 contract to update solid waste master plan

Killeen City Council members recently began considering a staff proposal to approve a $140,000 contract with SCS Engineers to update a master plan for handling solid waste.

While city policy calls for updating the solid waste master plan every five years, the current plan has not been updated in more than five years, said Mayor Dan Corbin (pictured). An update of the solid waste plan also is needed to provide more information and clear up confusion about the single-stream recycling system, he added.

The proposed contract calls for a review of the current adequacy of the solid waste system, identification of options to upgrade the system, a review of the recycling program and a look at new initiatives for recycling. The master plan also will include a rate study evaluating several rate structures and comparing current solid waste rates with those in communities similar in size to Killeen. Council is expected to vote on the proposal at its next scheduled meeting on March 11.

San Angelo looking at $20 million water treatment project

San Angelo City Council members recently continued discussion of a proposed $20 million Red Arroyo Water Treatment project. Council members agreed to continue surveying the area of the proposed project that is expected to take about two years to complete. The project is designed to provide more than a third of the water needed for municipal use.

Council members have not yet approved a date to begin the project that is expected to take about two years to complete once work begins.

Round Rock rezones 14-acre tract at request of school district

Round Rock City Council members recently agreed to rezone a 14-acre tract of land near Grimes Blvd. at the request of Round Rock Independent School District. The school district also has purchased 90 acres of land just south of the rezoned track.

The rezoned site could be used for a sixth high school, according to Brad Wiseman, the planning director for Round Rock. A spokeswoman for Round Rock ISD said trustees routinely buy land in anticipated high-growth areas for new schools. District officials have called a $299 million bond election in May to meet growing enrollment and upgrade technology.

Finding no serious problems after an engineering firm's structural assessment, the Heritage Park Plaza could be reopened by 2016. The park was closed down in 2007 due to possible structural damages. But, the engineering assessment found no significant safety concerns and following some renovation and rehab, city officials are now looking forward to reopening the facility.

The city will seek proposals from landscape architects and others on how to restore and improve the 112-acre park. The city set aside $1.5 million of a recently approved $292 million bond election for basic repairs at the park. Another $500,000 in private donations has also been pledged to the project.

Mason ISD approves $3 million

to expand junior high school

Mason Independent School District board members recently approved about $3 million to build a new classroom wing, science labs and a life skills lab at the junior high school.

The district has $2.2 million on hand in a special construction fund for the expansion and expects to have $2.5 million by the end of this fiscal year, according to Superintendent Pam Kruse. Construction should begin this summer on the new wing, which will be located where the Head Start buildings and Pre-K facilities are currently located, Kruse said.

The superintendent also told board members they should begin planning for major renovations to the elementary and junior high building or replace the facility with new construction in a phased approach. Either option would require voters to approve bonds to pay for the improvements, she said.

Former Dallas city manager

finalist loses job in Oakland

An unsuccessful finalist for city manager in Dallas, City Administrator Deanna Santana (pictured) of Oakland, California, recently lost her job in Oakland and could possibly return to Dallas as deputy city manager, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The mayor of Oakland replaced Santana as city administrator with Fred Blackwell, who was a top deputy for Santana. During her three years as city administrator, Santana won selection as finalist for top jobs in the city governments of Dallas and Phoenix, but was not selected for either post.

City Manager A.C. Gonzalez of Dallas, who won selection for the post earlier this year, said he was impressed with Santana when he met her during the selection process. He, however, declined to comment on whether he would consider hiring her as one of his deputy city managers. A council member who served on the Dallas search committee, however, said he would be "proud and happy" if Gonzalez hired Santana as a deputy, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Marble Falls to hire new city manager, delay hiring assistant

After previously planning to hire an assistant city manager by early March to serve as interim city manager, Marble Falls City Council members recently agreed to begin a search for a new city manager.

The new city manager will replace City Manager Ralph Hendricks, who suffered serious injuries in an accident and is unable to return to his duties. Council members also decided that Acting City Manager Margie Cardenas would continue performing the duties of city manager and work with council on the budget process until a new city manager is on board.

Southside ISD loses two

members of its board of trustees

Two members of the Board of Trustees of the Southside Independent School District in San Antonio recently resigned after the board voted to name Ricardo Vela the lone finalist for superintendent.

Trustees Craig Knapp and Raul Martinez noted in their letters their disappointment in the division among board members and their differences in philosophies. Both men have been absent from board meetings over the past few months.

Vela, a previous assistant superintendent for business and finance in the district, was named lone finalist without any other applicants being interviewed. The job posting did not require applicants to hold a superintendent certification or have teaching or principal experience. It did require that applicants must have three years' experience with the district, 15 or more years public education experience and experience in business and school finance, all of which Vela has.

Lee chosen as lone finalist

in Central Heights ISD

Bryan Lee (pictured), current superintendent of schools for the Iredell Independent School District, has been named lone finalist for the top position with the Central Heights ISD.

Lee, who began his public school career as a teacher in the Nacogdoches and Chireno school districts, has served as an assistant principal in the Diboll ISD and as a principal in the Garrison, Mount Enterprise and Star school districts. Central Heights ISD will be able to offer Lee a contract after a statutory 21-day waiting period.

Ysleta ISD selects De La Torre

as new superintendent

The Ysleta Independent School District trustees recently selected Xavier De La Torre as the new superintendent. He plans to begin his new duties by the end of March.

Currently the superintendent for Santa Clara County and previously superintendent for Socorro ISD, De Le Torre will replace Michael Zolkoski, who retired from the Ysleta district to in September. Interim Superintendent Anna Perez, a former district employee, agreed to work with De La Torre for a week to assist in the transition.

Fort Worth begins new

search for city manager

Fort Worth City Council members recently agreed to begin a new search for a city manager after rejecting four finalists for that job following their interviews with city leaders. Once selected, the new city manager will replace City Manager Tom Higgins, a 30-year city employee who is retiring.

Council members are widening their search for a city manager to find a candidate who is innovative, fiscally responsible and has experience in both city government and the private sector in addition to working well with technology, the mayor said.

City officials expect to repost the position with the deadline for applications to be submitted in April and interviews for finalists to be conducted in May. Council originally set a goal to name a new city manager in March.

Red Oak ISD taps Freels as

new assistant superintendent

Board members for Red Oak Independent School District recently tapped Kevin Freels (pictured) to serve as the assistant superintendent for campus operations, beginning in July.

Now the principal of Red Oak High School, Freels will replace Assistant Superintendent Russ Schupmann, who is retiring on July 1. A 28-year veteran in public education, Freels has served as principal for six years. He has a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Trustees also set a goal of selecting a new principal for the high school in early spring.

Bryan ISD to hire three new directors, other professionals

Bryan Independent School District trustees recently agreed to hire three new directors to lead fine arts, curriculum and school improvements in addition to adding seven new counselors, said Superintendent Tommy Wallis.

Board members also authorized hiring a statistician and dyslexia coordinator to respond to new state laws that have created a demand for more school counselors and other administrators, Wallis said. The new administrators are critical for the district to meet requirements for House Bill 5 requiring students from the sixth grade to their senior year to select their graduation plan under the guidance of counselors, Wallis said.

New Braunfels taps Aday

as assistant city manager

New Braunfels City Council members recently tapped Kristi Aday as the new assistant city manager. She replaces Robert Camareno, who held that position until becoming city manager in 2013.

Currently the growth management director of Altamonte Springs, Florida, Aday also was the deputy city manager in Altamonte Springs and worked in various administrative positions for Dallas and The Woodlands.

A graduate of Texas Tech University, Aday will supervise parks and recreation, the library, the IT department, the airport, the city secretary's office and human resources when she begins her new duties in New Braunfels.

Highland Park ISD picks Freeman

as finalist for superintendent

Trustees for Highland Park Independent School District recently selected Buddy Freeman (pictured) as the lone finalist for superintendent.

Currently superintendent at Quanah ISD, Freeman will begin his new duties at the school district in Amarillo once his contract is finalized following the required 21-day waiting period.

TxDOT approves $2.9 million 

for Gulf Coast Regional Airport

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials recently approved a $2.9 million grant to pay for upgrades to the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport in Brazoria County.

Airport officials expect to select a project consultant later this spring to help oversee the planned upgrades to lighting and pavement to be paid for primarily by the grant from the Aviation Facilities Grant Program administered by TxDOT.

Dayton appoints Judge

as new director of planning

Dayton City Council members recently appointed Kimberly Judge as the new director of planning. Judge previously worked as director of planning and community development in Sealy and as a planning manager in Baytown. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at Lee College in Baytown.

Manor ISD selects Allison

as interim superintendent

Trustees for Manor Independent School District recently selected Esthela Allison (pictured) as the interim superintendent.

Allison will replace former Superintendent Kevin Brackmeyer, who left that post in January after signing a separation agreement that prohibits him or board members from discussing the reasons for his departure.

A 26-year veteran in public education, Allison has served as a superintendent and as a teacher. She expects to begin her duties in Manor following the release of her current contract with Pearsall ISD.

Tommy Peebles retiring

as city clerk in Alvin

Tommy Peebles (pictured), the city clerk in Alvin, recently announced plans to retire after serving 40 years as a city employee.

Joining the city in 1974 as a tax appraiser, Peebles also served 17 years as the tax assessor-collector and as the city clerk beginning in 1998. He also was an acting city manager in 1993. Peebles has a master's degree from the University of Houston.

• Larry Jacobs of Montgomery , State Soil and Water Conservation Board;
• Eliseo Cantu Jr. of Corpus Christi, Texas Veterans Commission;
•  Dan Moran of Cypress, Texas Veterans Commission;
• Nelda Luce Blair of The Woodlands, Texas Economic Development Corp.

Sonora appoints Carrasco

as new city manager

Sonora City Council members recently appointed Assistant City Manager Edward Carrasco as the new city manager. He replaces Charlie Graves, who retired after serving as acting city manager.

Johnson County ESD selects three finalists for executive director

A search committee for the Johnson County Emergency Services District recently selected three finalists for executive director from a field of 26 applicants for the job.

Commissioner Keith Kelly (pictured), a search committee member, said they interviewed seven semi-finalists and voted unanimously on the three finalists, who he declined to identify.

Commissioners for the emergency services district plan to interview the three finalists for director in executive session on March 13 and select a finalist and announce that selection no later than April 1, Kelly said.