What to Know:

• Austin City Council is considering a $2 million contract to expand mobile surveillance trailers in public parks.
• City staff say a pilot launched in 2022 reduced crime, particularly vehicle burglaries in park parking lots.
• The proposed system would exclude facial recognition and audio capture, with city-owned video deleted after 60 days.

What to Know:

• DIR is seeking a new executive director, who also serves as Texas’ state chief information officer, with applications due Feb. 27.
• The search follows the departures of former state CIO Amanda Crawford and Deputy Executive Director Steve Pier.
• The executive director leads statewide IT strategy, major procurements and shared services for an agency of about 325 employees.

What to Know:

• Laredo police plan to expand AI use across operations, with new systems rolling out in 2026.
• Tools include gunshot and crash detection, AI-assisted reporting, and real-time data integration to improve response times amid staffing shortages.
• Department leaders say AI supports efficiency, with all decisions remaining under human review.

What to Know:

• DIR is now accepting vendor applications to certify AI training programs for use by Texas government employees.
• Starting in FY 2026, annual AI training will be mandatory for most state and local government workers under House Bill 3512.
• Certified programs must meet seven standards focused on responsible AI use, risk mitigation, accessibility and relevance to public-sector work.

What to Know:

• DFPS is replacing its legacy IMPACT system with a federally compliant case management platform, supported by business process redesign and expected to improve data quality and usability.
• The agency is piloting generative AI and developing an AI governance framework, with more than 75 use cases identified and an evaluation report due in early 2026.
• New systems such as SEMARC and CGMS aim to streamline interagency background checks and contract oversight, while a Data Governance Program will guide data accuracy and security across DFPS.

AUSTIN (February 2, 2026) – ISF, Inc. today announced the appointment of Monica Corbin as Vice President of Partnerships, a strategic hire that strengthens the company’s commitment to long-term growth, innovative collaboration, and meaningful community impact.

Five public sector trends defining 2026

In 2026, government leaders aren’t just responding to disruption — they’re reinventing how they operate to deliver services that are more efficient, effective and people-centered.