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Chandler Treon

Chandler Treon is an Austin-based staff writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in English, a master’s degree in literature and a master’s degree in technical communication, all from Texas State University.

  • TxT Logo.png
    News
    TxT Accounts Now Cover More Than Half of Eligible Texans
    What to Know:
    • More than 12.3 million Texans now have Texas by Texas accounts.
    • The platform has facilitated more than 29.6 million transactions and is adding about 7,000 new users per day.
    • Planned updates this year include expanded access for out-of-state users, barcode scanning during sign-up, faster service integration and improved digital accessibility.
    Insider
    May 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Silhouette of a drone flying against a sunset in the foreground and people walking along a beach in the background.
    News
    DPS Secures $3.2M for Drone Mitigation Technology
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Department of Public Safety secured about $3.2 million in federal funding for drone detection and mitigation technology ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
    • The technology is intended to monitor airspace around major venues, critical infrastructure and restricted areas in Dallas, Houston and other large-event settings.
    • The system will support stationary and mobile deployment, real-time tracking and mitigation of unauthorized drones under federal law and oversight.
    Insider
    May 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • San Antonio
    News
    Marshall Ramsey Named CIO for City of San Antonio
    What to Know:
    • Ramsey previously served as CIO for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness in California.
    • Ramsey assumes the role following former CIO Craig Hopkins' retirement.
    Insider
    May 12, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • cracked+sidewalk.jpg
    News
    Robots Map Midland Sidewalks for Accessibility Assessment
    What to Know:
    • Robots are collecting sidewalk and pedestrian accessibility data across about 45 miles of priority corridors in Midland.
    • The assessment began April 27 through a partnership among the Permian Basin Metropolitan Planning Organization, Kimley-Horn and Daxbot.
    • The project will document sidewalk conditions, public right-of-way assets and barriers to accessibility.
    Insider
    May 08, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Men and women sitting on chairs at round table in office boardroom. Board, leader and CEO having big talk about business strategy flat vector illustration. Team work, corporate culture concept
    News
    TxDMV Awards Nearly $10M Advisory Contract
    What to Know:
    • TxDMV awarded Guidehouse a $9.94 million cooperative contract, just under the $10 million cap for cooperative contracts.
    • The advisory work appears tied to the agency’s $125 million Registration and Title System replacement.
    • Guidehouse provides advisory, technology and managed services but is not identified as the core replacement vendor.
    Insider
    May 08, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of the Austin, Texas, skyline.
    News
    Austin IT Consolidation Pause Withdrawn Before Council Vote
    What to Know:
    • Austin City Council did not vote May 7 on a resolution that would have paused parts of the One ATS initiative.
    • The item was withdrawn before public comment or council action.
    • With the withdrawal, the council has not formally paused employee transfers or departmental reorganizations tied to the IT consolidation plan.
    Insider
    May 08, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Beaumont, Texas, skyline on a sunny day.
    News
    New Beaumont City Manager Sets Goals Around Technology
    What to Know:

    • Chris Boone became Beaumont city manager in May after serving as assistant city manager.
    • Boone has identified public safety, infrastructure, financial stability, customer service, economic development and quality of life as priorities.
    • His technology-related goal includes replacing Beaumont’s antiquated, 1980s-era computer system, which he said affects data analysis, reporting and the city’s ability to identify inefficiencies.
    Insider
    May 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Raised hands
    News
    Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Voters Approve $9.1M for Tech
    What to Know:
    • Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD voters approved $9.1 million in bond funding for student and staff technology devices.
    • Proposition C passed with 69 percent support, the highest approval rate among the district’s three bond propositions.
    • The funding is designated for replacement devices, including computers, iPads and Chromebooks.
    Insider
    May 07, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • shutterstock_Austin_night
    News
    Austin Weighs Pause of IT Consolidation, Adopts Surveillance Rules
    What to Know:
    • City councilmembers are considering a resolution that would pause employee transfers and reorganizations tied to the city’s “One ATS” consolidation plan.
    • Austin has adopted new rules requiring City Council approval before city departments acquire or deploy surveillance-related technology.
    • The actions follow months of debate around park surveillance, automated license plate readers and the city’s plan to centralize technology staff under Austin Technology Services.
    Insider
    May 05, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • University of Texas Medical Branch building entrance.
    News
    Jayson Laban Named University of Texas Medical Branch CIO
    What to Know:
    • UT Medical Branch has named Jayson Laban vice president and chief information officer, effective May 1.
    • Laban had served as interim vice president and CIO since Jan. 1.
    • He brings more than 24 years of IT leadership experience, including more than six years at UTMB.
    Insider
    May 05, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person holding out their hand, palm upturned, with a transparent sphere resting in it with an icon of a government building inside the sphere. Dark background.
    News
    Montgomery County Approves State-Mandated AI Ethics Framework
    What to Know:
    • Montgomery County adopted the state-required artificial intelligence ethics framework and named IT Director Bobby Powell as its AI risk management official for now.
    • Vendors doing AI-related business with the county, or providing data built with AI, will need to comply with state standards that Powell said must be built into contracts.
    • County officials said the mandate is unfunded, likely to require a full-time role and still needs local policy details that will come back to commissioners later.
    Insider
    May 01, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • computer+purchasing+procurement.jpg
    News
    ETCOG Picks Civic Marketplace for Cooperative Purchasing Platform
    What to Know:
    • ETCOG selected Civic Marketplace as the technology platform for COGWORKS, its cooperative purchasing program for local governments.
    • The program provides competitively bid, multi-award discount bids through interlocal agreements at no cost to participating entities.
    • Awarded vendors deal directly with participating members for purchases and payments.
    Insider
    April 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • John Carter, director of technology for McLennan County, next to a quote that reads: "Digital transformation is central to our department's strategic plan, IT Plan 2030. Out vision is to transform how McLennan County serves citizens and businesses."
    News
    McLennan County IT Director Talks Transformation, AI Initiatives
    John Carter, who has led IT for the county since 2023, discusses justice system modernization, cloud adoption and how AI and infrastructure investments are shaping technology priorities.
    Insider
    April 30, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • This illustration shows the city of Brownsville, Texas illuminated by streetlights at night, below a bright sky.
    News
    Brownsville’s $22M Grant Extends Broadband Strategy Beyond City Limits
    What to Know:
    • Brownsville received nearly $22 million from the Texas Middle Mile Program to expand its broadband fiber network by an estimated 138 miles.
    • The project is expected to benefit about 50,000 residents across Brownsville and nearby communities.
    • The grant builds on Brownsville’s broader technology strategy, including municipal fiber, private 5G, smart city systems and its AI Factory.
    Insider
    April 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Traffic signal tech
    News
    West Lake Hills Advances AI Traffic Signal Initiative
    What to Know:
    • West Lake Hills is advancing an AI traffic signal initiative for the Bee Cave Road corridor after council discussion and support for related budget amendments.
    • City officials put the cost at $360,000 and said about $300,000 in ad valorem tax revenue proceeds could help fund the work.
    • Public records tie NoTraffic and Texas Highway Products to the project, though officials said the final vendor arrangement could still change.
    Insider
    April 28, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A drone flying through the sky is silhouetted against a cityscape in the distance.
    News
    Conroe Police Launch Drone-First-Response Program
    What to Know:
    • Conroe police have launched a drone-first-response program using two Axon Air drones and two docking stations.
    • City Council approved the $230,000 purchase in December using Federal Justice Seized Assets funds.
    • The department’s drone policy requires FAA Part 107-licensed operators, ties flights to dispatch records and bars random surveillance.
    Insider
    April 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Health and Human Services logo superimposed in front of the agency's building.
    News
    HHSC's Key Tech Moves: Cross-Agency Search, Cloud, Data Exchange
    What to Know:
    • HHSC is rolling out SEMARC, a cross-agency reportable conduct search tool, and backing it up with rule changes across multiple programs.
    • The agency is moving WIC benefits to a cloud-based system, with new cards, real-time benefit updates and continued expansion of the myWIC app.
    • HHSC is continuing work on interoperability and oversight through the ATLIS health information exchange effort and tighter electronic visit verification controls.
    Insider
    April 24, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A fountain on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
    News
    UT Unveils Austin Medical Research Campus With AI Focus
    What to Know:
    • The new medical education and research initiative is tied to UT’s partnership with MD Anderson.
    • The UT Dell Medical Center will be AI-native, using AI and advanced computing to connect care, research and discovery.
    • The broader initiative will also support the Texas Advanced Computing Center, undergraduate scholarships and student housing.
    Insider
    April 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A stack of papers on the right and a laptop on the left with hands typing on the keyboard and digital illustrations of documents hovering above the keyboard.
    News
    DIR Launches Record Conversion Service for Texas Government
    What to Know:
    • DIR has launched a new record conversion service through Shared Technology Services to help public entities digitize paper records, CDs and DVDs.
    • Participating entities can choose how digital files are structured, where they are stored and what happens to the original physical materials after conversion.
    • DIR is framing the service as part of Texas’ broader push toward digital government, citing House Bill 5195 and declines in statewide print and mail volume.
    Insider
    April 23, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Downtown Austin and the capitol as seen from Congress Avenue.
    News
    DIR Reshapes Leadership Team Under New CIO
    What to Know:
    • Tony Sauerhoff has announced a slate of leadership changes at the Texas Department of Information Resources aimed at aligning the agency with its strategic priorities.
    • Josh Godbey has moved into the deputy executive director role, while John Hoffman has been named deputy CIO and will continue serving as chief technology officer.
    • Brittney Booth Paylor now serves as chief of staff, and the broader reorganization includes updates to DIR’s legal, risk and finance leadership ranks.
    Insider
    April 21, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • BIZ-TRUMP-DATA-CENTERS-POWER-COSTS-FILEPIC-DA
    News
    Regulators Aim for New Data Center Grid Connection Rules in August
    What to Know:
    • ERCOT wants a batch process for large-load interconnections instead of the current one-by-one review.
    • PUCT is preparing to change cost allocation rules so residential customers do not shoulder the transmission build-out for hyperscale loads.
    • Projects that bring their own generation or can reduce load in emergencies may have a smoother path to interconnection.
    Insider
    April 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Businessman_cloud_shutterstock.jpg
    News
    College Station Approves $1.3M Contract for Planning, Permitting Software
    What to Know:
    • College Station approved a $1.32 million Tyler Technologies contract for enterprise planning and development software that will support online permitting and internal city workflows.
    • The purchase will replace the city’s aging eTRAKiT platform, which officials said has reached end of life.
    • The company already provides the city’s financial and court systems.
    Insider
    April 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Law,Legal,Technology,Concept.,Judge,Gavel,And,Computer,On,Desk
    News
    Judge Orders Temporary Injunction, Restoring HUB Certifications
    What to Know:
    • A Travis County district judge granted a temporary injunction April 13 blocking enforcement of the emergency HUB rules.
    • The order also bars the comptroller from enforcing or adopting the proposed rules unless the Legislature amends the HUB Act and the governor signs it or a court declares the HUB Act unconstitutional or void.
    • The comptroller must issue statewide notice to prime contractors and state agencies and publish the order online.
    Insider
    April 17, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Digitalized layout of a human brain surrounded by a sphere of data points, all in bright cyan blue. The background is blurred lines of a circuit board, also in cyan blue, against black.
    News
    NCTCOG CINO Urges Agencies to Build Governance Before AI Pilots Stall
    What to Know:
    • North Central Texas Council of Governments Chief Innovation Officer Tim Howell discussed AI pilots on a Technology Foresight Council panel.
    • He said NCTCOG is approaching AI adoption through three pillars: governance, enablement and access.
    • Howell said his organization has backed that approach with an AI committee, annual strategic planning, an agent governance framework, staff training and an innovation sandbox for testing tools before production.
    Insider
    April 16, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A nurse and a doctor standing next to a hospital bed with a patient laying in it.
    News
    Houston, Harris County Launch Joint Public Health Data and Reporting Hub
    What to Know:
    • The site combines dashboards and reports from both agencies on topics including infectious disease, environmental health, violence prevention, maternal and child health, and chronic disease.
    • Officials say the hub is meant to make public health data easier for residents, researchers and local partners to access and use.
    Insider
    April 16, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A large sign made of stone sitting in the ground behind a flower bed. The sign reads "The University of Texas at Dallas."
    News
    UT Dallas Lands $700,000 Texas Semiconductor Grant
    What to Know:
    • UT Dallas received a $700,000 Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant for a training cleanroom project on its Dallas campus.
    • The cleanroom will support hands-on instruction in cleanroom operations, safety and semiconductor processing for students and new hires.
    • The award adds UT Dallas to a growing list of Texas institutions receiving semiconductor funding for workforce training and research infrastructure.
    Insider
    April 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Justice,And,Law,Concept.male,Judge,In,A,Courtroom,Striking,The
    News
    Meet the Office of Court Administration’s New CIO
    What to Know:
    • Frank Barker became CIO of the Texas Office of Court Administration in January.
    • He brings about 30 years of technology experience, including public-sector leadership roles at the Employees Retirement System of Texas and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
    • Barker succeeds Casey Kennedy, who retired after 15 years leading judicial technology for Texas courts and judicial branch agencies.
    Insider
    April 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Online services
    News
    DIR Expands DBITS Contract Pool With 154 Awards
    What to Know:
    • DIR has awarded 154 contracts under its current deliverables-based IT services solicitation, while the previous solicitation resulted in 99 awards.
    • DIR’s February notice revealed that it was seeking vendors to provide deliverables-based IT services for agencies, local governments and other eligible customers through the Cooperative Contracts program.
    • Industry Insider — Texas has compiled the contracts into a searchable table, including the service categories each vendor was approved for.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Traffic on a street in downtown Austin.
    News
    Austin Elevates Jeremiah Clifton to Interim CISO After Gardner Dismissal
    What to Know:
    • Austin has named Jeremiah Clifton interim chief information security officer after dismissing Brian Gardner.
    • City officials said that Gardner’s departure was part of the city manager’s ongoing review of Austin Technology Services and not related to data security.
    • Clifton brings more than a decade with the city in cybersecurity, risk and architecture roles, along with earlier experience at NASA and in the private sector.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Secretary of State logo against a white background.
    News
    Secretary of State Names Layla Young New CIO
    What to Know:
    • Layla Young has left the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to become chief information officer for the Office of the Texas Secretary of State.
    • She served as THECB’s CIO from December 2023 through March 2026.
    • Before THECB, Young held multiple IT leadership roles at the Texas Department of Insurance, including director of software development and IT development manager.
    Insider
    April 10, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
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