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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.

  • Blue-tone image of a security camera in a public place.
    News
    Sugar Land Approves $2.8 Million in Public Safety Tech Upgrades
    What to Know:
    • Sugar Land City Council approved $2.8 million for autonomous drones, real-time crime center software and expanded license plate recognition cameras.
    • Axon Enterprises will provide two drones and FUSUS software subscription under a $594,000 contract.
    • Flock Group’s LPR camera contract was amended to add two cameras and consolidate leases, raising the total contract value to $2.3 million.
    Insider
    January 15, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • The Texas Health and Human Services logo superimposed in front of the agency's building.
    News
    Texas HHS Signals Stricter Procurement Standards
    What to Know:
    • Texas HHS is requiring secure, accessible and interoperable technology solutions, with upfront compliance on cybersecurity and Section 508 accessibility standards.
    • Vendors using AI must follow strict state guidelines, including bans on using HHS data for training and expectations to share cost efficiencies.
    • HHS is in the early stages of a 10-year modernization plan and is preparing to request funding from the Legislature for upcoming projects.
    Insider
    January 15, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • View of downtown Austin, Texas
    News
    Tony Sauerhoff Named DIR Interim Executive Director and State CIO
    What to Know:
    • Sauerhoff previously served as DIR’s chief AI and innovation officer and was recently named president of the GovRAMP Board.
    • He succeeds Amanda Crawford, who was named as head of the Texas Department of Insurance.
    • Steve Pier, DIR’s deputy executive director, was recently appointed to lead the Texas Workforce Commission.
    January 14, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Dustin Haisler, Amanda Crawford, Steve Pier.png
    News
    DIR Deputy Director Steve Pier Named Head of Workforce Commission
    What to Know:
    • DIR Deputy Executive Director Steve Pier has been appointed executive director of the Texas Workforce Commission.
    • Pier's move comes amid broader leadership changes at DIR, including the departure of Executive Director Amanda Crawford.
    • At DIR, Pier has played a key role in agencywide initiatives, including government relations, risk management and strategic planning.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A shopping cart made of bright red lines surrounded by bright red and blue lines like a data highway. Dark background.
    News
    Texas DIR Ends Branded Contracts to Open Vendor Access
    What to Know:
    • Texas DIR will no longer award cooperative contracts based on specific brands, focusing instead on solutions and specifications.
    • The new model is intended to increase vendor competition, reduce brand lock-in and improve pricing for agencies.
    • Vendors can still submit offers if their products meet the functional requirements outlined in future solicitations.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Consultant
    News
    Former Texas Court CIO Casey Kennedy Joins Mission Critical Partners
    What to Know:
    • Casey Kennedy, former CIO of the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA), has joined Mission Critical Partners as a project manager.
    • He brings more than 30 years of IT and public-sector experience, including 15 years leading statewide judicial technology initiatives.
    • Texas OCA has not named his replacement as of this writing.
    Insider
    January 13, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas State Technical College.png
    News
    Texas State Technical College Wins $3.5M for Semiconductor Training
    What to Know:
    • Texas State Technical College will receive $3.5 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to expand its Accelerated Semiconductor Technician Training Program in Hutto.
    • The program will prepare students for semiconductor fabrication careers in just 10 weeks, with training in wafer processing, gas control systems and cleanroom environments.
    • This is the latest in a series of awards issued under the Texas CHIPS Act to grow the state’s semiconductor workforce and infrastructure.
    Insider
    January 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Jorge Cardenas 2.jpg
    News
    Brownsville CIO Discusses Smart City Growth, AI Factory, 5G Plans
    As part of Industry Insider — Texas’ ongoing efforts to educate readers on state and local government, their IT plans and initiatives, here’s the latest in our periodic series of interviews with departmental IT leaders.
    Insider
    January 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person typing on a laptop with one hand while holding up their smartphone with the other, with a lock symbol and concealed password hovering above the phone.
    News
    Texas Seeks Applications for Local Cyber Mitigation Grants
    What to Know:
    • Eligible applicants include Texas local governments and federally recognized tribes seeking to reduce cyber risk.
    • Projects must align with the state’s cybersecurity plan and focus on one-time mitigation activities such as MFA, encryption or threat detection.
    • Applications are due Feb. 12, with a minimum grant of $10,000 and a 30 percent local cost share.
    Insider
    January 09, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Silhouette of a human face made from light blue dots and connected lines. A soundwave is coming from the mouth to indicate speech, also in light blue. Dark blue background.
    News
    World Cup Drives North Texas Investment in AI for 911
    What to Know:
    • A local 911 authority approved $300,000 for AI-powered translation, transcription and quality control services ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
    • Contracts were awarded to GovWorx, Prepared and RapidDeploy through a cooperative purchasing agreement.
    • The system is expected to identify caller languages automatically and streamline interpreter access during emergency calls involving non-English speakers.
    Insider
    January 08, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas CIO Amanda Crawford 2024.jpg
    News
    Texas CIO Amanda Crawford Appointed Insurance Commissioner, Plans Exit From DIR
    What to Know:
    • Amanda Crawford has been appointed Texas Insurance Commissioner and will depart her role as executive director of the Department of Information Resources and state CIO.
    • DIR confirmed Crawford’s exit and said leadership transition plans are forthcoming.
    • As insurance commissioner, Crawford will oversee regulation of the state’s insurance industry, including consumer protection, rate review, licensing and disaster response coordination.
    January 08, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Manager.jpg
    News
    CIO Change Underway at Texas Secretary of State
    What to Know:
    • The Texas Secretary of State is seeking a new chief information officer to lead agencywide IT strategy, operations and modernization.
    • Current CIO Dan Teczar, who has served since 2018, has not publicly announced his departure, though a job posting for his replacement recently closed.
    • The CIO oversees infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance and interagency coordination for one of the state’s highest-profile executive offices.
    Insider
    January 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Texas Blockchain Council.png
    News
    State Rep. Capriglione Named President of Texas Blockchain Council
    What to Know:
    • State Rep. Giovanni Capriglione has been named president of the Texas Blockchain Council and will lead efforts to expand the state's role in digital assets and emerging technologies.
    • Capriglione will continue serving in the Texas House through January 2027 and currently chairs the new Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee.
    • A longtime technology advocate, he previously sponsored legislation on AI, cybersecurity and blockchain infrastructure.
    Insider
    January 06, 2026
     · Chandler Treon
  • Aerial view of a city illuminated in blue and covered in connecting blue lines to indicate connectivity.
    News
    Brownsville’s AI Factory: A Local Hub for Smart City Innovation
    What to Know:
    • The city-operated AI Factory processes real-time data from cameras, sensors and connected systems to enhance public safety, traffic control and emergency response, according to CIO Jorge Cardenas.
    • The platform is powered by the city’s own fiber network and private 5G infrastructure, allowing for secure, high-speed data processing without relying on third-party cloud providers.
    • Brownsville plans to offer compute capacity to neighboring cities that lack similar capabilities.
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Shutterstock_Budgeting
    News
    Texas Budget and CIOs Signal Major IT Overhauls in 2026
    What to Know:
    • Texas’ 2026–27 state budget includes more than $1 billion in IT capital funding for modernization across key agencies.
    • Major initiatives include system overhauls at HHSC, TxDMV and DFPS, and creation of the new Texas Cyber Command.
    • Agencies are expanding use of AI, automation and data integration, with new vendor opportunities expected in late 2025 and into 2026.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Payments
    News
    Top Agencies, Vendors Drive $6.3B in Texas Tech Spend for FY 25
    What to Know:
    • The state of Texas spent about $6.3 billion on IT-related goods and services in Fiscal Year 2025.
    • The Health and Human Services Commission and Department of Transportation were the top-spending agencies.
    • Deloitte, Rackspace and the Texas Facilities Commission were among the highest-paid vendors.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of wooden figures of business people with a hand pushing the largest one on the far right up higher than the rest. Dark wood background.
    News
    Texas Government IT Sees Wave of Leadership Changes in 2025
    What to Know:
    • Several Texas agencies and cities appointed new CIOs in 2025, including Dallas, El Paso and the Office of Court Administration.
    • Long-serving CIOs in San Antonio and statewide judicial services announced plans to retire.
    • Agencies also added deputy CIOs to support cybersecurity, AI initiatives and IT modernization.
    Insider
    December 22, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A row of students working on desktop computers in a computer lab.
    News
    Prairie View A&M Awarded $1.98M for Semiconductor Training Program
    What to Know:
    • The university received $1.98 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to launch a workforce training program in 3D heterogeneous integration (3DHI) microelectronics.
    • The initiative is a partnership with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute and Next-Generation Microelectronics Manufacturing program, focusing on advanced semiconductor design and manufacturing skills.
    • The grant is part of the Texas CHIPS Act strategy to expand in-state semiconductor capabilities through education, research and industry collaboration.
    Insider
    December 19, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • San Antonio City Hall
    News
    San Antonio CIO to Retire, City Launches Search for Successor
    What to Know:
    • San Antonio CIO Craig Hopkins will retire in early 2026 after leading the city’s IT department since 2017.
    • Hopkins will stay through the transition to support continuity and onboarding of the new CIO.
    • The CIO role oversees a $330 million tech portfolio and is responsible for cybersecurity, digital services and IT strategy across 40 city departments.
    Insider
    December 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Medical technology, doctor use AI robots for diagnosis, care, and increasing accuracy patient treatment in future. Medical research and development innovation technology to improve patient health
    News
    Texas to Participate in New Tech-Driven Medicare Review Program
    What to Know:
    • Texas is a pilot state in CMS’ new WISeR Model, which uses AI and clinical review to reduce wasteful Medicare spending.
    • Cohere Health will operate in Texas, reviewing select Medicare services for medical necessity under the model.
    • Providers face new review options, including pre-authorization through WISeR participants or post-service audits, starting in 2026.
    Insider
    December 18, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • cybersecurity_shutterstock_217515769
    News
    CISA’s New Cyber Guidelines Could Help Texas Manage Growing Threats
    What to Know:
    • CISA’s updated cybersecurity goals are voluntary but provide clear, outcome-focused guidance for critical infrastructure protection.
    • Texas agencies have faced recent cyber incidents affecting water systems and public data, highlighting gaps the federal goals aim to address.
    • While not required, aligning with the goals may support funding eligibility, vendor alignment and insurance readiness for Texas organizations.
    Insider
    December 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A pile of tax documents.
    News
    Texas Comptroller Launches Local Fiscal Transparency Database
    What to Know:
    • The database offers public access to local bond, tax rate election and project spending data statewide.
    • Required fields include projected tax rates, election outcomes, ballot language, project lists and bond expenditure details.
    • Local governments are responsible for submitting accurate data; the Comptroller’s Office does not independently verify submissions.
    Insider
    December 16, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • quantum computing processor
    News
    UT Austin Awarded $4.8M to Launch Quantum Metrology Facility
    What to Know:
    • UT Austin’s Texas Quantum Institute received $4.8 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund to establish QLab, a quantum-enhanced semiconductor metrology facility.
    • QLab will support semiconductor and quantum industries by advancing measurement tools critical to chip manufacturing at the atomic scale.
    • The grant is part of Texas’ broader strategy under the Texas CHIPS Act to strengthen research, manufacturing and workforce development in the semiconductor sector.
    Insider
    December 12, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Trump
    News
    Trump AI Order Sets Up Potential Clash With Texas Laws
    What to Know:
    • A new federal executive order aims to curb state laws that create compliance burdens or compel changes to AI model outputs.
    • Trump’s executive order directs federal agencies to challenge conflicting state AI laws, with legal, regulatory and funding actions set to begin within 90 days.
    • Texas laws such as TRAIGA and HB 4 could face pre-emption or funding penalties if deemed inconsistent with the national AI policy framework.
    Insider
    December 12, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • flooding
    News
    Texas Cities and Counties Invest in Flood Tech
    What to Know:
    • Kerr County officials are moving forward with a new flood warning system in partnership with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority.
    • San Marcos is seeking $4.78 million in state funding, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority has earmarked $1.5 million to support local deployment.
    • The Texas Department of Information Resources has launched a statewide procurement for flood early warning systems under its Cooperative Contracts Program.
    Insider
    December 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Plainview Courthouse.png
    News
    Plainview Promotes David Ellis to IT Director
    Ellis succeeds Isauro Gutierrez, who held the role for 12 years.
    Insider
    December 11, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • A person in a business suit tearing up a contract that says "cancelled" in red letters on it.
    News
    Texas Cancels HUB Certifications, Shifts Focus to Veterans
    What to Know:
    • Texas has replaced its HUB program with VetHUB, focusing solely on businesses owned by veterans.
    • Emergency rules eliminate race- and sex-based eligibility, aligning with Gov. Abbott’s Executive Order GA-55.
    • Previous HUB certifications will be revoked unless businesses meet the new veteran criteria.
    Insider
    December 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • Silicon,Wafer,Negative,Color,In,Machine,In,Semiconductor,Manufacturing
    News
    Temple College Awarded $9.8M for Semiconductor Training Hub
    What to Know:
    • Temple College received $9.8 million from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) to create the Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor.
    • The program will offer stackable credentials, certifications and degrees, including an applied bachelor’s in semiconductor technology.
    • This is the second TSIF grant to a Texas college, following a $3.6 million award to Austin Community College for a semiconductor lab in Round Rock.
    Insider
    December 09, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • The bitcoin logo in orange and yellow on a dark background surrounded by connected yellow dots.
    News
    Texas Invests $5 Million in Bitcoin Under New Law
    What to Know:
    • Texas is the first U.S. state to allocate public funds to bitcoin, following the creation of a digital asset reserve.
    • A $5 million bitcoin purchase was reported in November.
    • Vendors may see future opportunities as the state moves toward direct custody and supporting infrastructure.
    Insider
    December 05, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
  • TASSCC DIR Panel 2025.png
    News
    From Guidance to Execution: DIR Pilots Full-Service Procurement Support
    What to Know:
    • Texas leaders made clear that AI is now an expected part of funding and oversight conversations, and vendors should prepare to quantify efficiency gains.
    • A new “Procurement-as-a-Service” model aims to help smaller agencies modernize faster with DIR support.
    • Contracts move faster when vendors come prepared with an understanding of state-mandated terms.
    Insider
    December 05, 2025
     · Chandler Treon
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