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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.
Top News Stories
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.
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.
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.
As we reflect on 2025, here are our picks for the largest, most impactful technology stories in Texas this year:
What to Know:
- Texas Cyber Command is hiring multiple cybersecurity analysts to support statewide threat detection, incident response and cyber defense operations.
- Open roles include Cybersecurity Analyst II and III positions focused on threat research, SOC monitoring and vulnerability triage.
- Positions are based in San Antonio, with monthly pay ranging from $7,833-$9,458, depending on role and experience.
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.
Industry Insider — Texas will pause the morning newsletter during the long holiday break in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The next newsletter will hit your inbox on Monday, Dec. 29, and we will return to our regular schedule on Jan. 2.
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.
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.
Welcome to a new series where we ask our readers to weigh in on important questions in government IT. Submit your response for a chance to have it featured on our website and in the newsletter!
Our annual Winning in the SLED Market study is now open, and we’re inviting industry professionals to share their insights. This research examines how vendors are approaching the state, local and education (SLED) market through go-to-market strategies, sales and marketing alignment; funding shifts; and revenue expectations for the year ahead. The survey takes just 10-15 minutes to complete and gathers feedback from business leaders working to expand or strengthen their public-sector presence.
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.
The position reports to the deputy chief information officer for infrastructure services and is responsible for planning and delivering strategic IT system services.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ellis succeeds Isauro Gutierrez, who held the role for 12 years.
Industry Insider — Texas is pleased to welcome Rubrik to the Industry Insider family.
What to Know:
- Starlink will serve 470,000+ locations under a federal rural broadband shift, including 27 percent of Texas sites.
- The satellite shift cuts costs by $20 billion, but raises concerns about speed and reliability.
- Texas funding was cut from $3.3B to $1.2B, prompting debate over the plan’s impact on rural access.
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.
Contributed Content
This year marked the inception of BMC Helix as an independent company. And we’re not just growing. We’re building for the future, boldly and for the long term. That’s why being recognized as a leader in The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Service Management, Q4 2025 report is more than recognition.
Whether launching a customer-facing app or a cloud-native platform or integrating emerging technologies, effective quality assurance (QA) ensures software performs flawlessly, consistently, securely and swiftly. With AI, this strategic pillar of modern enterprises is undergoing a transformation — evolving into intelligent QA that delivers greater speed, precision and adaptability in testing.
Securing end-user devices — smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other mobile and IoT endpoints — has become a hot-button issue for IT leaders in government and beyond. Explore how Verizon’s advanced wireless network and portfolio of security solutions help protect endpoint devices.
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