Collaboration, civic engagement – changing the way government interacts with citizens

By 2050, seven of 10 people on Earth will reside in urban areas. As public officials realize the magnitude of this reality, it becomes immediately clear that finding ways to reach out to the masses is more important than ever. Elected officials and government executives can no longer be successful without finding ways to collaborate […]

Initiative will speed federal permitting, review for major infrastructure projects

Federal agencies have been put on notice by the White House. Completion of much-needed infrastructure projects nationwide has fallen victim to snail-like movement through the federal permitting processes over the years. As a result, the Administration has announced new initiatives expected to accelerate infrastructure projects by improving the efficiency of those processes. The announcement of […]

Valley home to nation’s first all-digital degree program

The new University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) made headlines recently when it opened its doors because it is the state’s newest four-year university and medical school. Now, it is making headlines again — this time as it becomes the first university in the nation to offer an all-digital degree program. Students enrolled in the […]

Government red tape, bureaucratic delays cost taxpayers millions

The estimate that $1.7 trillion will be needed through the end of the current decade to address infrastructure needs in the United States is staggering. But, here’s something more disconcerting. Delays in securing approval and permitting for infrastructure projects over a similar time period will cost taxpayers more than double that amount – in excess […]

Congress’ short-term transportation funding fix halts $1.5 billion in projects

The recent announcement that the federal Highway Trust fund’s projected financial demise has been extended by six months is turning out to be a double-edged sword. Public officials in states that depend on federal appropriations to help finance high-dollar transportation infrastructure projects had mixed emotions when it was announced that the funding is now expected […]

Attorney General opinion on tax issue could significantly affect Texas P3s

The outcome of a Texas Attorney General’s opinion sought by the Brazos County Attorney’s office could have a significant impact on some public-private partnerships in Texas. Brazos County Attorney Rodney Anderson has asked for a legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as to whether a private development built on university-owned land is subject […]