Announcements

This page contains the resources that I have found useful in my personal and professional life. Admittedly, it is an eclectic list. It contains everything from quotes and books that I like to podcasts, videos, and slideshows.

If you don’t want to scroll through the entire list, you can click on one of the links below and filter the resources by specific category.

I will update this list as I discover new resources. If you have a resource you think I should add, please email me.

It’s inevitable: Driverless vehicle is the future

Eager to ride in a computer-controlled vehicle? Worried about driverless cars approaching you on city streets? Better not worry about either scenario because, no matter how you feel about autonomous vehicles (AVs), that is the future. Driverless vehicles have attracted the attention of city leaders nationwide and big changes are occurring. The Smart Transportation Market will, in the not-too-distant future, exceed $7 trillion and companies are rushing in aggressively to capture a slice of this lucrative marketplace.

The Cities Of Tomorrow Are Evolving Now

Unprecedented and rapid growth multiplies challenges for municipal leaders. That could be extremely problematic, but fortunately, cities are not just getting bigger, they are also getting “smarter.”

Public Transit System – Still a Huge Component of Infrastructure

When it comes to public transportation, the United States lags far behind other countries.

Governments in Europe, Asia and Canada invest heavily in public transportation because it is viewed as an essential public good. The U.S. government, however, views public transit a little differently and funding has been inadequate for decades.  As a result, America’s existing public transit infrastructure is crumbling and many cities are gridlocked.

Government Leaders Are Beginning To Turn To Collaborative Joint Ventures For Water Projects

Water utilities in the United States were once operated almost completely by private companies. That began to change when Boston, New York, Los Angeles and other large cities expanded in the late 19th century. Water utilities failed to manage the increased demand and government leaders stepped up to assume responsibility for adequate water resources. That’s been the case for decades, but now water problems are critical again. Most water experts believe another change is imminent.

As NC’s Rebuilding Efforts Begin, State and Local Leaders Should Consider Mitigation Projects

Weather-related disasters have become all too common.  The destruction is horrific and the rebuilding costs are astronomical – not to mention the pain and sadness related to the loss of lives.  Last year, weather-related disaster costs exceeded $306 billion. Companies that offer disaster recovery and rebuilding services no longer find their services cyclical.  Instead, demand for their services never seems to slow.

SPI, LBJ School host Legislative Communication Conference Oct. 17

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

SPI, LBJ School host Legislative Communication Conference Oct. 17

State officials, executives to discuss budget, procurement, legislative priorities, other issues

AUSTIN, TX (9-24-18) – Issues for the upcoming 86th Texas Legislature, which convenes Jan. 8, 2019, mirror hot button items dominating today’s news in Texas that affects state government. These issues, from the state economy to cybersecurity and the impact of Hurricane Harvey on the state budget, will be among the topics addressed by state officials and state agency executives during the Biennial Legislative Communication Conference on Oct. 17.

Jointly sponsored since 1998 by Strategic Partnerships, Inc. and The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs, the regularly sold-out event offers attendees the opportunity to hear about upcoming legislative priorities first-hand from elected officials, senior staff in Texas government and others who are instrumental in shaping public policy.

The state budget will once again dominate the upcoming legislative session. The economy and how it will affect crafting the state budget will be addressed by State Comptroller Glenn Hegar. A deeper dive into state budget issues will be offered by Sherri Greenberg, clinical professor at the LBJ School, and Senate Finance Committee Vice-Chair Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. Representatives of the Governor’s Office, the Lt. Governor’s Office and the Legislative Budget Board will make up a panel that will discuss key budget issues.

John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M University System and leader of The Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas, will speak to the effects of Hurricane Harvey on the state budget and the state economy.

Senate Finance Committee member Sen. Kirk Watson will deliver the afternoon session’s keynote address on “Hometown Perspective.”

Two new issue-driven topics affecting state government have been added to this year’s conference agenda. Todd Kimbriel, deputy executive director of the Texas Department of Information Resources, and House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Giovanni Capriglione will partner to discuss cybersecurity issues. Tips on how to be successful in state government contracting and procurement engagements will be examined by state agency procurement and operations officials.

One of the conference’s most popular panels – pundits who offer their predictions for the upcoming legislative session – this year will feature Ross Ramsey, executive editor of The Texas Tribune, Quorum Report Publisher Harvey Kronberg and R.G. Ratcliffe, politics editor at Texas Monthly.

Register here to attend. Seating is limited and once capacity is reached, no more registrations will be accepted.

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About Strategic Partnerships, Inc.:

SPI is a full-service procurement consulting firm. The firm is recognized as a pioneer in the business of partnering public and private entities for commercial purposes. SPI was founded by Mary Scott Nabers, former statewide office holder in Texas and a published expert on public-private partnerships (P3s). For more information, contact SPI at 512-531-3900 or by visiting www.spartnerships.com.

Another Infrastructure Marketplace that is more than Robust

Strange as it might seem, the threat of administration-imposed tariffs has not slowed investment in America’s ports. The extremely large megaships coming through the Suez Canal headed to America and U.S. ports will be ready. Most are already engaged in making upgrades, performing maintenance, expanding to facilitate the larger ships and constructing new storage facilities. Many have already deepened shipping channels, built new locks and invested in larger cranes and other facilities. This is all happening because the new and larger neo-Panamax ships can transport 10,000 or more containers.