Texas Innovation Alliance

This session will focus on how Texas agencies are preparing for emerging industries and growing mobility demands in preparation of space operations, with a spotlight on innovative projects that are shaping the future of transportation across the state.

Through local, regional, and state perspectives, the meeting will examine how agencies can adapt infrastructure, partnerships, and planning strategies to manage rapid growth, improve safety, and expand reliable mobility options.

All times are Central Standard Time (CST).

1:00 PM | Welcome and Introductions – Erika Kemp, TxDOT and Andrea Gold, UT Austin

TxDOT and UT Austin welcome everyone and identify the objectives of the meeting.

1:10 PM | FHWA Updates – Edward Ofori, FHWA

FHWA Texas Division Director provides updates on FHWA activities.

1:25 PM | STIC Incentive Project Updates - Mayra Chavez, University of Texas at El Paso

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) State Transportation Innovation Council (STIC) Incentive program provides State Transportation Authorities resources to help STICs foster a culture of innovation and make innovation standard practice in their States. TxDOT awards these funds to Texas local agencies, annually. This session provides updates on ongoing Texas STIC Incentive award winners.

1:30 PM | Orbit Meets Asphalt: Designing the Transportation System for the Future of Ground-to-Space Mobility

As commercial space activity accelerates across Texas, transportation agencies and communities are increasingly navigating the intersection of terrestrial infrastructure and space operations. This session explores how roads and freight systems must evolve to support the growing demands of ground-to-space mobility. Through three presentations, presenters will examine how launch and landing activities, advanced manufacturing, workforce movement, and logistics are shaping transportation planning and investment decisions. Even for regions where space activity is not on the horizon, the discussion will offer transferable lessons on preparing transportation systems for emerging industries, managing rapid growth, and coordinating across jurisdictions as new economic opportunities come to town.

• 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM | Local Spotlight: Gilberto Salinas, Brownsville Economic Development Council
• 1:40 PM - 1:50 PM | Regional Spotlight: Jose Ortiz, City of Midland
• 1:50 PM - 2:00 PM | State Spotlight: Caroline Mays, Texas Department of Transportation
• 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM | Moderated Panel: Katie Turnball, Texas Transportation Institute

2:45 PM | Break

3:00 PM | Innovative Project Showcase

Learn about innovative projects happening across the state.

• 3:00 - 3:15 PM | Digital Delivery in Texas - Jacob Tambunga, Texas Department of Transportation
• 3:15 - 3:30 PM | Texas' Multimodal Plan – Theodore Kosub, Texas Department of Transportation
• 3:30 - 4:45 PM | Innovative Transportation in San Antonio - Brian Dillard, VIA Metropolitan Transit

3:45 PM | Closing Remarks and Next Steps - Andrea Gold, UT Austin

Closing remarks and UT Austin presents preview of upcoming activities.

4:00 PM | Adjourn

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