Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated the grand opening of the Wells Fargo Las Colinas campus during a ribbon cutting ceremony and panel discussion.
"The Texas economy is becoming more diversified to signify our might as a financial capital," said Governor Abbott. "To make sure it stays that way, the Texas economy focuses not on where we are, but where we are going. We need financial institutions and the ability for all our growing businesses to have access to capital, and that is exactly what Wells Fargo is providing."
The Governor was joined at the grand opening by Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf, Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer, TV personality Mike Rowe, and other state and local officials.
During the panel discussion, Governor Abbott highlighted the opening of the new Wells Fargo Bank campus in Irving and its contribution to the transformation of Texas into America's financial hub. The Governor noted that Wells Fargo's decision to choose Irving-Las Colinas for its corporate office marks one of the largest real estate deals in the community in the last two decades, building a strong partnership that will benefit both the company and the community. Additionally, the Governor touted Texas as the modern embodiment of the American Dream, where we are expanding opportunities for businesses and people to succeed. Also, Governor Abbott thanked Wells Fargo for their donation to those affected by the 4th of July floods in Kerrville to get money directly in the hands of the families in need.
Additional photos of the event will be provided here when available.
]]>Governor Greg Abbott today congratulated the City of League City for being designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community by Travel Texas after completing the multi-step certification process. The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community designation shows the commitment of the League City Convention and Visitors Bureau to further develop tourism as an economic growth strategy, boost local job creation, and draw more visitors to their community and to Texas from across the nation and around the world.
“Tourism is critical to both our local and state economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Travelers to and within Texas generate almost $200 billion in annual economic impact and support 1.3 million jobs across the state. I congratulate the City of League City and the League City Convention and Visitors Bureau on earning this designation. All Texas communities are encouraged to apply to become a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community to further grow local tourism and jobs across our great state.”
League City is now a Music Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
“This recognition is a testament to the vision, hard work, and commitment of our local leaders and tourism partners,” said Representative Greg Bonnen. “It not only highlights League City’s unique charm and vibrant offerings, but also strengthens our local economy, supports small businesses, and creates opportunities for continued growth across our region. I’m proud to represent a community that continues to invest in its future and showcase all that makes it a great place to live, work, and visit.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community,” said League City Convention and Visitors Bureau Manager Stephanie Polk. “This designation highlights the passion and collaboration within our community to create an exceptional visitor experience. We’ve seen tremendous growth in tourism across our region, and League City is perfectly positioned to be a natural hub for exploration and hospitality. League City’s historic downtown, growing art and music scenes, boutique shopping, and year-round calendar of events contribute to our growth as a destination.”
The Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program is open to local governments or non-profit organizations that serve as the lead entity for tourism promotion and development efforts. Benefits of the designation for tourism entities seeking certification on behalf of their community include the opportunity to strengthen or establish relationships important for tourism development, educate local leaders on the importance of tourism to the state, identify and prioritize locally driven strategies, and learn more about opportunities provided by Travel Texas and other state government programs available to support both communities and the travel and tourism industry. For more information on the Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community program, visit: gov.texas.gov/tourism-friendly-texas.
The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor's Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state.
]]>Governor Greg Abbott today announced that an NRG Energy, Inc. natural gas facility to be constructed at the existing TH Wharton Generating Station in Harris County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The new, simple cycle 456 MW natural gas facility represents an estimated $360 million capital investment by NRG.
“Texas energy powers our state’s booming economy,” said Governor Abbott. “This $360 million investment by NRG in Harris County is a significant advancement in Texas' energy infrastructure. The new natural gas facility will expand power generation and provide reliable, affordable energy for homes and businesses in one of the largest electricity demand centers in Texas. By investing in reliable, dispatchable energy, we will add more power and better fortify our grid.”
In August, a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced for the natural gas facility, currently slated to begin operations by Summer 2026. The project will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Houston Load Zone, including Houston, Pasadena, and The Woodlands, the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
“NRG's new simple cycle 456 MW natural gas facility at the TH Wharton power plant is not only generating significant construction related job opportunities, but once online in 2026, the completed facility will provide additional permanent jobs, enhanced grid stability and regional economic growth,” said Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations Robert Gaudette. “Moving Texas forward to meet surging energy demand involves public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the TH Wharton new build project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program. Thank you to Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (ISD) for being such excellent partners.”
“The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees supported the partnership with NRG and Governor Abbott’s JETI program for the construction of the TH Wharton power plant because the project will enhance the reliability of the power grid and provide permanent jobs,” said Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Chief Financial Officer Karen Smith. “The TH Wharton project will accommodate the growing energy demand in the district and Houston area.”
View more information about NRG.
]]>AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott appointed Bryan Langley and Isaac Tawil to the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. Additionally, the Governor appointed Jaime Reyes, II and Pamela Williams to the Board for terms set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Board oversees the Texas Municipal Retirement System, which is responsible for providing a secure retirement benefit plan for eligible employees of more than 800 cities.
Bryan Langley of Kyle is the city manager for Kyle. He is a member of the Texas City Management Association and the International City/County Management Association. Langley received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Texas and a Master of Science in Accounting from The University of Texas (UT) at Dallas.
Isaac Tawil of McAllen is the city manager for McAllen. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas. Tawil received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UT Austin and a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University.
Jaime Reyes, II of Melissa is the assistant fire chief for the City of Plano. He is a member of the Plano Firefighters Association, the Texas State Association of Firefighters, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Reyes received a Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Texas A&M University (TAMU) and a Master of Public Administration/Emergency Management from Sam Houston State University.
Pamela Williams of Hawley is the director of human resources for the City of Abilene. She is a member of the Texas Municipal Human Resource Association, the International City/County Management Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, and the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association. Additionally, she is on the board of directors for United Way. Williams received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from TAMU and a Master of Science from Abilene Christian University.
]]>Governor Greg Abbott today announced an operation dedicated to making Austin safer and cleaner by relocating homeless individuals and removing encampments in and around the capital city and state property.
"Texans should not endure public safety risks from homeless encampments and individuals," said Governor Abbott. “Weapons, needles, and other debris should not litter the streets of our community, and the State of Texas is taking action. I directed state agencies to address this risk and make Austin safer and cleaner for residents and visitors to live, travel, and conduct business.”
The operation, led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in close coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Texas State Guard, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), has led to a cleaner, safer Austin.
Homeless individuals violating state law or local ordinances will be arrested and debris created by homeless encampments will be removed. Since the operation began late last week, Texas has arrested numerous individuals for a variety of criminal offenses, and removed firearms, drug paraphernalia, and encampments from public areas across Austin.
Since the operation began late last week, The State of Texas has:
During the camp cleanup operations, ten subjects have been found to have outstanding warrants. Several of these individuals were identified in their warrants as being armed and dangerous and exhibiting violent tendencies. One subject was wanted out of state for Aggravated Escape from Custody. Additionally, 24 of the subjects arrested were identified as repeat felony offenders.
]]>Governor Greg Abbott named Kelly Rowe as chair of the Commission on Jail Standards. Additionally, the Governor appointed Joe Fauth and Richard Kirkpatrick for terms set to expire on January 31, 2031 and January 31, 2027, respectively, and reappointed Patricia M. Anthony and Monica McBride for terms set to expire on January 31, 2031. The Commission establishes standards for the care and treatment of county prisoners, construction, maintenance, and operation of county jails.
Kelly Rowe of Lubbock is the Lubbock County Sheriff and has over 32 years of law enforcement service. He is the past president of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas (SAT), past president of the Texas Jail Association, and chairman of TEEX Criminal Justice Academy Advisory Board. Additionally, he is a board manager of the 911 Emergency Communication District and a member of the American Jail Association, Texas Jail Association, National Sheriff’s Association, and the StarCare Board. Sheriff Rowe attended the New Mexico Military Institute before serving and being honorably discharged from both the United States Army, then the Texas Army National Guard. He then received his peace officer training from the Permian Basin Law Enforcement Academy.
Joe Fauth of Plantersville is the Grimes County Judge. He is the vice chairman of Counseling Creations, board member at large for the National Association of Regional Councils, and past chairman of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments.
Richard Kirkpatrick of Kingsville is the sheriff of Kleberg County. He has 19 years of criminal law enforcement service, previously working as a special agent with the Kingsville Specialized Crimes and Narcotics Task Force, and as a canine handler. He is a certified criminal interdiction instructor for the Drug Interdiction Assistance Program, El Paso Intelligence Center and other local training units. Additionally, he was involved in the development of the first fiber optic tire inspection scope and conducted trainings for the United Nations. He is a member of the SAT, an Eagle Scout, and has volunteered as a mentor with the Boy Scouts of America. Kirkpatrick received a degree in Law Enforcement from Del Mar College.
Patricia M. Anthony of Garland is a customer service agent for Envoy Air, Inc. She retired from the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons after 25 years of service. She is a life member of Women in Federal Law Enforcement and former chair of the Taxpayer Communications Project Committee for the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel and a past state coordinator of the Southwest Region for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Previously, she served on the board of the Kiwanis Club of Garland and as a member of Bank of America’s Advisory Panel. Additionally, her volunteer experience includes serving on the Charter Review Committee for the City of Garland, Citizen’s Oral Interview and Training Advisory Board for Garland’s Police Department, North Central Texas Council of Government’s Criminal Justice Policy Development Committee, and Leadership Garland’s Alumni Association. Anthony received an associate degree in Police Science from El Centro College, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from The University of Texas at Tyler, and a Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Monica McBride of Alpine is the owner of McBride Guide Service, Faro Moro Eco Research, and Estrella Sola Cattle Co. She is a member of the Texas Association of Realtors and a board member of the Big Bend Shooting Foundation. McBride received a dual Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Spanish from Sul Ross State University.
]]>TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on July 8, 2022, as amended and renewed in a number of subsequent proclamations, certifying that exceptional drought conditions posed a threat of imminent disaster in several counties; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has confirmed that those same drought conditions persist in certain counties in Texas;
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Aransas, Atascosa, Bandera, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Brewster, Burnet, Cameron, Clay, Collingsworth, Comal, Comanche, Culberson, Donley, El Paso, Foard, Frio, Gillespie, Grayson, Guadalupe, Hall, Hardeman, Hays, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, Llano, Lubbock, Matagorda, McMullen, Medina, Midland, Nueces, Pecos, Presidio, Real, San Patricio, Terrell, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, and Zapata Counties.
Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. However, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 19th day of October, 2025.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
ATTESTED BY:
JANE NELSON
Secretary of State
]]>
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on May 31, 2021, certifying under Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code that the surge of individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas–Mexico border posed an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster for a number of Texas counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster; and
WHEREAS, I amended the aforementioned proclamation in a number of subsequent proclamations, including to modify the list of affected counties and therefore declare a state of disaster for those counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster; and
WHEREAS, the certified conditions continue to exist and pose an ongoing and imminent threat of disaster as set forth in the prior proclamations;
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster for Aransas, Atascosa, Bee, Brewster, Brooks, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Coleman, Colorado, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, El Paso, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kenedy, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McCulloch, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Refugio, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Schleicher, Shackelford, Starr, Sutton, Terrell, Throckmorton, Upton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Webb, Wharton, Wilbarger, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala Counties and for all state agencies affected by this disaster. All orders, directions, suspensions, and authorizations provided in the Proclamation of May 31, 2021, as amended and renewed in subsequent proclamations, are in full force and effect.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 19th day of October, 2025.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
ATTESTED BY:
JANE NELSON
Secretary of State
]]>
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on July 4, 2025, as amended and renewed in a subsequent proclamations, certifying that the heavy rainfall and flooding event that began on July 2, 2025, that included heavy rainfall and flash flooding, caused widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in several counties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend and renew the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in Bandera, Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Edwards, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Hamilton, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, Maverick, McCulloch, Menard, Real, Reeves, San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton, Tom Green, Travis, Uvalde, and Williamson Counties;
Pursuant to Section 418.017 of the Texas Government Code, I authorize the use of all available resources of state government and of political subdivisions that are reasonably necessary to cope with this disaster.
Pursuant to Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor. Any statutes that might prevent the transfer of bodies to families as soon as possible are hereby suspended, including Sections 264.514 and 264.515 of the Texas Family Code and Articles 49.04, 49.05, 49.10, and 49.25 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Further, to the extent that the enforcement of any state statute or administrative rule regarding contracting or procurement would impede any state agency’s emergency response that is necessary to protect life or property threatened by this declared disaster, I hereby authorize the suspension of such statutes and rules for the duration of this declared disaster.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 19th day of October, 2025.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor
ATTESTED BY:
JANE NELSON
Secretary of State
]]>
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize additional state wildfire response resources amid ongoing fire danger across large portions of the state.
"Texas is taking swift action against potential wildfire threats across our state," said Governor Abbott. "Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to mobilize additional state wildfire response resources to assist local communities with any potential wildfire outbreaks. I strongly urge Texans to create an emergency plan, limit any activities that can cause a spark, and heed the guidance of local officials to keep yourself and your family safe.”
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the rapid onset of drought across much of Texas has significantly increased fire potential. Over the next several days, elevated wind speeds, above-average temperatures, and critically dry vegetation are expected to contribute to increased wildfire activity statewide, particularly across portions of West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, Big Country, Texoma, Central Texas, East Texas and Southeast Texas. The Wildland Fire Preparedness Level remains at Level 3, indicating that wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation, or frequent fire weather events. Over the past week, more than 80 wildfires have burned more than 1,800 acres across the state.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources remain available to support local wildfire response operations:
Additionally, the Texas Emergency Management Council is monitoring the potential for severe weather across North and Northeast Texas over the weekend, including thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow instructions from emergency officials.
Texans are urged to implement wildfire prevention and preparedness measures, including making an emergency plan, staying informed, and keeping emergency supplies readily available. Texans can visit TexasReady.gov for wildfire and severe weather safety tips, locate wildfire prevention information at tfsweb.tamu.edu, and find all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to help protect Texans from the effects of wildfires, including: