Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, will depart the municipality at the end of this year. She tendered her resignation to the Brownsville City Commission at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting and advised that she has made the decision to spend more time with family due to medical circumstances.
Under Ms. Ramirez’s leadership, the City’s first female City Manager, she has achieved unprecedented levels of success within these past three years, marked by robust economic development, major infrastructure advancements, transformative quality-of-life and fiber connectivity projects, which continue to address the needs of Brownsville’s growing community. Her tenure began in 2019, as Deputy City Manager, which positioned Brownsville for sustained progress and continued investment as the City continues to move confidently into the future.
“I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together, as One City, in Brownsville,” said Ms. Ramirez. “Through the visionary leadership of Mayor John Cowen Jr., and the steadfast support of our City Commission, we have transformed Brownsville into a City of opportunity, collaboration, and innovation. I am profoundly grateful for their guidance, partnership, and commitment towards ensuring our shared success. The remarkable progress we see today reflects their leadership, and the tireless dedication of over 1,300 City employees.”
During Ms. Ramirez’s tenure, the City of Brownsville has realized numerous historic milestones and transformational initiatives, including:
- Implementation of the “ONE CITY” Philosophy: Uniting City departments, community partners, and private industry partners, under a shared vision of collaboration and collective progress.
- Implementation of the Gladys Porter Zoo Expansion and Master Plan through the purchase of the Brownsville Independent School District’s Cummings Career and Technical Education (CTE) center.
- Launch of the City’s Parks, Health, and Recreation Master Plan, Downtown Renaissance Master Plan, and the initiation of the City’s first Housing Master Plan.
- Implementation of a $300 Million Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): Investing in major infrastructure upgrades across the City, including street improvements, drainage projects, and broadband expansion through P5G connectivity.
- Groundbreaking of approximately $80 Million Public Safety Complex.
- Expansion of the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport through the recruitment of international commercial airline Aerus, and its codeshare partner Viva Aerobus, furthering Brownsville’s role as an international hub for commerce and travel.
- Advancements in Space and Technology Partnerships: Continuing Brownsville’s emergence as a leader in aerospace innovation and space commerce through collaborations with The Texas Space Commission and private industry leader, SpaceX.
- Attraction of New Retail and Hospitality Investments: The soon-to-open Barnes & Noble bookstore at Sunrise Mall, new Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store, and the RGV’s largest full-service 7-story Embassy Suites by Hilton, featuring more than 170 guest rooms and a 12,000-square-foot conference center.
- Implementation of the City’s Financial Sustainability and Transparency Measures: Strengthening fiscal responsibility while increasing accessibility and efficiency for residents.
“Helen Ramirez has led Brownsville through one of the most transformative periods in our City’s history,” said Mayor Cowen. “Her leadership, professionalism, and vision have set the foundation for a strong and prosperous future for our community. We thank her for her dedicated service and wish her and her family the very best.”
“I want to also thank the City of Brownsville employees for their dedication and passion for our community,” said Ms. Ramirez. “Their daily work is what makes Brownsville shine. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Deputy City Manager Alan Guard, Assistant City Manager/Police Chief Felix Sauceda, Assistant City Manager Doroteo Garcia, and Chief of Staff Marina Zolezzi for their commitment, leadership, and partnership throughout my tenure. Finally, I thank the countless community, non-profit, and business partners who have continuously supported the City’s vision over the years. Together we have achieved something truly special.”
As Ms. Ramirez prepares to transition the organization through the end of the year, the City of Brownsville remains well-positioned to continue advancing its vision of progress, sustainability, and innovation under the continued leadership of Mayor John Cowen, Jr., the City Commission, and its Executive Team.
The City Commission is expected to name an Interim City Manager upon Ms. Ramirez’ departure on December 19, 2025.
