The City of Brownsville wrapped up its final B.R.I.G.H.T. cleanup of the year, bringing together city employees and community volunteers to revitalize neighborhoods in District 4.
The B.R.I.G.H.T. initiative, Brownsville Residents Improving Grounds, Homes and Tomorrow, addresses long-standing quality-of-life issues, including illegal dumping, graffiti, neglected properties and walkability concerns. The cleanup marked only the second event, but participation has already grown significantly.
Roberto Garcia, Assistant Director with the Department of Health, Wellness and Animal Services, who serves as a team lead, said the strong turnout shows how quickly the effort is taking root. “We had over 70 city employees signed up and over 40 volunteers from the community. Every single time we do this, even though this is our second time, the expectation is to keep getting bigger and better,” Garcia said.
Teams worked across District 4, focusing on areas near Linear Park, the Gladys Porter Zoo and the Old City Cemetery. Volunteers cleared litter from streets and alleys, removed debris and helped elderly residents by bringing bulky items to the curb.
Local business owner Oscar Alvarez said seeing so many people helping made him proud of the community. “That is beautiful. We need to clean the city and be proud of where we live.”. Alvarez added that assisting older residents is especially important. “Some of them physically can’t do it. So that’s really nice,” he said. He encouraged residents to stay involved, adding, “We just have to do our part. Put the trash where it belongs and be proud of where we live.”
Several volunteer groups also joined the effort for the first time, including staff from CDCB and the Caracara Trails Project. Marissa Amaya, project manager for Caracara Trails, said her team wanted to support the city’s work. “It’s such a great initiative, and anything we can do to help the City of Brownsville,” she said.
Her colleague, Klarissa Garcia, said the cleanup helps build a stronger sense of ownership in neighborhoods. “It’s a great way to build community. You see city employees out here doing their part, and opening it up to residents makes people feel like it’s their community, too,” she said.
Friday’s cleanup was the last B.R.I.G.H.T. event of 2025. The next cleanup is scheduled for March 20, 2026. City officials hope participation will continue to grow as the program expands into more neighborhoods.
Residents can learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up at:
https://www.brownsvilletx.gov/2507/Hands-for-a-Beautiful-Brownsville
