Keep Texas Beautiful has named the City of Brownsville a recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA), one of Texas’ highest environmental honors. The award was announced during the 2026 Keep Texas Beautiful Conference and recognizes Texas communities that demonstrate outstanding leadership in beautification, litter prevention, waste reduction, and community engagement. Brownsville was recognized for its strong community partnerships, large-scale volunteer engagement, and commitment to beautification and environmental stewardship across the City.
In 2025, Brownsville hosted 34 beautification and cleanup events that engaged more than 1,200 volunteers and generated over 5,400 volunteer service hours dedicated to improving parks, trails, neighborhoods, and public spaces. These efforts removed more than 51,000 pounds of litter and debris while strengthening community pride and environmental awareness throughout the city. The community also expanded urban forestry and sustainability initiatives through native landscaping, pollinator habitat projects, and tree planting efforts led by the City. Volunteers and staff planted 57 trees across parks, schools, and public spaces to improve shade coverage and strengthen the urban tree canopy.
Brownsville also partnered with local schools on projects such as the Pocket Prairie at Garcia Middle School, giving students hands-on opportunities to learn about native plants, pollinators, and habitat conservation. Environmental education and recycling initiatives continue to play a major role in Brownsville’s community improvement efforts. Through partnerships with Redfish Recycling and local organizations, the City expanded curbside recycling access to more than 46,000 households while promoting proper waste disposal and litter prevention through bilingual outreach and volunteer programs.
Community events such as Earth Fest, Arbor Day celebrations, BRIGHT neighborhood cleanups, and the Recycled Art Competition further engaged residents of all ages in environmental stewardship and beautification efforts. “This award reflects the dedication and pride of the residents, volunteers, businesses, and community partners who work every day to make Brownsville a cleaner, more beautiful place to live,” said Alan Guard, ICMA-CM, CGFO, Brownsville Interim City Manager. “We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of the community-wide effort that made it possible.” “Congratulations to Brownsville for this hard-won award,” said Sara Walters, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful.
“This recognition reflects the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship, beautification, and volunteer-driven impact that makes Texas stronger and more vibrant for everyone.” Since 1969, Keep Texas Beautiful has recognized communities making a lasting impact through environmental stewardship and community improvement. In 2026, the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards program also marks 40 years of partnership with Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), which has provided more than $54 million in landscaping grants to winning communities since 1986. In addition to Brownsville, other 2026 winning communities include: Eden, San Saba, Argyle, Lago Vista, Ennis, Duncanville, Friendswood, Longview, and Mesquite.
For more information about the Governor’s Community Achievement Awards and winners contact Nicholas Tamayo, in the Engineering and Public Works Department, or visit Keep Texas Beautiful. Communities are evaluated by an independent panel of judges across key areas, including public awareness, community leadership and coordination, beautification and community improvement, litter prevention and cleanup, solid waste management, and environmental education. In addition to statewide recognition, Brownsville will receive a commemorative cast[1]aluminum plaque honoring the achievement, along with a $310,000 landscaping project from TxDOT to support a future community improvement project along a state-maintained roadway in the community.
About Brownsville Brownsville, Texas is a dynamic border city with a population of more than 190,000 residents, making it the largest cities in the Rio Grande Valley, the 18th largest City, and a major hub for international trade and culture. Located at the southernmost tip of Texas along the U.S.–Mexico border, Brownsville drives billions of dollars in commerce annually through the Port of Brownsville and international bridges connecting to Matamoros, Mexico. Brownsville is the gateway to SpaceX’s Starbase operations, positioning the City as a growing center for aerospace innovation and high-tech job creation.
The City is one of Texas’ fastest-growing communities with strong opportunities in logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy, and space technology. About Keep Texas Beautiful Keep Texas Beautiful is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering Texans to keep their communities clean and beautiful. Through programs focused on beautification, litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, and community engagement, KTB supports a statewide network of affiliates, volunteers, and partners working to improve communities across Texas. Founded in 1967, KTB reaches millions of Texans annually through grassroots programs, education, and volunteer action.
About Texas Department of Transportation Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining more than 80,000 miles of road and supporting aviation, maritime, rail, and public transportation across the state. Through collaboration and leadership, TxDOT delivers a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that enables the movement of people and goods.
Source: City of Brownsville
