The Brownsville City Commission appointed Alan Guard as interim City Manager during its meeting on December 2, 2025. The decision, made in executive session, becomes effective December 20 and marks a key leadership transition as the city continues work on major community projects and long-term planning.
In addition to the appointment, the commission heard updates on two important initiatives: improvements to La Posada Park and the results of a comprehensive public transit study.
A local foundation gifted two items to the City in support of the Montezuma Cypress Preserve at La Posada Park. The first is a new monument sign that marks the preserve’s entrance and celebrates its rare subtropical ecosystem, home to over 40 towering cypress trees, some of which are estimated to be 350 years old.
The second gift included historic cast-iron streetlamps originally located on Palm Boulevard, which will be repurposed at the park to enhance its historic character. The foundation also officially adopted Boy Scout Troop 11 as stewards of the preserve, who will assist with maintenance and environmental education efforts.
The Commission also received a presentation from engineering consultants Benesch, outlining a proposed overhaul of the city’s public transportation system. The plan introduces microtransit services, an app- or phone-based on-demand ride program designed to reach underserved areas and provide first-mile/last-mile connections to existing routes.
The study recommends a phased rollout, starting with route streamlining and the launch of microtransit zones. It also proposes new east-west routes to improve transfers and envisions future express service to South Padre Island.
One underperforming route outside the city limits—Route 30—has already been replaced by a ride voucher system.
You can view the City Commission meeting by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG-c9xIg6b8
