The first “Coffee with the Mayor” event of 2026 drew dozens of residents to the Brownsville Public Library Main Branch on Wednesday, January 21, where Mayor John Cowen Jr. addressed a wide range of issues impacting the community, from economic development and public safety to recycling, parks, and future growth plans.
Mayor Cowen began by highlighting the city’s strong sales tax performance, which he said reflects ongoing economic momentum and positions the city to continue investing in services and infrastructure.
The fiscal year 2026 sales tax performance reflects the city’s continued local economic resilience and provides a strong foundation to support city services, infrastructure, and quality-of-life investments, said Mayor Cowen.
He also underscored the importance of the city’s recycling program, noting that it not only supports environmental goals but also directly funds essential city services.
Recycling generates money to help fund police, fire, streets, drainage, parks, and maintenance, he said. It also helps extend the use of the city’s landfill, and “it’s essential to keep informing the public why recycling is important.”
Addressing ongoing public safety concerns, Mayor Cowen spoke about the new Midtown Entertainment District ordinance recently passed by the Brownsville City Commission. The ordinance will increase police presence along Pablo Kisel Boulevard, which is home to over a dozen bars and has experienced multiple late-night disturbances.
“We are basically adopting the TABC regulations and being able to enforce them and fine people, and hold these bar owners and property owners accountable,” Cowen said. “The city is working on a city-wide program.”
He noted one particular plaza on Pablo Kisel that has 20 suites—13 of which are bars—underscoring the need for greater enforcement in the area.
The mayor also provided updates on improvements to the city’s park system, including new fitness equipment, lighting, and playground upgrades.
The Brownsville Sports Park added a Sports Light Retrofit, which will allow for more night games, he said, adding that the project was made possible through grant funding from the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.
Cowen also shared exciting developments regarding a potential partnership with the United Soccer League (USL) to bring professional soccer to Brownsville.
“We have a letter of intent or MOU that we have signed with USL to bring a football/soccer club here,” he said. “It’s not just a men’s team. It’s men’s, women’s, youth development league.”
He added that USL is also interested in building an entertainment district near the Sports Park.
In terms of economic development, Mayor Cowen highlighted several new businesses coming to Brownsville, including Embassy Suites by Hilton, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Barnes & Noble, Hunt Pan Am Hanger, and the Flight Academy of South Texas.
The mayor acknowledged the community’s remarkable response following the December 7, 2025, fire at the Palacio Real apartment complex, which displaced numerous families.
“I want to recognize the response from our community that came together that really made me proud as mayor to support these families in a time of tragedy through our partners at United Way, American Red Cross, and Good Neighbor Settlement House,” he said.
“They raised almost $70,000. That doesn’t include the clothes, furniture, and toys that were donated as well. There was just a tremendous outpouring.”
“Coffee with the Mayor” provides residents with an opportunity to engage directly with city leadership and stay informed about ongoing projects and initiatives. Additional events are expected throughout the year.
