The City of Brownwood has been officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, Governor Greg Abbott announced. The designation comes after Brownwood completed the required steps in the certification process managed by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The Music Friendly Texas program, launched by TMO in 2016, is designed to promote economic development and job creation related to the music industry in cities across Texas.
“Congratulations to the City of Brownwood on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Governor Abbott. “With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.”
Brownwood also holds recognition as a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Senator Phil King commented on Brownwood’s achievement: “I am proud to congratulate the City of Brownwood on its designation as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community. Brownwood has long been a destination where Texas music thrives, and the construction of the Brownwood Event Center has allowed the community to continue this success. I look forward to seeing how this certification will increase engagement with this wonderful community.”
City officials highlighted potential benefits for local musicians and tourism. Mayor Stephen E. Haynes stated, “We are excited to be involved with the Texas Music Office and to have earned the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. This will help Brownwood achieve improved visibility of our music assets and help heighten our tourism and quality of life offerings throughout the community.” Deputy City Manager Ray Tipton added, “The Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation is a great way to help those involved in the local music scene to better coordinate and collaborate. This will be a huge benefit in helping develop and improve many of our live music events.”
Eric Evans, Managing Director at Brownwood Lyric Theatre, emphasized collaboration: “Partnership is one of the most valuable tools that a rural community can have. The Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation and advisory board is a great example of local entities, businesses, and musicians partnering together to help improve our community.”
A ceremony marking this new status will take place Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 PM at Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center during Brownwood’s Yuletide Express event. Gini Mascorro from TMO will present the official certification.
Brownwood becomes the 92nd city in Texas with this distinction. More information about participating communities can be found on the program’s website.
The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office and has supported economic development for musicians, businesses, and communities since 1990.
