Cowen: Brownsville is a thriving, forward-thinking community of limitless mindsets

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville Mayor John Cowen gave his first State of the City address, highlighting the economic achievements reached during his first year in office.

He cited jobs creation, the multi-million and billion-dollar investments made by new companies like SpaceX and the two LNGs, the booms at both the Port of Brownsville and the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport and the projects of infrastructure taking place throughout the city.

That includes drainage, street paving and water desalinization, among others.

The mayor also said new businesses from the gastronomy industry, like Chipotle and Longhorn Steakhouse, and the Downtown Revitalization where top-notch eateries have opened, are turning Brownsville into a new destination.

Cowen also mentioned the upgrading of the lodging industry as two new hotels are scheduled to open here.

0n the technology front, the mayor said the city has Lit Fiber, a new Internet provider with a demo center on East Levee Street.

New and existing businesses are also investing millions of dollars and creating hundreds of jobs in both the city and in the port. 

Among them are Rich Products Corp. and a steel manufacturer.

The mayor said SpaceX and Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG are investing billions of dollars in projects that are creating several thousands of jobs.

The mayor mentioned the “Brownsville Model,” or a compassionate manner in dealing with the migrants influx over the last year and recognized the four non-profit organizations working with them.

“I am immensely proud to lead a city that’s exemplifies resilience and dynamic growth,” he said. “Our recent initiative has attracted a wave of investment. I am exhilarated by the future of Brownsville. Hold on as 2024 brings our city continued success.”

Cowen’s State of the City address was held at the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center and moderated by Esmeralda Villarreal, president and CEO of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

The mayor’s first address included presentations by City Manager Helen Ramirez and by the four members of the city commission.

Each of them cited new projects such as an indoor facility to house and sell locally made products and produce, a full-service restaurant/bar at the airport, a new retirement center and improvements made to Gladys Porter Zoo.

The mayor also mentioned the “Brownsville Model,” or a compassionate way to deal with the recent migrant influx and thanked the four non-profit organizations that worked with the city.

“I am immensely proud. I am exhilarated by the future of Brownsville. Our focus on technological advancements and sustainable development is setting the stage for a thriving forward-thinking community of limitless mindsets.”

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