The City of Brownwood has been officially recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO), Governor Greg Abbott announced. This designation follows Brownwood’s completion of the required certification process and marks it as the 92nd community in Texas to receive this recognition.
The Music Friendly Texas program, established by TMO in 2016, aims to promote economic development and job creation related to music businesses throughout the state. The program is considered a first of its kind nationally.
“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 a Tourism Friendly Texas certification.
Senator Phil King commented on Brownwood’s longstanding connection with music: “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 see potential benefits for local visibility 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.”
Ray Tipton, Deputy City Manager for Brownwood, highlighted opportunities for collaboration: “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 partnership: “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 celebrating this achievement will take place Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 PM at Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center during Brownwood’s Yuletide Express event. TMO Community Relations and Outreach Specialist Gini Mascorro will present the official certificate.
The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office as both the first state-level office dedicated solely to supporting music business development since its founding in 1990 and operator of what remains an extensive network—now over 80 partners—of certified communities under its unique statewide program since 2016.
Inquiries about this new designation can be directed to Tatiana Figueroa at City of Brownwood Visitor Services.
