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 set by the Texas Music Office (TMO), which established the Music Friendly Texas program in 2016 to support music-related economic development and job creation throughout the state.
“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 is now certified both as a Tourism Friendly Texas and a Music Friendly Texas community.
Senator Phil King commented on Brownwood’s history 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 leaders expressed optimism about what this recognition means for local events 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 noted benefits for live events: “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, highlighted collaboration among stakeholders: “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 Brownwood’s 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 certification.
Brownwood becomes the 92nd city in Texas recognized under this program since it began in 2016.
The TMO operates within the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office as both an advocate for musicians statewide since its founding in 1990 and administrator of what remains—since 2016—the only statewide program certifying cities as “Music Friendly” partners.
