The City of Brownwood has received recognition as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, Governor Greg Abbott announced. The designation comes from the Texas Music Office (TMO) after Brownwood completed the required certification steps.
Governor Abbott said, “Congratulations to the City of Brownwood on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation. 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 both a Tourism Friendly Texas and a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community.
Senator Phil King stated, “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.”
Mayor Stephen E. Haynes commented, “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, said, “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, added, “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 on Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 PM during Yuletide Express: A Vintage Christmas Journey event at Lehnis Railroad Museum and Visitor Center in Brownwood.
The TMO operates under the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office. It was established in 1990 as the first state-level office dedicated to supporting music business growth across Texas. Since launching its Music Friendly Community Program in 2016—the first statewide initiative of its kind—TMO has certified over 80 communities as partners.
Brownwood is now recognized as the 92nd city with this certification.
Inquiries about this initiative can be directed to Tatiana Figueroa at tfigueroa@brownwoodtexas.gov or by phone at 325-643-6376.
