BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr., held his 2026 State of the City Address at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center on March 25.
It was titled “Prosperity and Purpose.”
During his address he spoke about his city’s rapid growth, economic strength, and rising national recognition.
To support that growth, the city is investing heavily in infrastructure. Cowen said an historic $215 million capital improvement plan is underway, focusing on road reconstruction, drainage enhancements, and smart traffic systems aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion.
“Brownsville is not just growing—we are thriving. And people across the country are taking notice,” Cowen said.
Cowen pointed out that for every one person leaving Brownsville, three new residents are choosing to move in. He said this underscored the city’s increasing appeal.
“Brownsville is growing at an unprecedented pace, with more people choosing to move here than leave, driven by billions in investment and a strong focus on infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life to build a thriving, future-ready city,” Cowen said.
Cowen said much of that growth is fueled by significant economic development efforts, totaling more than $80 billion in economic impact and $30 billion in capital investment. Her thanked Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation and Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation in this regard.
There was excitement about a project at the Port of Brownsville that could bring up to 10,000 jobs and generate billions more in economic output. The company is Austin-base Saronic Technologies. It is considering build a high-tech shipyard at the port.
“This is one of the largest economic opportunities in our city’s history,” Cowen said.
Cowen said the Port of Brownsville continues to play a central role in driving economic activity, pointing to projects such as the forthcoming America First Refinery and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments. He said these are expected to create thousands of jobs and strengthen the region’s position in energy production.
NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG will be the biggest liquefied natural gas export terminals to be built at the port. Cowen recognized the company by bestowing on it the 2026 Mayor’s One City Award. “Through transformational investment, strong support of local jobs, and meaningful engagement with our community, Rio Grande LNG exemplifies the spirit of the One City philosophy, collaboration, opportunity, and shared responsibility,” the City stated.
SpaceX also remains a major contributor to the local economy, generating billions in impact while attracting visitors and global attention to the area, Cowen explained.
“The momentum we are witnessing here is not just something we locals experience; it is something being recognized beyond our city,” Cowen said.
During the address, city officials said public safety has been improved, with improved police and fire response times and the implementation of new technology to support first responders.
The officials also emphasized that quality of life remains a top priority. At Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport, for example a $30 million runway upgrade is currently in progress. In addition, a new flight service to Orlando is scheduled to begin May 15, expanding travel options for residents and visitors.
Ongoing investments in parks, downtown revitalization, housing, and cultural initiatives are designed to make Brownsville an attractive place to live, work, and visit, the officials said.
Looking ahead, Cowen said Brownsville’s leadership remains focused on sustainable growth, infrastructure development, and expanding opportunities for residents.
“We are not waiting for the future—we are building it,” he said.
“Brownsville is no longer being discovered—we are being chosen,” Cowen concluded.
