Gowen: Economic development and public wellness are not mutually exclusive opponents

Strength of purpose, creativity, love of family and celebration of culture are what shape Brownsville and her people. 

These are strong descriptions that have proven themselves to be true for generations. 

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation exists alongside the people of Brownsville to help foster the collaborations and opportunities our community needs to perpetuate today's health and prosperity into the future. 

BCIC knows that when done well, economic development and public wellness are not mutually exclusive opponents. They are instead mutually reinforcing, synergistic partners. 

One such synergy exists in Brownsville’s growth of parks and green spaces… years of hard work and committed partnership have led to beloved and well used parks and trails, and over a decade of programming making healthy food choices easier to access. Public spaces like Market Square have come alive and sparked a movement of downtown revitalization. 

BCIC understands these relationships and is moving forward with the people to create more opportunity, more prosperity, more collaborative energy. Our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan aims to honor this belief and people centered partnership as we…

1. enrich public spaces, parks and recreational accessibility and infrastructure. 
2. enrich support for entrepreneurs and small businesses. 
3. continue downtown revitalization with mixed use development and cultural activist activation.
4. innovate, cross sector partnerships that strengthen workforce, financial access and access to healthy food choices and active living. All three as one support community well being.
5. grow capacity to serve our people effectively and sustainably.

This plan's goals are thoughtful, robust and achievable. A ‘vibrant’ Brownsville is ready for families, entrepreneurs, community programmers, artists, tourists and more.

BCIC is in the midst of all… ready to achieve. 

Dr. Rose M.Z. Gowen 

BCIC Board Chair, 2025