Monday, March 30, 2026

THRIVING, MAYOR? REALLY? HAVE YOU ASKED DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES?

(A mute testament to Cowen's prosperity are the boarded up stores an entire two blocks on the south side of Elizabeth Street directly across from City Hall from Ninth to 11th Streets in the city's downtown core.)

By Ron Whitlock

Rio Grande Guardian

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - Mayor John Cowen, Jr., held his 2026 State of the City Address at Texas Southmost College’s Performing Arts Center..

It was titled “Prosperity and Purpose.”

During his address he spoke about his city’s rapid growth, economic strength, and rising national
recognition. 

(That's not the man behind the curtain in the staged production of the State-of-The- City by the marketing and communications smoke-and-mirrors department. It's Cowen.)

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.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I left Browntown in ‘89. Came to work in the medical field in Hidalgo County. Have been here ever since. My kids all grew up here. In hindsight, it seems like we made the correct decision. Had living and working conditions been better, I would never have left.
Browntown will always be my hometown.

Anonymous said...

Start charging SpaceX 1-2 million for each launch, talk to the county judge. Call it an environmental impact fee but I think it'll gain more support if you call it a pollution tax.

Anonymous said...

Talk to the county judge, they should charge a pollution tax. You can do this Cowen.

Anonymous said...

The less black people move in, the better.

Anonymous said...

The African American came to Texas with Katrina. They are here to stay

Anonymous said...

There is zero points in this persons article, an obvious deliberate attack on the mayor from someone in the west side of the valley. Don’t waste your time.

Anonymous said...

When is Mayor Alejandro Flores gonna have State of the City for Los Fresnos, Texas? What new businesses has he brought in? - Concerned Citizen

Anonymous said...

Why the hell do we want paved/improved alleys when our streets are a hell hole?

Anonymous said...

I found the article enlightening. $215 million in improvements. That is a plus for Brownsville but I think more money will be needed

Anonymous said...

Never. Los Fresnos Mayor Alejandro Flores is just a puppet. Flores has had so many Políticos buy his support for $$$. He bought a new house, cars, and always at the SPI. Flores is a bank clerk.

Anonymous said...

Juan or any Brownsville-Matamoros citizen, please answer this. Was Prisci Roca Tipton married to a Browsville Tipton and then divorced? Was the 1st EX, a White Guy or Black Guy? Then, she married husband #2 and does not drop the ex "Tipton" last name. So she is full of it and wants to be Port Commissioner? No way. She was also BISD Board Member. Gross.

Anonymous said...

😂 The Tipton dude should have had it placed in the divorce decree that she can't use his last name. She is one of those Mexican women who wants a gringo last name. Vieja prieta 🤣🤣🤣

Anonymous said...

and WTF happened to her face? She looks like a clown

Anonymous said...

Botox is a bitch ! Leave the princess alone. She has a husband to support.

rita