Project Overview

The City of Brownsville is in the process of developing its first Downtown Master Plan to help guide revitalization, celebrate the city’s unique character, and support long-term economic growth. This plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 5 to 10 years, informing decisions around land use, infrastructure, mobility, public spaces, and downtown development.

City leadership, including the City Commission, Planning Department, and key stakeholders, will use the plan to make strategic choices that foster a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Throughout the planning process, the City will host a variety of public meetings, stakeholder workshops, and surveys to ensure the community has opportunities to shape the vision for Downtown Brownsville’s future.

About the Process

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Project Initiation (June – July 2025)

    During this phase, the planning team will launch the project, finalize the work plan, and collect background data. A kickoff tour and meetings with City staff, elected officials, and stakeholders will introduce the planning effort and generate excitement.

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Community Engagement & Visioning (July – September 2025)

    The City will begin outreach efforts, including launching a project website and public survey, and hosting the first public workshop. Feedback gathered during this phase will help shape the project’s vision and goals.

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Analysis & Framework Development (August – January 2026)

    This phase includes technical assessments, vision development, and economic analysis. The planning team will draft a framework for Downtown Brownsville and review it with City staff and stakeholders.

  • Timeline item 4 - active

    Design & Strategy Phase (December 2025 – March 2026)

    Illustrative plans, renderings, and key recommendations will be developed for mobility, placemaking, and development opportunities. The second public workshop will be held during this time.

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Implementation & Draft Plan (February – April 2026)

    The planning team will outline actionable steps, diagnostic tools, and an implementation roadmap. A draft plan will be submitted and prepared for public review.

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Plan Finalization & Adoption (May – July 2026)

    After public and staff feedback, the final draft will be refined and presented to City Council for adoption. The Downtown Master Plan will serve as a blueprint for transformative investment in Downtown Brownsville.

Downtown Study Area

A map of the study area.

The study area for the purposes of the Downtown Renaissance Master Plan (DTRMP). The study area is generally Palm Blvd to International Blvd, and Mexico Blvd to I69, with one finger incorporating the Jefferson St Corridor north of Palm Blvd. .

Meet the Team

  • City of Brownsville

    The City Staff will lead the work with the consultant to develop the Plan and the community to ensure the implementation of the Plan.

  • Freese and Nichols, Inc. (Consultant)

    Freese and Nichols, Inc. is an engineering, urban planning, and architecture firm offering a wide range of services to public sector clients for more than 125 years.

  • TXP, Inc. (Subconsultant)

    TXP, Inc. will lead the market analysis review of this Plan. For more than 20 years, TXP has worked on hundreds of projects with clients from private business, public sector and non-profit organizations. TXP serves as economists on retainer for numerous public sector agencies across Texas.

  • LOI Engineers (Subconsultant)

    LOI Engineers will lead the transportation and mobility analysis for this plan. With over 20 years of experience, LOI Engineers have collaborated on numerous projects with clients from the private sector, public agencies, and non-profit organizations.

  • Livable Plans and Codes (Subconsultant)

    Livable Plans & Codes will help the team with architectural and urban design and helps bridge the gap between the recent zoning updates and this planning effort. They bring over 26 years of experience to the team in developing master plans for walkable mixed use and implementation through various zoning tools, with specific expertise in form-based codes.

Resources

Downtown Brownsville City Website open in new window

Document Drafts

As draft chapters of the document will be available here when released late Spring/early Summer 2026.

Get Involved!

Idea Wall

What future do you want for Downtown Brownsville?

Think about Downtown Brownsville in the next 5–10 years. What does it look and feel like? Share your vision for the future—ideas for improvements, new amenities, public spaces, or anything else that could help create a more vibrant downtown. (max 140 characters).

You have 140 characters left
Moderation Policy

3 May, 2026

Ramiro Trevino says:

Have more nice restaurants easy to get around the city in bikes, bus car parking for cars, easier officers police officers good space to wal

30 April, 2026

srosas115@gmail.com says:

We need nice covered walkways and trees in downtown area. The business owners need to coordinate and be mindful and clean their areas.

30 April, 2026

srosas115@gmail.com says:

The umbrella idea for first Friday is perfect, but it needs to be permanent. If you see social media it's all negative about Brownsville

30 April, 2026

srosas115@gmail.com says:

The city needs focal points. An area where you can take pictures with the word Brownsville on it or BTX. Linear Park would be perfect

30 April, 2026

srosas115@gmail.com says:

Downtown and everywhere in Brownsville NEEDS landscaping and Trees 🌳. We are turning into a concrete jungle and that's not good for anyone

29 April, 2026

AGC says:

Build more affordable housing AND apartments - with intentional urban planning. Not haphazard construction.

29 April, 2026

AGC says:

Partner with UT to bring a medical center downtown. It would be incredibly beneficial, a hub for binational healthcare, attract top talent.

29 April, 2026

AGC says:

I would love to see public transportation run on longer hours for working people, create a nightlife row, add a couple more parking garages

23 April, 2026

SGR says:

Spacious and shaded sidewalks, biking lanes, and reliable bus routes. A dedicated green space similar to Jardin del Grande Hidalgo.

3 March, 2026

RioValleyGal says:

Restore Majestic and Capitol movie theaters. More boutique shops and restaurants on Elizabeth. PLEASE DO NOT alter Washington Park Fountain!

10 February, 2026

John says:

Low‑cost light shows, murals, pop‑ups, and weekly micro‑events to boost foot traffic and create a vibrant, welcoming Downtown Brownsville

4 February, 2026

Yazzy says:

Alleys to be with asphalt and more illumination. Old cemetery brick walls need repairs and painting. Washington park to have play areas.