Ongoing Updates and Timeline

This page provides ongoing updates and a detailed timeline related to the implementation of the Downtown Brownwood Master Plan. As the City of Brownwood moves forward with strategic plan to enhance the vibrancy, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the downtown area, this resource will serve as a central point for progress reports, key milestones, events, and important announcements. The information below is organized from newest to oldest, ensuring the most recent developments are always at the top. We invite residents, stakeholders, and visitors to stay informed and engaged as the Downtown Plan is being implemented.

November 4, 2025

  1. 1 TXD Awards
  2. 2 Texas Downtown Awards
  3. 3 Texas Downtown Award with Letters
  4. 4 Brownwood Event Center
  5. 5 Feels Like Home Festival
  6. 6 Brownwood Event Center Lobby
  7. 7 Midland Band

Texas Downtown Awards: Brownwood Event Center Complex

The Brownwood Event Center Complex was recognized with multiple statewide honors at the Texas Downtown Annual Conference, earning Best New Construction - Ice House Stage & Reunion Lawn, Best Economic Game Changer, and the People’s Choice Award for Best New Construction - Ice House Stage & Reunion Lawn.
These awards highlight the City’s long-term commitment to strategic downtown revitalization, innovative development, and community-driven investment. The Brownwood Event Center continues to strengthen our community’s position as a growing destination for events, tourism, and economic activity.

October 23, 2025

  1. 1 Twilight Photo of Event Center entrance
  2. 2 Wedding Ceremony on the Ice House Stage at the Brownwood Event Center
  3. 3 TXHB Conference
  4. 4 Photo of Midland Concert at Feels Like Home fest from 2024 with crowd in the foreground
  5. 5 Twilight Photo of Event Center entrance

AIA Brazos Honor Award: Brownwood Event Center Complex


In partnership with project architect BRW Architects, the City of Brownwood received the 2025 AIA Brazos Honor Award for the Brownwood Event Center Complex. The project celebrates the transformation of a historic warehouse into a vibrant community destination connecting people, culture, and commerce in Downtown Brownwood advancing key goals of the adopted Downtown Master Plan.

October 6, 2025

Image of The Lehnis Railroad Museum and Sign

Music Friendly Texas Designation Workshop held at Lehnis Railroad Museum


The City of Brownwood hosted a Music Friendly Texas designation workshop at the Lehnis Railroad Museum & Visitor Center, in coordination with the Texas Music Office. The session provided guidance to local venues, artists, and businesses on steps toward Music Friendly designation, industry best practices, and opportunities to grow Brownwood’s live-music ecosystem.

The workshop supports Downtown Master Plan goals by strengthening the cultural economy, increasing evening and weekend activation, and leveraging proximity between the museum, Event Center Complex, and the historic core.

October 4, 2025

  1. 1 Ticket Sales Texas
  2. 2 Ticket Sales USA
  3. 3 BBQ Pit Master at Feels Like Home Festival
  4. 4 Concert Aerial of Feels Like Home Festival
  5. 5 Josh Abbot performing on stage at brownwood event center complex
  6. 6 Randy Rogers performing on stage at brownwood event center

Feels Like Home Festival Draws Sold-Out Crowd and Visitors from 14+ States


The 2025 Feels Like Home Festival returned for its second year with a sold-out crowd at the Brownwood Event Center Complex, bringing thousands of visitors together for a full day of Texas country music, barbecue, and community celebration in the heart of Downtown Brownwood.

Headlined by Randy Rogers Band, the lineup featured Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue, Bottomland, Graham St. Clair Band, and Joe Peters, with local favorites Mason and the Mercenaries, Brian Pounds, Ripken, and The Cadillac Thieves rounding out the stage. Hosted by Chef Tim Clowers, the event showcased the best of Texas barbecue and hospitality.

Festival tickets were purchased from 14 states and across Texas, underscoring Brownwood’s growing reach as a regional tourism destination. Local hotels, restaurants, and retailers experienced a strong economic boost throughout the weekend, marking the festival as one of the city’s largest annual tourism drivers.

By filling downtown venues and drawing new visitors, the Feels Like Home Festival directly supports the Downtown Master Plan’s goals of promoting cultural vitality, expanding tourism, and activating public spaces through signature community events.



September 29, 2025

Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott

Governor Abbott Announces Music Friendly Texas Community Workshop In Brownwood


Governor Greg Abbott  announced the Texas Music Office (TMO) and the City of Brownwood will co-host a virtual and in-person Music Friendly Texas Community workshop on Monday, October 6, in Brownwood.

Participation in TMO’s Music Friendly Texas Certified Community program, the first in the nation and introduced by TMO in 2016, provides Texas communities with a network for fostering music industry development and sends a clear message to industry professionals that certified communities are serious about attracting and developing music industry growth. The Brownwood workshop is the first step in the certification process. When certification is completed, Brownwood will join more than 85 other Texas cities that have earned the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation.

Inlcude link to press release: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-music-friendly-texas-community-workshop-in-brownwood

September 9, 2025

Brownwood Aerial from the Traffic T near Walmart facing Main Street

City of Brownwood adopts reduced Property Tax Rate for FY 2025–2026


City Council adopted the FY 2025–2026 budget with a property tax rate of $0.6925 per $100 valuation, a reduction from the prior rate of $0.6938.

The reduced rate maintains fiscal responsibility while supporting continued investment in downtown revitalization, infrastructure, public safety and community facilities.

July 23, 2025

Oncor doing a site visit of downtown for future utility projects

Site Visit and Design Coordination Meeting with Oncor and Freese and Nichols


City staff, Oncor Electric, and Freese and Nichols conducted a downtown site walk and design meeting to plan underground utility coordination and streetscape design elements for the Downtown Master Plan Phase I projects.

The on-site discussions focused on utility alignments, power infrastructure adjustments, and integration of proposed streetscape features along Baker and Fisk Avenues. This collaboration ensures efficient design implementation and minimizes construction impacts, supporting the City’s goal of creating a safe, walkable, and visually cohesive downtown environment.


July 8, 2025

City Council funds downtown phase I projects.

City Council funds downtown phase I projects


City Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of “City of Brownwood, Texas, Combination Tax and Limited Pledge Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2025.” Proceeds will fund authorized capital improvements consistent with Phase I Downtown Capital Projects and the adopted Downtown Master Plan. 

June 25, 2025

TWPD Public Hearing

Public Hearing Held for Texas Parks & Wildlife Local Parks Grant Application


The City of Brownwood held a Public Hearing regarding the submission of a grant application to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) for Local Parks grant funds. The hearing took place on June 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM at City Hall, 501 Center Avenue.

The grant supports the City’s efforts to enhance public recreation opportunities and aligns with the adopted Downtown Master Plan's vision for expanded green space and community-centered amenities

June 22, 2025

  1. 1 Image of Buffalo Soldier on motorcycle in Juneteenth Parade
  2. 2 Image of people attending the White Linen party
  3. 3 Image of runners that attended the Juneteenth Fun Run
  4. 4 Image of student performing slam poetry at Juneteenth Luncheon

Brownwood Juneteenth Community Celebration

The City of Brownwood celebrated the weekend-long Juneteenth Community Celebration, held June 19–22, which drew nearly hundreds of attendees across multiple venues. The celebration kicked off with a sold-out Soul Food luncheon at the Brownwood Event Center where many speakers educated, reminisced and entertained those in attendance about Juneteenth and Brownwood. Brownwood Mayor, Stephen Haynes awarded a proclamation for honoree Pastor Ernest Kirk and the Juneteenth committee. The event featured a Unity Parade through downtown, a White Linen Party on Baker Street Lawn, along with other activities outside of downtown including carnival rides and youth activities at Cecil Holman Park, and a closing worship service.

As a signature cultural event across the community and in the downtown area, the celebration supported the Downtown Master Plan’s goals by activating public spaces, increasing foot traffic for downtown businesses, and fostering inclusive community engagement.

June 20th

Downtown Master Plan Award

City of Brownwood Downtown Master Plan Receives National Planning Award

The City of Brownwood’s Downtown Master Plan has received the Vernon Deines Award for Comprehensive Plan – Small Jurisdiction from the American Planning Association’s Small Town and Rural Division. This national award recognizes excellence in community planning and implementation in smaller communities. Created in partnership with Freese and Nichols, the plan provides a clear vision for revitalizing Brownwood’s 102-block downtown district through infrastructure reinvestment, public space improvements, strategic redevelopment, and enhanced walkability.

Adopted in 2024, the plan has already spurred public and private investment through catalyst projects such as streetscape upgrades and the reuse of civic buildings. It reflects strong collaboration between City leaders, staff, and the community, and has guided zoning updates, capital investments, and downtown business development. The award builds on the plan’s previous recognition in November 2024, when it earned the Gold Award in Economic Development Planning from the Texas APA Chapter.

June 13th

Texas Downtown Round Table featuring the City Manager Marshal McIntosh and BMDD Director, Ray Tipton

The City of Brownwood hosted the Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable at the Brownwood Event Center on Friday, June 13th.

Leaders and advocates from across the region gathered to share ideas, gain insight, and explore the story of downtown revitalization in action. From impactful presentations to a walking tour through our historic downtown, it was a day of collaboration and inspiration.

Thank you to Texas Downtown for empowering communities and connecting downtown champions across the state.

June 7, 2025

Authorization to Issue RFP/RFQ for EDA Programs

Authorization to Issue RFP/RFQ for EDA Programs


City Council authorized staff to issue Requests for Proposals (RFP) for administrative services and/or Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services to support the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Economic Adjustment Assistance, Planning & Local Technical Assistance, Disaster Recovery, and American Relief Act of 2025programs.

These programs fund projects that enhance economic recovery, infrastructure resiliency, and long-term community development. Authorization positions the City to leverage federal funding opportunities in coordination with future CO issuance.

May 13, 2025

TxDot Transportation Grant Resolution

City Council Approves Resolution for 2025 Transportation Alternatives Grant Application


The Brownwood City Council approved a resolution supporting the City’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Set-Aside Call for Projects.

The proposed project supports key infrastructure improvements in and around Downtown Brownwood, including sidewalks, pedestrian safety enhancements, lighting, and signals. The anticipated project cost is $4.1 million. Approval of this resolution was a required step in the application process and reflects the City’s continued commitment to implementing the adopted Downtown Master Plan and increasing walkability. Should the City be awarded the grant, it will be only be responsible for funding any costs that exceed the grant award. 

May 13, 2025

Council Takes Step Toward Issuing Downtown Master Plan Certificates Of Obligation

City Council Takes First Step Toward Funding Downtown Phase I Projects


The Brownwood City Council voted to approve a resolution of intent to issue Certificates of Obligation (COs) not to exceed $18 million to support the first phase of Downtown Master Plan implementation. This major step follows the Council’s adoption of the Downtown Master Plan in March 2024 and sets the course for construction of several transformative projects.

Phase I improvements include:

  • Complete streetscaping for Baker and Fisk Avenues, including new sidewalks, underground utilities, landscaping, and lighting.
  • Creation of two new downtown green spaces: one along Fisk Avenue and another near the Silos Event Center Complex.

The estimated payments have been factored into the City’s FY 2025–26 budget planning at the current property tax rate.. This strategy ensures long-term financial sustainability while enabling immediate investment in catalytic downtown projects. In addition the CO issuance, the City of Brownwood has applied or in the process of applying for a $4.1M TXDOT Transportation Alternative Grant, $1,000,000 Community Development Block Grant, and $1,500,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant. 

May 12, 2025

FLH_SaveTheDate Line Up Announcement

Feels Like Home Festival Announces 2025 Lineup Featuring Texas Country Icons


The Feels Like Home Festival is back for its second year, returning to Downtown Brownwood on Saturday, October 4, 2025! This boutique country music and BBQ celebration will feature a star-studded lineup, including: Randy Rogers Band, Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, Stoney LaRue, plus other rising stars in Texas country music.This year’s event includes exciting upgrades such as extended hours, Re-entry privileges, new ticket options, and more.

As a signature economic driver for Downtown, the Feels Like Home Festival delivers on several goals of the adopted Downtown Master Plan—from increasing destination tourism and supporting local businesses to activating public spaces and raising Brownwood’s regional profile.

More info & full lineup: visitbrownwood.com/FLHlineup2025

May 6, 2025

City Council project priority workshop

City Council Project Priority Workshop Focuses on Downtown and Citywide Capital Projects


The Brownwood City Council held a Project Priority Workshop to review and align on timelines and funding strategies for several major capital projects—including key initiatives identified in the Downtown Master Plan.

The goal of the workshop was to provide updated timelines for priority projects, discuss planned Certificates of Obligation (CO) issuance, and ensure Council had a comprehensive understanding of near- and long-term funding strategies.

Topics Covered in the Workshop Included:

  • Downtown project timelines and CO funding
  • Bennie Houston Recreation Center renovation plans
  • Riverside Park Phase II timeline and funding 
  • Major utility infrastructure timelines, including engineering and future funding
  • Status of pending grant opportunities that City has applied for

May 3, 2025

Cinco de Mayo Festival Celebrates Culture and Community in Downtown

The 2025 Brownwood Cinco de Mayo Celebration filled Downtown with vibrant culture, music, and community spirit! Thousands attended the event, enjoying live performances, delicious food, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and a joyful, energetic atmosphere. The annual festival continues to activate Downtown Brownwood as a cultural and civic hub—directly supporting key goals of the Downtown Master Plan, including increasing foot traffic, supporting local businesses, and creating a more vibrant and inclusive community space.

March 29, 2025

Inaugural Spring Art Stomp Showcases Downtown Arts and Culture

Downtown Brownwood came alive with the first-ever Spring Art Stomp, a vibrant celebration of local art, music, and community. Attendees enjoyed a sip-and-stroll style event through downtown businesses, which featured pop-up art exhibits, live music, artist demonstrations, and an expanded shopping experience. This new signature event highlighted Brownwood's growing arts and culture scene while supporting local businesses and activating downtown spaces as envisioned in the Downtown Master Plan.

March 26, 2025

Twilight aerial photo of Downtown Brownwood from the Event Center

Brownwood Recognized as Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community

Governor Greg Abbott congratulated Brownwood on being designated a Tourism Friendly Texas Certified Community. This recognition supports continued efforts to grow downtown tourism.

March 19, 2025

Downtown Brownwood Inc Meeting at Lyric Theatre Downtown

DBI Partnership Meeting

Downtown Brownwood Inc partnership meeting at the Brownwood Lyric Theatre for downtown business owners to receive updates and included representation from the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, Brown County, City of Brownwood, and Brownwood Municipal Development District. Downtown Brownwood, Inc. is dedicated to being partner in the growth and revitalization of Brownwood’s downtown area, fostering community connections, and promoting local businesses.

February 21, 2025

Downtown Sunrise

City Submits Application for Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program

The City of Brownwood submitted a grant application for the 2025 Transportation Alternatives (TA) Call for Projects through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The application supports the development of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in and around Downtown Brownwood. If awarded, funding could assist in implementing safe, connected pathways that align with goals in the Downtown Master Plan.

January 17, 2025

State of the City 2025

2025 State of the City Address

Mayor Stephen Haynes delivered the annual State of the City address at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The presentation recapped 2024 accomplishments and outlined upcoming projects for 2025. In the presentation Mayor Haynes discusses Phase I catalyst projects, and highlights the recent APA award for economic development for the City of Brownwood Downtown Plan.

December 17, 2024

City Council Approves Phase I Design Services

Brownwood City Council approved an agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. for design services for Phase I projects of the Downtown Master Plan, including streetscapes and new public spaces.

November 5, 2024

APA Texas Award

Downtown Plan Wins Statewide Planning Award

The plan received the Gold Award in Economic Development Planning from the APA Texas Chapter, recognizing innovative and impactful planning work.

October 19, 2024

Feels Like Home Festival

Brownwood hosted the reimagined first year Feels Like Home Festival at the new Event Center and Reunion Lawn to showcase the full capacity of the facility for outdoor music festival. The event featured performances by Midland, Casey Donahew, and other artists, attracting over 4,000 attendees from over 260 cities and 15 states.

June 15, 2024

Brownwood Event Center Preview & Grand Opening Event

The City of Brownwood hosted a Preview Opening for the new Brownwood Event Center and Reunion Lawn, offering the public a first look at the nearly completed facility.

June 15, 2024

BECC Preview Ribbon Cutting

Brownwood Event Center Ribbon Cutting & Dedication

Mayor Stephen Haynes cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of the Brownwood Event Center Complex the afternoon of Saturday, June 15, 2024 as part of the preview event. Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes addressed well over 100 in attendance at the dedication and ribbon cutting for the Event Center Complex, and shared his vision for what the new venue will become. 

March 26, 2024

Downtown Plan Presentation March 26 2024

City Council Adoption Meeting

The Downtown Master Plan was officially adopted by Brownwood City Council during their March 26 meeting.

February 26 – March 18, 2024

Public Review and Feedback Period

The full draft of the Downtown Master Plan was available online for public review. Community members submitted comments that were shared with City Council before adoption.

February 26, 2024

DNTN Plan Open House 2.26.24-21 small

Public Open House & Plan Reveal

The City hosted a morning open house at the Brownwood Lyric Theatre to reveal the draft Downtown Master Plan to the public.

August 22, 2023

Downtown Open House October 22 2023

DBI Member Open House

Downtown Brownwood Inc. members attended a presentation and input session at the Lyric Theatre, offering feedback and reviewing concept boards. Presentation and materials were shared online.

August 1–2, 2023

DNTN Open House 8.22.2023-50

Downtown Stakeholder Meetings

Freese and Nichols conducted interviews with key downtown stakeholders to gather insight and vision for the area’s future.

May 11, 2023

DNTN Open House 8.22.2023-47

Public Engagement Kickoff

Brownwood announced its partnership with Freese and Nichols to develop the Downtown Master Plan and invited community input.

Read More

May 6, 2023

Cinco De Mayo Feedback Input Survey

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

City staff and Freese and Nichols project managers  tabled during this popular community event to raise awareness about the Downtown Plan and promote participation in the survey. 

May 5, 2023

DNTN Plan Open House 2.26.24-10

Chamber & DBI Board Meetings

Meetings were held with leadership from the Chamber and Downtown Brownwood Inc. to gather organizational input.

May 1–31, 2023

DNTN Open House 8.22.2023-52

Community Survey

A citywide survey was open throughout May to gather initial input and understand public hopes for downtown.

March 14, 2023

City Council Kickoff Meeting

Brownwood City Council met with Freese and Nichols to officially launch the Downtown Master Plan project and discuss strategic goals.

April 6, 2022

Brownwood Event Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

The City of Brownwood hosted a special Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new Brownwood Event Center Complex , a major catalyst project supporting downtown revitalization and economic development.

The Event Center is a key part of the Downtown Master Plan, providing a new regional venue for events, concerts, conferences, and community activities. City officials, project partners, and community members gathered to celebrate the start of construction on this transformative project. The location and adaptive development project was first identified in the 2002 Downtown Master Plan.