Brownsville at Large Episode 13 is here!Guest: Daniella Lopez-Valdez, Executive Director of the Mitte Cultural DistrictAs Brownsville grows, how do we make sure we don’t lose the culture, history, and identity that make our city unlike anywhere else? That’s at the heart of my conversation with Daniella Lopez-Valdez.Brownsville’s Mitte Cultural District has officially earned designation as a Texas Cultural District, creating new opportunities for our local arts and cultural organizations. In this episode we talk about what this means for local artists, museums, historic sites, restaurants, businesses, families, and the next generation of Brownsville.How can we help local artists actually make a living doing what they love? How do we preserve our historic buildings and traditions while continuing to grow? What could a more walkable and connected cultural district look like with public art, music, performances, restaurants, parks, museums, murals and even a possible trolley connecting destinations?We also break down what the state designation really means and how it creates opportunities for eligible organizations to compete for cultural-district funding.And most importantly, we talk about identity. Our bilingual, binational culture. Our murals. Our music. Our historic neighborhoods and buildings. Our traditions. Our people. Growth doesn’t have to mean losing what makes Brownsville special. It can also mean finding new ways to protect it, celebrate it and pass it on. Hope you’ll watch, share, and join the conversation.Mitte Cultural District Brownsville, Brownsville Texas culture, Brownsville arts and culture, Texas cultural district designation, Brownsville economic development, support local artists Brownsville, Daniella Lopez-Valdez#BrownsvilleTexas #MitteCulturalDistrict #BrownsvilleCulture #TexasArts #SupportLocalArtists #EconomicDevelopment #BrownsvilleAtLarge

Technology is changing the way cities operate, grow, and prepare for the future. On this episode of Brownsville at Large, I sit down with Jorge Cárdenas, Chief Information Officer for the City of Brownsville, to talk about the technology and infrastructure helping move our city forward.In this episode: • Brownsville’s journey toward becoming a Connected City • The story behind the city’s 100+ miles of fiber network • Why Brownsville built its own private 5G network • Cybersecurity and protecting residents in the digital age • How Artificial Intelligence is improving city operations • Closing the digital divide through technology access • Public Wi-Fi, libraries, and digital literacy initiatives • Smarter traffic systems and connected infrastructure • Technology’s role in economic development • Leadership, innovation, and preparing Brownsville for the futureA lot of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is becoming a critical part of how Brownsville prepares for the future. Another great conversation about the people, projects, and possibilities shaping our city.00:00 Introduction: The Technology Powering Brownsville’s Future08:08 What Makes a Connected City?14:45 Closing Brownsville’s Digital Divide24:15 Inside Brownsville’s Fiber Network & Private 5G37:30 Smarter Traffic, AI & Connected Infrastructure42:07 Privacy, Cameras & Responsible Technology46:57 Cybersecurity, AI & Protecting City Operations49:19 Brownsville’s AI-Powered Future53:05 Technology Careers & Economic Growth1:00:04 Cybersecurity Tips Every Resident Should KnowIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to stay connected with more conversations shaping the future of Brownsville. #BrownsvilleAtLarge #BrownsvilleTX #Brownsville #TinoVillarreal #JorgeCardenas #ConnectedCity #Technology #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #FiberOptics #Private5G #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #PublicSafety #DigitalTransformation #RioGrandeValley #Texas

In Episode 11 of Brownsville at Large, I sat down with Nathan Burkhart, Director of the City of Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Office of Space Commerce, for an in-depth conversation about the people, projects, and investments transforming our city.From welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year and adding nearly 1,000 new hotel rooms, to the explosive growth, we discuss why Brownsville is attracting national attention and what that means for our local economy.This is a conversation about creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, generating jobs, expanding our tax base, and building a stronger future for the families who call Brownsville home.If you want to understand where our city is headed, why so many companies are investing here, and how we’re preparing for the next generation of economic growth, I hope you’ll take the time to watch this episode.Topics Covered:• Tourism & Hospitality• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)• Convention & Visitors Bureau• Economic Development• Space Commerce• SpaceX & Starbase• Film Commission• Sports Tourism• Retail Development• The Future of Brownsville

Thank you for supporting Brownsville at Large. If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with your friends and family. The more informed our community is, the stronger Brownsville becomes. Watch the full episode today: Brownsville tourismBrownsville economic developmentSpaceX BrownsvilleBrownsville Convention Visitors BureauBrownsville growthTexas tourismDestination Brownsville#brownsvilletx #BrownsvilleAtLarge#DestinationBrownsville#TexasTourism#SpaceX#EconomicDevelopment#southtexas

The future of Brownsville isn’t something that will happen to us, it’s something we’re building right now. Brownsville is experiencing one of the most significant periods of growth in its history. From major infrastructure investments and economic development opportunities to housing, public safety, and long-term planning, the decisions being made today will shape our city for generations to come. In this special episode of Brownsville at Large, Commissioner Tino Villarreal sits down with City Manager Alan Guard for an in-depth conversation about the opportunities, challenges, and vision driving Brownsville forward.As the leader responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a city approaching 200,000 residents, Alan Guard offers a behind-the-scenes look at how city government works, how major projects move from concept to construction, and how Brownsville is preparing for the future.In this episode, we discuss:🔹 Brownsville’s historic growth and economic momentum🔹 The $380+ million Capital Improvement Program🔹 Major roadway and infrastructure projects🔹 The future Public Safety Complex🔹 Housing affordability and responsible development🔹 Comprehensive planning and community engagement🔹 The future of USL soccer in Brownsville🔹 Environmental concerns and sustainable growth🔹 Leadership, public service, and building communityWhether you’ve lived here your entire life or you’re watching our city evolve in real time, this episode offers valuable insight into where we’re headed next. This marks the first appearance of City Manager Alan Guard on Brownsville at Large The Podcast and provides residents with an opportunity to hear directly from the person helping turn the vision of the Mayor and City Commission into action every day. If you care about the future of Brownsville, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

▶️ Watch the full episode. 📲 Share it with someone who cares about our community. 🔔 Subscribe to Brownsville at Large and stay informed about the conversations shaping the future of our city.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #BrownsvilleTX #TinoVillarreal #AlanGard #CityOfBrownsville #RGV #EconomicDevelopment #Infrastructure #PublicSafety #Housing #USL #BrownsvilleGrowth #FutureOfBrownsville

Brownsville is growing at a rapid pace… If we want our community to compete in the future then education and workforce development have to lead the way.

I sit down with Veronica Gonzales from UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to talk about how the City and UTRGV are working together through the “Task Force of the Future” to align growth, opportunity, and workforce needs.

We talk about:

✅ The expansion of Engineering programs in Brownsville

✅ Workforce opportunities connected to SpaceX, LNG, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing

✅ The future UTRGV expansion into North Brownsville

✅ Student life, internships, research, and keeping local talent here at home

✅ How Brownsville students can pursue more degrees locally without having to leave the city

Episode Highlights:

• ​ Over $514 MILLION invested by UTRGV into Brownsville since 2015
• ​ UTRGV enrollment now exceeds 35,000 students Valley-wide
• ​ Nearly 90% of students pay little to no tuition through financial aid and Tuition Advantage
• ​ Engineering expansion directly tied to future workforce demand in Brownsville
• ​ The City of Brownsville and UTRGV are building long-term partnerships focused on economic growth and opportunity

Growth is here. The question now is whether we are preparing our people to lead it?

Watch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts:

Texas legend Vince Young joins Commissioner Tino Villarreal Jr. on Brownsville At Large for a powerful conversation about football, family, leadership, adversity, and inspiring the next generation.From Madison High School to the University of Texas, from the unforgettable national championship win over USC to becoming an NFL quarterback, Vince Young shares the lessons that shaped his life on and off the field. But this conversation is about more than football.During his visit to Brownsville, Vince spoke with local students about hard work, discipline, failure, social media, leadership, and the importance of believing in yourself even when life gets difficult.In this episode, Vince opens up about his journey, his relationship with Coach Mack Brown, the meaning behind number 10, his life today as a father and businessman, and why giving back to young people has become part of his purpose.Episode Highlights:• Vince Young returns to Brownsville to connect with local youth• Growing up in adversity and choosing discipline over distractions• The role of mentors, coaches, and staying focused early on• College recruitment and the path to the University of Texas• The story behind the 2006 National Championship vs USC• The legendary 4th down play and winning touchdown• Why discipline mattered more than celebration in that moment• Getting drafted to the NFL and proving doubters wrong• The meaning behind wearing number 10• Life after football: family, business, and giving back• Staying connected with Coach Mack Brown and teammates• Thoughts on today’s Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning• A powerful message to youth about failure and resilience• The impact of social media and staying grounded in real life• Leadership, respect, and carrying yourself with purpose• Closing message: kindness and positive energy

Watch the full episode of Brownsville at Large and hear the story behind the athlete, the leader, and the man.* Vince Young interview* Vince Young Texas Longhorns* Vince Young Rose Bowl* Vince Young motivation* Brownsville at Large* Brownsville Texas podcast#VinceYoung#TexasLonghorns#RoseBowl#Motivation#Leadership#BrownsvilleTexas#Podcast#RGV

Brownsville is not just growing, it is entering one of the most transformative moments in its history. In this episode of Brownsville at Large, Commissioner Tino Villarreal Jr. sits down with Mayor John Cowen Jr. for a powerful and timely conversation following his sold-out State of the City: Progress with Prosperity.More than a recap, this is a real look at the momentum building in Brownsville and what it means for our people, our economy, and our future. From record-breaking economic development and major infrastructure investments to education expansion, workforce readiness, water security, and quality of life. Brownsville is being recognized across the country as a city on the rise.But this conversation goes deeper than numbers. It is about how we grow, who benefits, and how we protect the identity of our community while moving forward.

In this episode:• Brownsville’s Historic Momentum: One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, driven by strategic investment, leadership, and a strong local workforce.• Reversing the Brain Drain: For every one person leaving, three are moving in, a defining shift that signals new opportunity and confidence in Brownsville.• Jobs, Industry & Opportunity: From SpaceX to advanced manufacturing, tens of thousands of jobs are on the horizon with a clear focus on preparing local talent to lead.• Education & UTRGV Expansion: Students can now complete full engineering degrees in Brownsville, with continued investment strengthening the pipeline for future careers.• Port of Brownsville & Economic Impact: A major driver of trade, manufacturing, and energy, positioning the city as a key player in regional and national growth.• Infrastructure Investment ($357M Plan): Roads, drainage, traffic flow, and long-overdue improvements are being addressed, progress residents can see and experience daily.• Water Resilience & Long-Term Planning: Desalination expansion, storage capacity, and reuse projects are ensuring sustainability for future generations.• Affordable Utility Rates: Brownsville continues to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the region, protecting families as the city grows.• Growth with Purpose: A commitment to ensure development benefits Brownsville families first, while preserving culture, history, and community identity.Brownsville is no longer a city people leave in search of opportunity, it is a city people are choosing. Momentum is real, responsibility is greater and the future is being built right now.Watch the full episode and stay connected to the conversations shaping Brownsville.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #TinoVillarreal #JohnCowenJr #BrownsvilleTX #StateOfTheCity #EconomicDevelopment #RGV #Leadership #CityOfBrownsville

🎙️ Brownsville at Large - Season 2, Episode 6: Gustavo de Leon (District 3)What’s happening in District 3?In this episode of Brownsville at Large, I sit down with District 3 Commissioner Gustavo De Leon to talk about the projects, challenges, and opportunities shaping one of the most active districts in our city.We cover a lot of ground from the new Public Safety Complex, the future of the Brownsville Sports Park, and the city’s approach to nightlife safety, to major business growth, road reconstruction, and the community cleanups that are bringing residents together.Commissioner De Leon also shares his passion for public service, his commitment to safer neighborhoods, and why he believes Brownsville’s best days are still ahead.In this episode we discuss:• The vision behind the new Public Safety Complex• What a potential USL partnership could mean for the Sports Park• How the city is approaching nightlife safety• New businesses and development coming to District 3• Road and infrastructure projects residents should know about• The impact of the District 3 community cleanupsBrownsville is moving. District 3 is booming, and this conversation explains why.▶️ Watch the full episode here:https://youtu.be/xIYvUNtVc1ASubscribe, share, and stay connected to the stories shaping our city.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #BrownsvilleTX #District3 #GustavoDeLeon #BrownsvilleGrowth #PublicSafety #BrownsvilleSportsPark #RGV #OneCity

Brownsville at Large - Season 2, Episode 5: Andrea Benton, Community Relations Director, NextDecade (Rio Grande LNG) Brownsville is growing, and one of the biggest reasons is happening right now at the Port of Brownsville.In Episode 5 of Brownsville at Large, I sat down with Andrea Benton from NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project to break down what residents are seeing along Highway 48 and what it means for jobs, safety, infrastructure, and the future of our local economy.

This conversation puts context behind a $30 billion investment that’s reshaping our region and positioning Brownsville as a major energy and logistics hub.Episode highlights:• Why Rio Grande LNG is a generational economic development project for Brownsville and the RGV• Current construction workforce of 5,500, with 70%+ local, plus nearly 200 NextDecade employees• Project scale: $30 Billion, 5 LNG trains (with potential expansion), and major tank/storage capacity• 2 LNG tanks completed, two more planned; pipeline work employing 800 skilled workers• Long-term impact: 700 permanent NextDecade jobs + 650 pipeline and gas supply roles• Infrastructure unlocked: 10-foot ship channel deepening and a new turning basin to support larger vessels and attract new industries• Community investment: 175+ local businesses engaged, 60+ organizations supported, nearly $1M invested, plus a $1.2M fire engine donation to the City of Brownsville• Community outreach: 20+ open houses, 5,500+ residents reached, and 4,000+ students trained on LNG safety• What’s next: operations, first gas, and first vessel expected within the next year

If you’ve driven past the Port and wondered, “What’s going on out there?” This episode answers that question.🎧 Learn more / connect: Search Rio Grande LNG to find NextDecade online and access their bilingual community feedback system. 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe#Brownsville #RGV #BrownsvilleAtLarge #EconomicDevelopment #PortOfBrownsville #RioGrandeLNG #NextDecade #Jobs #Community

What happens to our local sales-tax dollars, and how does that investment actually show up in your everyday life?In this episode of Brownsville at Large, Commissioner Tino Villarreal Jr. sits down with Cori Peña, President & CEO of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), one of the City of Brownsville’s two economic development organizations (Type B EDC).Cori breaks down what BCIC funds, how it differs from the Type A EDC, and why BCIC’s Strategic Plan through 2029 matters for the future of our city from parks, recreation, downtown revitalization, and “placemaking” projects to entrepreneurship programs, grants, and financing for local small businesses.You’ll also hear real examples of impact like how BCIC helped expand community services, support major quality-of-life projects, and even pivoted during COVID to help keep local businesses from closing.Highlights in this episode:• What BCIC is and how it’s funded• Strategic Plan through 2029 (built from community input)• Quality of life projects + why they matter• Downtown investment + the BIG Grant• The eBridge Center: a one-stop hub for entrepreneurs• 1 Million Cups (Wednesdays at 9AM) + RGV Startup Week• How residents can stay informed, attend meetings, and share ideas

Get involved: Visit BCIC’s website, explore current programs/grants, and sign up for the weekly newsletter to stay updated.If you found this episode valuable, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who cares about Brownsville’s future.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #Brownsville #BCIC #EconomicDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #DowntownBrownsville #QualityOfLife #RGV #Community