Brownwood Downtown Plan Wins National Planning Award
The City of Brownwood’s new Downtown Master Plan has been awarded the American Planning Association’s Vernon Deines Award, a national honor for outstanding work in community-scale planning. APA’s Small Town and Rural Planning Division chose the project for the award, which recognizes the city’s bold and practical approach to revitalizing their historic downtown.
The plan was developed to guide growth and reinvestment across 102 blocks of the city’s downtown area by providing a clear, actionable vision grounded in community values, economic opportunity and long-term resilience.
Brownwood’s plan stood out for its implementation-driven strategy, thoughtful public space design and strong integration with other city efforts, including development regulations and capital improvement planning. Since the plan was adopted, its first four catalyst projects have been funded, totaling more than $17 million in new investment. The planning process also fostered stronger relationships with property owners and attracted interest from both local and out-of-town developers.
Caitlin Admire, project manager with Freese and Nichols’ Urban Planning + Design team in San Marcos, led the planning effort in partnership with city staff, downtown stakeholders and community members.
“Brownwood is a great example of what happens when a city commits to a shared vision and follows through with realistic, coordinated steps,” Caitlin said. “This award speaks to the city’s leadership, their openness to collaboration, and the energy the community brings to reimagining their downtown.”
The project previously was honored with the Planning Achievement Award in Economic Development from the American Planning Association – Texas Chapter.
Innovative Planning for Downtown
The plan builds on more than 20 years of revitalization efforts and offers a development framework that reflects community values while positioning downtown for future growth. Enhancements like activated sidewalks, expanded civic spaces and improvements to the public realm contribute to a more inclusive, people-centered experience. Public buildings such as City Hall now serve as key hubs of activity, reinforcing downtown’s role as a gathering place.
The proposed Brownwood Art Park, a public-private initiative, aims to introduce a family-friendly amenity that expands non-commercial offerings and supports cultural vibrancy. The plan also incorporates smart urban solutions, including improved waste management systems and micromobility infrastructure, which contribute to a cleaner, more connected downtown.
Integrating Efforts Across the City
A companion code diagnostic helped identify outdated regulations and inconsistencies in existing ordinances, giving City leaders the tools to align development policy with the plan’s vision. This process reduces barriers for private investment and helps ensure implementation is both realistic and timely.
Each recommendation was developed for integration into the City’s Capital Improvement Plan process, making them ready for budgeting and execution. Leadership from the City Manager’s office has encouraged collaboration across departments, streamlining decision-making and reinforcing the plan’s citywide value.
Progress in Motion
Since its adoption, the plan has strengthened communication between the City and downtown property owners, fostering a stronger sense of shared purpose. Four new businesses have opened, several have expanded, and the plan has sparked renewed interest from outside developers.
Local employers and residents have long called for improvements that blend tourism, economic development and livability. The plan is a step towards delivering on those goals. Merchants are working together more closely, and early successes suggest long-term momentum. Recent City Council funding workshops have supported the plan’s priorities, signaling the City’s strongest financial commitment to downtown in its history.
