Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have completed the final report of the Task Force of the Future, a collaborative initiative created to strengthen UTRGV’s presence in Brownsville and Cameron County while improving academic access, student life, facilities, workforce alignment and long-term opportunities for students.
The report outlines recommendations backed by actionable items designed to ensure UTRGV students in Cameron County maximize their academic studies and university experience to their fullest potential. The Task Force was established following a Memorandum of Understanding approved in March 2025 between the City and UTRGV to support student growth, improve student performance, enhance quality of life, reduce unnecessary travel between campuses and expand opportunities for academic and workforce development in Brownsville and Cameron County.
“This report represents a shared commitment to our students, our families and the future of Brownsville,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “The City understands that when we invest in higher education, we invest in our workforce, our economy and our community. Through this Task Force, we are working with UTRGV to build upon analready solid foundation and continue expanding access to the programs, facilities and student experiences that help Cameron County students succeed right here at home.”
The Task Force report is organized around six key pillars: Academics, Quality of Student Life, Facilities and Infrastructure, Governance and Leadership, Community and Economic Impact, and Athletics/Club Sports. Together, these priorities provide a framework for continued collaboration between the City and UTRGV under the shared vision of creating a stronger student experience and a stronger Brownsville.
Among the top actionable recommendations identified in the report are:
- Continue reducing student travel between Brownsville and Edinburg by using student transportation data, course demand dashboards and academic scheduling reviews to expand course offerings in Brownsville.
- Expand civil and mechanical engineering in Brownsville so students can complete all four years of those undergraduate programs on the Brownsville campus.
- Continue investing in academic facilities and equipment including lab space, classrooms, faculty offices, teaching labs, machine shop space and modular buildings to support program growth.
- Explore additional health programs or clinical sites in Brownsville through a feasibility study aligned with local high school health pathways and UTRGV early access programs.
- Increase student engagement and campus life opportunities by using student surveys, focus groups andfeedback to expand activities, events, organizations and academic-related engagement on the Brownsville campus.
- Develop stronger student housing strategies including evaluating additional housing space and potential conversion opportunities as demand increases.
- Partner on athletics events and expanded intramural and club sports opportunities, including the Vaqueros Sports Park Series, use of City facilities and evaluation of future recreation needs.
- Continue City and UTRGV collaboration through annual reports, semiannual Task Force meetings, joint grant opportunities and shared master planning efforts to ensure progress is measured and sustained.
“UTRGV is deeply committed to student success across the Rio Grande Valley, and this report reflects our continued investment in Brownsville and Cameron County,” said Guy Bailey, UTRGV President. “We are proud of the progress already made, including expanded academic programs, increased class seats, significant capital investments and new opportunities for students to engage, learn and grow. Our partnership with the City of Brownsville will help us continue building a university experience that supports students from enrollment through graduation and beyond, while also strengthening the talent pipeline and workforce needed to support the city’s continued growth.”
The report highlights UTRGV’s financial investments and planned investments totaling more than $514 million in Brownsville and more than $621 million in Cameron County to date. It also notes the addition of more than 3,000 newclass seats during the Spring 2026 semester, the expansion of undergraduate and graduate programs in Brownsville, and continued efforts to align academic offerings with industry and workforce needs.
“Collaboration between UTRGV and the City of Brownsville is essential to ensuring that our students in Cameron County have the academic pathways, campus resources and community connections they need to succeed,” said Veronica Gonzales, UTRGV Senior Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations. “The Task Force ofthe Future has provided a strong framework for identifying student needs, aligning university and community priorities, and creating actionable steps that will continue to strengthen the Brownsville campus experience. We look forward to continuing this partnership and building on the progress outlined in this report.”
“Brownsville is proud to work alongside UTRGV on recommendations that are practical, measurable and focused on long-term results,” said Interim City Manager Alan Guard, ICMA-CM, CGFO. “This partnership allows us to look at student needs, workforce trends, infrastructure, recreation, housing, transportation and economic development in a coordinated way. The work does not end with this report. The Task Force will continue working together to enhance the student experience for UTRGV students in Cameron County and to support the future of our community.”
The Task Force also recommends continued collaboration on City and university master planning efforts, including parks and recreation, downtown revitalization, housing, comprehensive planning, facilities planning, workforcedevelopment, internships, economic impact studies and potential grant funding opportunities.
Moving forward, the City of Brownsville and UTRGV will maintain the Task Force of the Future as the central body forcollaboration. The group will continue meeting during the fall and spring semesters, track measurable outcomes,prepare annual updates for leadership and pursue opportunities that support Brownsville campus growth and student success.
The completed report will serve as a living document, allowing the City and UTRGV to update progress, adjustpriorities and continue working together to ensure Cameron County students have access to a strong, vibrant and complete university experience in Brownsville. The full report may be accessed at www.BrownsvilleTX.gov and at www.utrgv.edu.
