Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez, ICMA- CM, AICP, announces Mr. Daniel Leal, AICP, Assoc. AIA, as City of Brownsville’s new Director of Planning and Redevelopment following an extensive national recruitment effort.
With more than 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Leal brings a wealth of leadership and expertise in urban planning, design, transportation, and real estate development. He is bilingual in Spanish and has a career that has been marked by a steadfast commitment to building livable, quality, and sustainable communities through innovation and collaboration with the private sector.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Leal to Brownsville,” said Ms. Ramirez. “His visionary approach and extensive background in planning, design and real estate development make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. His bilingual communication skills, customer service focus, and mentorship mindset will be invaluable as we continue advancing our Downtown Renaissance Master Plan, Housing Master Plan and visionary Comprehensive Plan.”
“I’m truly honored to join the City of Brownsville and serve a community with such rich culture, energy, and potential,” said Leal. “I look forward to working alongside residents, City elected officials, leadership, and local partners to shape a more connected, vibrant, and sustainable future for all who call Brownsville home.”
Mr. Leal holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning and is a certified Urban Designer through Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada. He has served in prominent roles across Texas, including with the City of San Antonio and the City of Fort Worth, as the Assistant Director of Development Services (and Zoning Administrator) where he oversaw a 34-person team. His leadership contributed to major initiatives such as corridor planning, shared-use trail systems, unified development codes, micromobility studies, and transit-oriented development.
Recognized for his collaborative leadership and customer-focused approach, Mr. Leal is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and an active member of both the American Planning Association (APA) and Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU).
Media inquiries may be directed to the City’s Communications and Marketing Department at (956) 556-1811 or at Manuel.Chacon@BrownsvilleTX.gov.
