Texas Border Business
During the 2021 Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Houston, the City of Mission received two 2021 Municipal Excellence Awards in City Spirit and Communication Programs for cities over 25,000 in population. The awards recognized the city for its Discover Historic Mission virtual interactive map and the “On a Mission to Save Lives” bilingual video series.
In an effort to preserve the City of Mission’s history during a time of limited travel and contact, the Mission Historical Museum developed a virtual interactive map called Discover Historic Mission. This virtual interactive map contains a QR code that shows a Google Map route with over twenty historical sites in the City. The map showcases religious buildings, residential homes, historic sites, and natural history. Since the map is virtual, locals and tourists can easily, quickly, and safely explore historic locations in the City from the comfort of an electronic device.
The city also created the bilingual video series named “On a Mission to Save Lives.” The videos, which are shared on the City’s social media platforms and website, highlight the first responders, nurses, and city volunteers who are helping to operate COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The goal of the videos are to increase citizen engagement and community trust in the clinics through inspiring stories of everyday people getting vaccinated. Since the area has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, the project has been an important communication tool to protect residents.
“This award is only given to five cities across the state in our population group. We competed against some remarkable communities and municipalities that are much bigger than us,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “Winning one TML award is an extraordinary accomplishment, winning two in the same year is exceptional. This is just another outstanding example of the amazing work that is being done every single day in our community and I thank our employees for their tremendous effort.”
TML’s Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenge of municipal governance. Innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, increasing citizen participation, and reaching toward higher service levels are all daily occurrences in Texas cities, and they deserve recognition. This awards program seeks out the best of these programs to honor.
Awards are given in two population categories (under25,000 and over 25,000) and five areas(management innovations, communication programs, city spirit, public safety, and public works).
TML is a voluntary association of 1,168 Texas cities. Guided by its purpose statement— Empowering Texas cities to serve their cities—the League provides support and services to city governments. The City of Mission is a member of TML.
