Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Mayor John Cowen, Jr. has joined the Mayors for Parks Coalition, a national bipartisan coalition managed by City Parks Alliance that advocates for increased federal investment in city parks and green spaces.
Created in 2013, the Mayors for Parks Coalition includes mayors from large and small cities across the country who work together to strengthen federal support for urban parks, outdoor recreation, and equitable access to green space.
The Coalition recently celebrated a historic win with the passage of the EXPLORE Act, which includes the Outdoors for All Act. This legislation codifies the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program, a critical urban parks grant program that provides funding to cities for park projects in underserved communities. The program helps ensure that residents in communities across the country have access to safe, accessible, and high-quality parks and recreation opportunities.
“Joining the Mayors for Parks Coalition is an important step for us, in Brownsville, as we continue investing in parks, trails, open spaces, and wellness opportunities that improve quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Cowen. “This partnership connects Brownsville with a national network of city leaders advocating for the resources communities need to expand access to green space, support healthier lifestyles, strengthen neighborhoods, and create more vibrant public spaces for families. As our city continues to grow, partnerships like this help ensure Brownsville is positioned to pursue funding and strategies that benefit residents today and for generations to come.”
The work of the Mayors for Parks Coalition aligns with Brownsville’s current Parks, Health and Wellness Master Plan, which is in the execution phase to guide long-term investments in parks, recreation, public health, and community wellness. Through this plan, Brownsville is focused on improving access to parks and recreational amenities, promoting active living, supporting healthier neighborhoods, and enhancing public spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
“Mayor Cowen knows the important role that parks play in improving the health and vitality of Brownsville, and we are thrilled to have him join our Mayors for Parks Coalition,” said Catherine Nagel, Executive Director of City Parks Alliance.
The Coalition advocates for increased funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Stateside Program and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides funding for national, state, and local parks and is funded through revenues from offshore oil and gas drilling royalties, a portion of which is matched by state and local contributions. This increases the return on investment without using federal tax dollars. The fund has supported more than 46,000 projects in communities across the country and continues to serve as a smart and effective investment in public spaces for all Americans.
