Mayor Craig Brown Part 2 of 6: Managing Success: Galveston’s Economy, Tourism, and the Legacy of Unity

Aug 27, 2025 | Civics, Economics, Lifestyle

In Part 2 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about managing the success of Galveston. Mayor Brown’s vision for Galveston’s future, balancing port growth, sustainable tourism, small-business support, and workforce housing with civic unity. Brown stresses collaboration between the city, Park Board, port, and citizens to preserve Galveston’s character while promoting economic progress.

David Finklea Editorial

Aug 16, 2025 | Civics

With 64% of revenue tied to cruise ships, Galveston’s port is betting big on one industry. Guest columnist, and Council Member for District 2, David Finklea calls for mobility planning, economic diversification, and a waterfront designed for people — not just parking lots and ships.

Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade

Aug 14, 2025 | Civics

When you think about the person steering Galveston’s day-to-day operations and planning for its future, you might picture closed-door meetings and stacks of policy reports. But in this unfiltered conversation, City Manager Brian Maxwell opens up about the challenges and rewards of leading the island, his vision for the next decade, the reality of drainage issues, and the community projects that make Galveston unique—including the beloved Turtles About Town. Along the way, he proves that even serious civic leadership can come with a laugh or two.

David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1

Aug 6, 2025 | Civics, Podcast

A monthly podcast hosted by David Landriault and David Finklea—two longtime civics voices with deep roots in Galveston’s business, political, and cultural life. Each episode offers a sharp, honest, and often surprising look at the people, policies, and power dynamics...

A Night for the Island: Honoring Mike Dean and Stepping Into a New Chapter

Jun 12, 2025 | Civics, Culture, Lifestyle

Galveston Community Enrichment Award An unforgettable evening in Galveston celebrated the legacy of local icon Mike Dean while welcoming a new wave of energy and commitment to the island’s future. Writer Victoria Saracco shares a personal reflection on community,...

Galveston County Voters Approve $110M for Roads and Flood Control — But Reject Government Facility Upgrades

May 8, 2025 | Civics

In the May 3, 2025, election, Galveston County voters approved nearly $110 million for roads and flood control but rejected a proposal for government facility upgrades. Proposition A, which allocated $74.1 million for roads and bridges, and Proposition C, which earmarked $36 million for flood control, were both approved. However, Proposition B, which proposed $75.8 million for government facility improvements, was narrowly defeated. This reflects a preference for investing in infrastructure and disaster preparedness over administrative expansion.

Written By: David Landriault

Mayor Craig Brown Part 1 of 6: Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown

May 1, 2025 | Civics, Economics, Nature

In Part 1 of our exclusive six-part series, The 1839 founder David Landriault sits down with Mayor Craig Brown for an unfiltered conversation about Galveston’s next decade. From bold economic growth and cultural diversity to the harsh realities of flooding and infrastructure costs, Mayor Brown offers both hope and hard truths. This is not just a plan—it’s a call to action for every resident who believes in Galveston’s future.

Why I Believe in Galveston: A “Realistic” Love Letter to the Island

Apr 24, 2025 | Civics

This isn’t a postcard. It’s just a personal take on a place I’ve spent my life coming back to.

Galveston is complicated, beautiful, stubborn, and full of soul. In this piece, I’m sharing a few of the reasons why my wife Christy and I believe in this island—and why we built The 1839 to tell its stories the way they deserve to be told.

Written By: David Landriault, Co-Founder of 1839

The Rhythm of the Island: How Galveston Businesses (and Locals) Can Thrive Year-Round

Apr 15, 2025 | Civics, Economics, Education, Technology

There’s a rhythm to life on Galveston Island. If you live here long enough, you can feel it.

Once you’re in sync, everything changes. In The Rhythm of the Island, I reflect on how embracing this unique flow has helped me—and the business owners I work with—not just survive the off-season, but thrive in it.

Written By: Teresa Wagonseller, CPA, Fractional CFO, and proud member of The 39ers.

Explore Galveston's Stories with The 1839

Civics

Mayor Craig Brown Part 2 of 6: Managing Success: Galveston’s Economy, Tourism, and the Legacy of Unity

David Finklea Editorial

Brian Maxwell: Leading Galveston Into the Next Decade

David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1

A Night for the Island: Honoring Mike Dean and Stepping Into a New Chapter

Galveston County Voters Approve $110M for Roads and Flood Control — But Reject Government Facility Upgrades

Mayor Craig Brown Part 1 of 6: Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown

Why I Believe in Galveston: A “Realistic” Love Letter to the Island

The Rhythm of the Island: How Galveston Businesses (and Locals) Can Thrive Year-Round

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