Civics
Downtown Is Having a Moment. It Has Had Them Before.
Downtown Galveston is entering a rare decision window. Its future depends on public, private and civic work adding up to one place.
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Galveston City Council
Reporting and analysis about Galveston City Council decisions, public meetings, budgets and civic leadership.
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20 connected stories
Nature
The Oldest BOI
Before the seawall, before the Strand, before anyone put a name on this island, there was the marsh. Dusk comes slowly to the West End, the way it comes to a place that is in no hurry to be seen. The…
Development
Discovery Sands
Galveston City Council approved the Discovery Sands PUD request 4–3. This pre-vote analysis preserves the tradeoffs that shaped the decision; final enacted conditions remain pending the official City…
Civics
The Legacy of Craig Brown
Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This final interview was conducted on Craig Brown's last day in office. References to Mayor Brown below preserve the interview-time context. “He never once gave…
Civics
And Galveston Said Yes
Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 5 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This story was published during the May 2026 transition after Galveston's election. Craig Brown subsequently left office…
Civics
The Culture He Built
Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 4 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This interview was conducted during Craig Brown's final months as mayor. He left office in May 2026; role references and…
Development
Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island "Land Bridge" Under Consideration
Exclusive: Mayor Brown, Port Documents Confirm Federal Study of Pelican Island “Land Bridge” Under Consideration Local leaders urge evaluation of alternative as Galveston weighs infrastructure decision…
Development
Davie Defense Brings 2,400 Jobs to Galveston
$21.8M grant to Davie Defense for Galveston Shipbuilding Brings 2,400 Jobs and $730 Million Investment to the Texas Gulf Coast One of the largest industrial investments in recent Galveston history is now…
Culture
10 People Quietly Shaping Galveston's Future
Local leaders shaping Galveston Texas 10 People Quietly Shaping Galveston’s Future Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This list is a December 2025 snapshot. Craig Brown was serving as mayor and John…
Development
Galveston's Big West-End Bet
Galveston Greenlights $540 Million Development on the West End A half-billion-dollar project poised to reshape the Seawall—and redefine Galveston’s future. After years of speculation, debate, revisions…
Civics
Galveston Firehouse Bond Endorsement
An 1839 Editorial Galveston's $10 Million Firehouse Bond: The Alarm That Never Sleeps & A Line in the Sand We endorse a YES vote on the $10 million Fire Station No. 2 bond. It’s the first brick in a…
Development
A Bold Bet: Galveston's $540 Million Leap Forward
Galveston’s Civic & Business Platform A Bold Bet: Galveston’s $540 Million Leap Forward Archive update (July 12, 2026): This analysis was published before final council action. Galveston City Council…
Civics
Galveston Faces a Breaking Point After Council Minority Exerts Control in Tax Vote Deadlock
“Three votes held Galveston’s future hostage, leaving the majority—and the city—powerless.” Galveston’s tax vote deadlock wasn’t about $6 a month—it was about whether the city would protect its reserves…
Civics
When 28.57% is a Majority: Galveston's No-New-Revenue Risk
Galveston no-new-revenue tax rate Why Galveston Can’t Afford This “No-New-Revenue” Rate In my interview with Mayor Craig Brown yesterday he warned that the no-new-revenue rate isn’t a quick fix—it’s a…
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 3 of 6: The Future in Motion: Galveston's Infrastructure and Livability
Mayor Craig Brown discusses traffic, flyovers, parks, greenways and a port that can serve both business and the community as Galveston grows.
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 2 of 6: Managing Success: Galveston's Economy, Tourism, and the Legacy of Unity
Mayor Craig Brown reflects on sustainable tourism, small-business growth, unity and the challenge of managing Galveston's success without losing its character.
Civics
Guest commentary: Galveston's future depends on planning for people, not just ships
Guest commentary: Galveston’s future depends on planning for people, not just ships With 64% of revenue tied to cruise ships, Galveston’s port is betting big on one industry. Guest columnist and…
Podcasts
David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1
David Squared Podcast - Episode 1 David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered A podcast hosted by David Landriault and David Finklea—two longtime civics voices with deep roots in Galveston’s business…
Civics
Galveston County Voters Approve $110M for Roads and Flood Control — But Reject Government Facility Upgrades
Galveston County voters approved $110 million for road and flood control projects but rejected a $75.8 million proposal for government facility upgrades, highlighting a preference for essential…
Civics
Mayor Craig Brown Part 1 of 6: Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown
Galveston 2035: Foundations, Futures, and Fight for Resilience: A Candid Interview with Mayor Craig Brown Mayor Craig Brown Interview: Part 1 of 6 Archive note (updated July 12, 2026): This interview was…
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