BROWNSVILLE, Texas - City Manager Helen Ramirez is saying goodbye to Brownsville but will be an advocate for the largest municipality in the Rio Grande Valley.
In one of her final interviews with the Rio Grande Guardian, she said her last day is Friday, Dec. 19 and that she is moving to Austin.
However, the list of accomplishments under her leadership speak for themselves even though she admits there still are plenty of projects ahead to keep up with the city’s growth.
“One of the major accomplishments we have achieved is the philosophy of One City,” she said, referring to the slogan she coined, and which people say in unison at the end of many city events. “We can take a leadership role in the RGV and in the city when we work together.”
Ramirez mentioned the $300 million capital improvement project – a monumental effort that addresses the city’s infrastructure, improves the quality of life and places the city at the forefront of economic development.
That includes the $80 million public safety complex, the complete renovation of the Old Expressway 77 that is expected to cost $14 million and changing the city’s image from being one of the least connected places in the country to another level.
Ramirez said working for a city that has more than 1,300 employees and 23 departments is quite a challenge.
Nevertheless, she said working together can make a big difference.
Another accomplishment she mentioned is the revitalization, or renaissance, of Downtown Brownsville.
“We now have new restaurants, including a French,” Ramirez she said. “The downtown area has changed a lot.”
Other projects completed under her tenure include the new airport terminal, new hotels, better parks and walking trails, among others.
Ramirez has been the city manager since January 2023 and served as assistant city manager during 2019-2022.
On Thursday, Dec. 18, or the last day before she was to leave, the city threw a farewell celebration at the Brownsville Events Center to honor her career in public service.
Brownsville Mayor Cowen Jr. said he and Ramirez kept in touch every day of the week.
“She is a consummate professional,” he said during the farewell. “A professional who did not point fingers.”
Traffic department employees Raul Alcala and Jorge Cortez said Ramirez kept in touch with everybody.
Cortez said a lot of development took place here under Ramirez leadership.
“She is an awesome person,” Alcala added. “She will show up to talk to us regularly – something which did not happen before.”
