Brownsville dissolves LGBTQ+ task force, creates —1 City— committee to oversee fair-practice policy

The Brownsville City Commission voted Dec. 9 to dissolve an ad-hoc LGBTQ+ task force and to create a new seven-member —1 City— committee to advise the city on its fair practice ordinance and community relations.

Public commenters urged the commission not to disband the task force. "For years, I—ve been proud to say that I felt my city represented the gay community. This is obviously come to an end," a preregistered speaker told commissioners during the public-comment period, criticizing the decision to remove the group. Another resident, Robert Limoria, called the move "premature" and said it communicates that marginalized residents will be left behind.

City Attorney Will Trevino told the commission staff recommended dissolving the task force out of "abundance of caution," citing recent federal and state actions affecting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the city—s exposure on grant compliance. "Keeping the task force puts us in grave risk of losing the $41,000,000 in grants that we received from the federal government," Trevino said during his presentation.

Mayor John Cowan Jr. framed the vote in terms of fiscal risk and legal uncertainty: "I feel ultimately responsible to manage risk," he said, urging a pragmatic approach to protect city services funded by grants.

To address community concerns while removing the task force, the commission approved a resolution establishing a permanent advisory body called the —1 City— committee. The resolution, amended on the floor to add an ex-officio city commissioner, gives the new committee authority to advise on the fair practice ordinance (chapter 56), suggest policies and programs to improve human relations, and coordinate with city staff on complaints and referrals. Commissioner Bridal Martinez was appointed as the ex-officio commissioner for the committee during the meeting.

City officials said the fair practice ordinance itself will remain in force; the new committee is intended to be the permanent municipal forum for human-rights and community-relations work, while minimizing legal risk tied to grant conditions and federal guidance. Trevino noted some former task-force members are considering forming a private nonprofit to continue community work outside the city structure.

The commission—s motion to dissolve the task force and to create the —1 City— committee carried by voice vote.