Georgetown named inaugural 'Best Texas Downtown'; city highlights multiple communications awards

Georgetown announced that it was named the inaugural 'Best Texas downtown' for cities with more than 50,000 residents and highlighted several other state and national awards for downtown planning and municipal communications. Mayor Josh Schroeder read proclamations and city staff showed a nomination video illustrating downtown assets and visitor experience.

Staff emphasized the role of local business owners and volunteers in the recognition. “One of the big reasons why we chose to operate businesses in Downtown Georgetown is because it's such a beautiful square,” said Brad Stripmanner, a downtown business owner. Cody Hurt, who said he opened his first downtown business in 2016, credited city outreach and investment for encouraging local entrepreneurs to expand downtown.

City staff noted the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association awarded Georgetown the gold in urban design for the downtown master plan, and the Texas Festivals and Events Association honored local promotions and event elements including the Red Poppy Festival. The communications and public engagement team — named at the meeting as Ally Van Dyke, Keith Hutchinson, Beth Wade, Mallory Tallis and Boris Koeffman — also received awards for a website redesign and recurring program communications.

Officials framed the honors as a team achievement that supports tourism and local businesses. The city said the awards reflect coordinated work by city departments, the Downtown Georgetown Association, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and resident volunteers who maintain and animate the town square. A short promotional video shown at the meeting highlighted downtown events, historic preservation, and visitor amenities.

The recognitions were followed by a staff photo and continued council business.