Economic Development director completes competitive leadership program

City of Victoria Economic Development Director Danielle Williams recently graduated from the 2023 Texas Women’s Leadership Institute. She was one of 20 executives statewide who were chosen to participate in a program designed to prepare and inspi...

City of Victoria celebrates completion of Laurent Street mural

The City of Victoria on Nov. 28 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Laurent Street Underpass Mural Project. The ceremony was attended by City officials, UP Art Studio, contributing artists and others who participated in the...

City expands landfill, enters key industrial waste market

PHOTO: A new half-cell at the Victoria landfill, 18141 FM 1686, is covered with a thick plastic liner to prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment.

The City of Victoria has secured permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns grants for waste diversion education

PHOTO: Yard waste and tree limbs sit in a pile at the City’s compost facility after being collected from residents’ yards. These materials will be ground into chips, mixed with biosolids and left to decompose into compost, which will be sold to gardeners....

Keep Victoria Beautiful and partners host Queen City cleanup

From left, Victoria Police Department Capt. Jason Turner and Victoria Housing Authority Public Housing Associate Jessica Ramos assist a group of volunteers Oct. 21 during the Queen City Neighborhood Cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. About 130 vol...

Community involvement turns Keep Victoria Beautiful neighborhood cleanups into ‘resource fairs’

By Sam Hankins, City of Victoria communications specialist.

This article originally appeared in the November issue of Texas Town & City, published by the Texas Municipal League.

PHOTO: From left, City of Victoria Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith an...

Keep Victoria Beautiful announces 2 beautification grant recipients

PHOTO: Heritage Mark, 5606 N. Navarro St., received a $1,000 matching grant from Keep Victoria Beautiful to plant trees.

Keep Victoria Beautiful has awarded two matching grants to local organizations looking to spruce up their community by beautifying thei...

Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers awarded for Fall Sweep efforts

PHOTO #1: The University of Houston-Victoria teams who volunteered at the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep, including the soccer team shown here, earned the Most Spirited award.

PHOTO #2: The volunteer team led by Jon Keene and Zach Cornwell earned the M...

Keep Victoria Beautiful hosts citywide Fall Sweep

PHOTO #1: Keep Victoria Beautiful Executive Director Christy Youker addresses a group of volunteers before the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep on Sept. 9. Photo contributed by Susan Armstrong Cain.

PHOTO #2: Volunteers picked up 275 bags of trash during...

Fire Marshal’s Division honors winners of Fire Prevention Week poster contest

PHOTO #1: The winners of the Fire Prevention Week poster contest hosted by the Victoria Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Division, from left, are Shealyn Carver, fifth grade, Mission Valley Elementary School; Luke Ortiz, fourth grade, Dudley Elementary Scho...

Victoria Fire Department to host fire prevention show for VISD students

PHOTO: This image provided by the National Fire Protection Association highlights this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

The Victoria Fire Department is partnering with Victoria ISD fo...

Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox honored at retirement ceremony

PHOTO #1: Current and former City of Victoria staff, elected officials and state officials came together to celebrate the career of Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox during a retirement ceremony Sept. 27 at the Victoria Community Center. Fox is ret...

Victoria Fire Department, late councilman’s family dedicate tree in his honor

PHOTO: From left, Victoria Fire Department Interim Fire Marshal Jeff Cowan, Interim Fire Chief Shannon Martin and Assistant Chief Michael Belt; George Soliz; Victoria City Council member Josephine Soliz; and Victoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Dana W...

Victoria Fire Department to host EMT training course, Fire Academy

Residents will have a chance to earn their emergency medical technician certifications close to home as the Victoria Fire Department partners with the Magnolia Beach Volunteer Fire Department to host an EMT-B training course.

The program will be 8 a.m.-5 p...

Victoria Public Library prepares for Gingerbread House Workshop

PHOTO: Children will be able to decorate delicious and edible gingerbread houses at the Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop on Dec. 9 at the Victoria Community Center Annex.

The Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop is just ...

City earns state honors for video projects

PHOTO: The City of Victoria received four statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). From left are Communications Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Public Safety Communications Manager Lauren Meaux...

City of Victoria celebrates lighting of H-E-B Christmas Tree

Mayor’s Youth Council President Katie Jane Kopecky and Santa Claus, accompanied by Mayor Jeff Bauknight, light the H-E-B Christmas Tree during a lighting ceremony Dec. 1 at the City Hall courtyard. The 30-foot tree will remain on display at City Hall thro...

City to host Merry on Main in partnership with Mother Cluckers Downtown

PHOTO #1: Merry on Main will feature winter-themed inflatables for children and inflatable obstacle courses for teens and adults.

PHOTO #2: Merry on Main will feature an open-air market hosted by Mother Cluckers Downtown.

PHOTO #3: Merry on Main will featur...

Victoria Main Street Program offers grants for historic properties

PHOTO: The old federal building, 210 E. Constitution St., received a Façade Grant through the Victoria Main Street Program in fiscal year 2023.

Applications have reopened for two Victoria Main Street Program grant opportunities designed to help downtown bu...

City to begin DeLeon Plaza expansion

PHOTO #1: As part of the DeLeon Plaza expansion project, the grassy seating area on the north side of the plaza will be gently sloped to meet the new paved performance area. The water feature and restroom awning shown in this conceptual rendering are not ...

Award winners announced for Christmas Parade of Lights

PHOTO #1: Riverside Church won the award for Most Festive during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Victoria.

PHOTO #2: Con Metal Contractors won the Spirit of Christmas award during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Vi...

Parks & Recreation partners with port for 3rd annual youth hunt

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation, the Port of Victoria, the Texas Youth Hunting Program, the Texas Wildlife Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a youth hunt for five local youth Nov. 3-5 at the Port of Victoria.

Fiv...

Civilian Police Academy offers hands-on experience of police work

PHOTO #1: Residents participate in a shooting exercise at the Victoria Police Department firearms range during the 2019 Civilian Police Academy. Participants receive firearm safety training before visiting the shooting range.

The Victoria Police Department...

City earns state honors for video projects

PHOTO: The City of Victoria received four statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). From left are Communications Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Public Safety Communications Manager Lauren Meaux...

Victoria Police Department announces new deputy chief, more promotions

PHOTO: Three Victoria Police Department officers were promoted Oct. 27 during a private ceremony at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex. Shown from left are Sgt. Jacob Garza, Deputy Chief Clay Fetters and Lt. Jason Martin.

The Victoria Police ...

Retiring Deputy Chief Mark Jameson honored with walkout ceremony

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson is surrounded by local law enforcement during his “walkout” ceremony in honor of his retirement Oct. 20 in the 300 block of South Bridge Street.

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police Department Deputy Chie...

City addresses housing shortage through programs, partnerships

A teacher who earns an average income but still can’t afford a house. A waitress who spends more than half her income on rent. An older gentleman living on the streets because his social security check can’t keep up with housing costs....

Waste diversion programs help us keep waste out of the landfill

Have you given much thought to where your waste goes—and whether it’s going to the right place?

The City of Victoria Environmental Services works hard to make sure residents don’t have to worry about running out of space for t...

Celebrating our bicentennial all year long

As 2024 gets closer, preparations for Victoria’s bicentennial year are really ramping up. My staff and I have been working with other City departments and community organizations to make it a memorable year, and we’re excited for residents to be able to e...

State of the City: Key projects, collaborations help our community thrive

Running a City government is a multilayered process, a combination of day-to-day operations that keep things running smoothly and milestone projects that help us grow and thrive.

During last year’s State of the City address, I highlighted the wor...

Citizens Academy provides insider look at local government

Victoria’s bicentennial year is coming up: a perfect time to not only reflect on our past but also make plans for our future. Informed and engaged citizenship is crucial to lifting up our community, and we hope that residents will consider joini...

Helping business owners keep waste out of our waterways

You may have heard the phrase “only rain down the storm drain,” but what about pollutants that are washed down other types of drains— in plants, factories, restaurants, and many other businesses?

There are two independent syst...

Victoria Regional Airport offers plenty of reasons to fly local

Imagine flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport late at night after a lengthy vacation or business trip. You’re tired and jet-lagged, and you want nothing more than to go home and rest. Would you rather spend another two and a half hour...

Scammers pick on seniors, and it’s our job to warn them

As society continues to advance in the world of technology, so do the tactics of criminals seeking to exploit our more vulnerable populations. Among these groups, seniors find themselves increasingly targeted by fraudsters and scammers. Often trusting and...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation sets goals for prosperous future

My career has taught me about the type of environment businesses need to thrive. As the CEO of DeTar Healthcare System for nearly 30 years, I knew there were only two ways DeTar’s base of potential patients could grow: if the community grew or if we offer...

Let’s talk turkey: How to celebrate Thanksgiving during a pandemic

COVID-19 precautions like staying inside and staying apart may not fit most people’s idea of a Thanksgiving celebration, but with a few modifications, you can still enjoy the holiday while keeping your loved ones safe.

Curbing the spread of COVID-19 is esp...

City Corner Column: Victoria Fire Department expands public health role

When young kids say they want to be firefighters when they grow up, they may not imagine themselves providing flu shots to economically disadvantaged residents to keep hospitalizations low during a global pandemic—but for the Victoria Fire Department, it’...

Heat your home safely by keeping seasonal hazards in mind

The weather outside will be frightful before we know it—but before you light a fire in the fireplace or turn on your heating appliances, remember that fire safety is crucial even (and especially) during the colder months.

John Stary, fire inspect...

City Corner Column: Victoria Regional Airport helps whole community soar

Imagine flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport late at night after a lengthy vacation or business trip. You’re tired and jet-lagged, and you want nothing more than to go home and rest. Would you rather spend another two hours driving home or fly...

As fiscal year begins, capital improvement projects steadily move forward

PHOTO: An image from a March 3 presentation to City Council shows the proposed new design for the duck pond in Riverside Park.

Fiscal year 2021 kicked off for the City of Victoria on Oct. 1, but whether you notice any changes may depend on where you look.

T...

PSA shares public health information with Victoria’s Spanish speakers

“La familia lo es todo,” Mayor Pro Tem Josephine Soliz implores the camera from her seat on the City Council dais, “y tenemos la responsabilidad de protegernos.”

Family is everything, and we have a responsibility to protect each other.

That’s the message be...

City Corner Column: Victoria Broadband Commission seeks ways to keep people connected

As society progresses, amenities like electricity and plumbing that were once luxuries for a privileged few become expected and necessary parts of life. In the house where I grew up, we couldn’t get cable TV because of our location relative to rail lines....

City Corner Column: Music industry professionals, how can we help you?

The Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking volunteers to serve on the new Victoria Music Friendly Advisory Board, an unpaid board that will yield dividends for its members, the City and our community as we seek to harmonize our efforts to cultivate V...

Census deadline is almost here; here’s why you should respond

The window to take part in our nation’s once-in-a-decade head count closes Oct. 5.

As the deadline nears, we realize that residents who haven’t responded yet may have a variety of reasons for not doing so. Nevertheless, we want to emphasize that everyone c...

City Corner Column: Take a “Minute” to learn about the City

People like to say, “You learn something new every day.” I hope that’s true for Victoria residents, who have plenty of ways to learn about the many services and programs the City offers. 

When choosing where to eat, V...

Public Works in Action: City smooths out pothole repair process

PHOTO #1: Equipment operator Bryant Stamps repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #2: Crew leader James Toth repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #3: Crew leader Hen...

City Corner Column: With 2021 budget approved, residents can look forward to bright future

Last week, the City Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2021. The completed budget represents a culmination of efforts by City leadership to find the best ways to continue addressing the community’s needs and take the next steps toward b...

Complete Count Committee ramps up Census effort as deadline nears

PHOTO: From left, Celeste Menchaca, City of Victoria development coordinator; Ashley Strevel, City of Victoria director of Communications & Public Affairs; Bethany Castro, executive director of Perpetual Help Home; and Jodi Sandoval, community health ...

City Corner Column: Going virtual brings challenges, new possibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations of every stripe to rethink the way they do business, and the City of Victoria is no exception. As social distancing recommendations have guided us to limit the number of people in City-owned buildings, we&...

Certified Permit Technician uses love of code to assist residents

PHOTO: Development specialist Dora Gomez works at the front desk at the City of Victoria Development Center. Gomez holds a Permit Technician Certification from the International Code Council.

Spending hours a day researching building codes may not be most ...

City Corner Column: Victoria Public Library provides education, entertainment during pandemic

Recently I ran into someone I know while I was assisting with checkouts on a busy day at the Victoria Public Library. As I helped her check out, she thanked me and said, “This is helping me with my mental health.”

It was a reminder of t...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #5: Census plays role in health care, pandemic recovery

Responding to the U.S. Census is a bit like washing your hands: It’s a simple action that won’t take too much of your time and will help to protect the health of your community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a stark lesson about th...

City Corner Column: City works to bring you information wherever you are

Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; checking email; listening to a podcast; turning on your TV; or picking up the newspaper, the City of Victoria’s Communications & Public Affairs will be there to provi...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Recreation services manager

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

PHOTO: Recreation Services Manager Jaymie Heibel, right, and recreation ...

City Corner Column: What’s in store for Parks & Recreation? It’s up to you

I’m excited to be back in my hometown directing Parks & Recreation. Victoria is a city with a lot of natural beauty, and we’ve got a great parks system with good bones and plenty of space for expansion and new amenities. Our recrea...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Head golf professional

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

When Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez tells people his job title...

City Corner Column: Building a better Victoria through new methods, ongoing projects

Public Works is taking an increasingly scientific approach to road repairs, gathering information that will help us to provide a pavement management report that will lead to more cost-effective maintenance programs for our streets.  

We’...

Victoria Police Department earns trust by upholding core values

Recent high-profile incidents of police violence have led to a breakdown of trust in law enforcement. We have seen citizens rising up across the nation to demand accountability and have been stunned to see how some protests have turned violent.

The Black L...

We’re prepared for hurricane season. Are you?

PHOTO: Environmental Services’ emergency procedures for hurricanes and other disasters are recorded in a yellow binder. The department recently finalized contracts with AshBritt, a debris management company, and TetraTech, a monitoring service c...

City Corner Column: Looking back, looking forward after 1 year in Victoria

It’s been a year since I came to Victoria to take on the role of city manager, and both the job and the city have been great. My wife and I love the fact that Victoria is a small enough community to feel family-oriented but big enough to have am...

Fun things to do in Victoria this summer

Summer is a time for relaxation, and this year we’ve definitely earned it. The kids have logged out of their virtual classes, and with some pandemic restrictions being lifted, it’s likely that you’re looking for a cure for yo...

City Corner Column: Maintenance, custodial staff keep City buildings safe throughout pandemic

When you come to City offices to apply for a permit or pay your water bill, you may not give much thought to the maintenance and custodial workers who keep the building running. Today, however, I’d like to commend my staff for their excellent re...

City Corner Column: Helping downtown thrive through COVID-19 and beyond

Danielle Williams, Victoria Main Street Program director and interim director of Parks and Recreation 

It seems like more and more people nowadays are visiting Victoria’s historic downtown after hours, stopping by to go for a jog or walk...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 2: Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19

In the second part of my interview with Chief Fox we cover Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, both so impactful to Victoria in such different ways.

This blog post is the second in a two-part series about Fire Chief Robert Fox’s experiences with major...

City Corner Column: 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan outlines long-term goals for Victoria

Transportation planning is often a moving target. The City’s Development Services department uses the best data available on demographics and growth trends to plan far into the future, but these goals still must be revised and updated on a regul...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 1: 1998 flood

Ashley Scott, digital media specialist for the City of Victoria

During a person’s career there are always moments that stand out. For most these may be big projects or promotions. For a firefighter, though, these times may include natural disaste...

City Corner Column: Communication can be used for good during public health crisis

There’s a profound word picture in the Bible that depicts how we can become refined through trials, much like gold becomes when it is put through the fire. It’s a parallel to the process of character growth, a concept I’m sur...

Things you can do while you’re staying home, staying safe

Staying at home can be frustrating if you’re not used to it, especially if it’s just one of many challenges you’re facing during the COVID-19 situation. However, following the City and County “Stay Home – ...

City Corner Column: Coronavirus Liaison Team seeks out problems, solutions

The recommendation to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds seems straightforward enough—unless you’re out on the street and don’t have ready access to soap and water.

That’s just one of the problems taken up by ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #4: Census will determine representation

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our population.

During the last census 10 years ago, Texas’ population was clocked at 25,145,561, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that our state grew more than 15% between the...

Support your community during COVID-19 situation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Governor’s Office and the White House are advising residents to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As always, the City of Victoria...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #3: Demographic data helps with retail recruitment

Do you want to see more shopping or restaurant options in Victoria? You can help by responding to the 2020 Census.

We’re all familiar with the excitement caused by the arrival of a favorite national retail chain in our city as well as the heartbr...

City Corner Column: Placido Benavides Drive helps design Victoria’s future

Take a drive along the newly opened Placido Benavides Drive from Navarro Street to Ethel Lee Tracy Park. As you do, look around at the wide-open fields and imagine the possibilities for this blank canvas – new neighborhoods, a Class A office spa...

Grant funding drives big changes in Victoria Transit system

If you were excited to see a sleek new bus stop being installed at the Victoria College Science Center, complete with a bike rack and solar-powered lighting, then get ready to see even more upgrades at a total of 48 Victoria Transit stops across the city....

City Corner Column: Are you helping us to keep Victoria beautiful?

If you’ve driven by Navarro and the Loop this past week, you’ve probably seen City crews chipping away at the litter in the drainage ditch near IHOP, doing their part to turn our public spaces into something we can all be proud of.

The ...

City Corner Column: Plan 2035: Victoria’s road map to success

Since coming to Victoria, I’ve had countless conversations with elected officials, business leaders and community stakeholders who’ve shared their ideas about what’s important to them and our city. Most of them want the same ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #2: Accurate count helps schools get resources they need

If school district officials receive funding to provide lunch for 50 children, one can imagine the last thing they would want is for 250 hungry students to show up when lunchtime rolls around.

Having an accurate head count in the 2020 Census impacts more t...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation: Promises made, promises kept

The clothes you just bought are helping to pay for road repairs, recreational facilities and a wide variety of other projects that help make Victoria a better place to live and work.

On Jan. 27, the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation will gather fo...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #1: The 2020 Census determines federal funding

The 2020 Census is right around the corner, and with it comes an opportunity for Victoria to show the federal government just how much our city has grown. Maybe you already know that the census is used to gather data for representation and other purposes,...

Daniel Industries Power Equipment earns City beautification award

Keep Victoria Beautiful board members and Daniel Industries Power Equipment staff and leadership pose for a photo Dec. 5 at Daniel Industries Power Equipment, 1901 N. Main St. Daniel Industries Power Equipment received KVB’s beautification award...

Civilian Police Academy offers hands-on experience of police work

PHOTO #1: Residents participate in a shooting exercise at the Victoria Police Department firearms range during the 2019 Civilian Police Academy. Participants receive firearm safety training before visiting the shooting range.

The Victoria Police Department...

Prosperity Bank joins Bicentennial Ball as title sponsor

The City of Victoria is seeking local partners to help make the Bicentennial Ball a special event—and a local bank has already stepped up to the plate.

Prosperity Bank has donated $10,000 to the event, becoming a sponsor at the “Empresa...

Award winners announced for Christmas Parade of Lights

PHOTO #1: Riverside Church won the award for Most Festive during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Victoria.

PHOTO #2: Con Metal Contractors won the Spirit of Christmas award during the Christmas Parade of Lights on Dec. 2 in downtown Vi...

City of Victoria celebrates lighting of H-E-B Christmas Tree

Mayor’s Youth Council President Katie Jane Kopecky and Santa Claus, accompanied by Mayor Jeff Bauknight, light the H-E-B Christmas Tree during a lighting ceremony Dec. 1 at the City Hall courtyard. The 30-foot tree will remain on display at City...

Communications hosts Citizens Academy Alumni luncheon

PHOTO: City Manager Jesús A. Garza gives a presentation about City projects and initiatives during the Citizens Academy Alumni luncheon Nov. 30 at the Victoria Community Center annex.

About 50 former Citizens Academy participants were able to co...

Municipal Court clerk earns Level I certification

Municipal Court Clerk Tara Tinney recently earned her Level I Clerk Certification from the Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA) in conjunction with the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center (TMCEC), the Texas Municipal Courts Association (TMCA) and Tex...

Candidate list finalized for mayoral special election

Victoria residents will have six candidates to choose from during the upcoming mayoral special election.

The following residents filed for candidacy before the Dec. 4 deadline:

• Peter Brown – Project Manager
• Robert “Bob” Constant...

City of Victoria to kick off bicentennial with New Year’s Eve fireworks show

The City of Victoria is starting our bicentennial year with a bang.

The City will host its inaugural New Year’s Eve fireworks show Dec. 31 at the Riverside Park Special Events Area (near Riverside Stadium).

“Victoria’s bicenten...

Municipal Court to host Cookies and Cocoa in the Courtroom

The City of Victoria Municipal Court is inviting residents to get to know their local court staff over a cup of hot cocoa.

The court will host Cookies and Cocoa in the Courtroom 4-6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Municipal Court building, 107 W. Juan Linn St. Similar ...

City of Victoria celebrates completion of Laurent Street mural

The City of Victoria on Nov. 28 hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Laurent Street Underpass Mural Project. The ceremony was attended by City officials, UP Art Studio, contributing artists and others who participated in the...

City lifts Stage III drought restrictions, returns to Stage II

PHOTO: The Guadalupe River flows past the Riverside Park boat ramp Nov. 27.

The City of Victoria is lifting some of its drought restrictions, but residents must continue to conserve water by limiting some types of nonessential water usage to the cooler tim...

City plans informational session as Council sets mayoral special election

The City Council at its Nov. 21 meeting scheduled a special election for Feb. 3 to fill the role of mayor, and the City is inviting prospective candidates to an informational session to learn about the position.  

The special election is being cal...

Victoria Public Library prepares for Gingerbread House Workshop

PHOTO: Children will be able to decorate delicious and edible gingerbread houses at the Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread House Workshop on Dec. 9 at the Victoria Community Center Annex.

The Victoria Public Library’s Gingerbread Hou...

Economic Development director completes competitive leadership program

City of Victoria Economic Development Director Danielle Williams recently graduated from the 2023 Texas Women’s Leadership Institute. She was one of 20 executives statewide who were chosen to participate in a program designed to prepare and inspi...

‘Yule Love Shopping Victoria!’ returns with new businesses, prizes

The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch its annual “Yule Love Shopping Victoria!” mobile promotion Nov. 16 at www.explorevictoriatexas.com, offering a chance to win prizes while exploring local shopping opport...

City accepting applications for CDBG programs for low/moderate-income residents

First-time homebuyers as well as residents who need assistance with home repairs or demolition can apply for the City of Victoria’s Community Development Block Grant programs that support homeownership and community development.

The City receives federal f...

Court operations supervisor receives statewide service award

PHOTO: City of Victoria Municipal Court Operations Supervisor Maria Bell, left, accepts the Texas Court Clerks Association’s Distinguished Service Award from TCCA Vice President Jennifer Bozorgnia on Oct. 31 during TCCA’s conference in...

City to consider a Feb. 3 mayoral special election

The City Council will consider at its Nov. 21 meeting whether to call for a Feb. 3, 2024, mayoral special election following news of Mayor Jeff Bauknight’s intent to run for state representative for District 30. 

To run for state office,...

Greg Spears Realty earns City beautification award

Keep Victoria Beautiful board members and Greg Spears Realty leadership pose for a photo Nov. 7 at Greg Spears Realty, 2204 E. Airline Road. Greg Spears Realty received KVB’s beautification award for the month of November. The award is given mon...

City to host Merry on Main in partnership with Mother Cluckers Downtown

PHOTO #1: Merry on Main will feature winter-themed inflatables for children and inflatable obstacle courses for teens and adults.

PHOTO #2: Merry on Main will feature an open-air market hosted by Mother Cluckers Downtown.

PHOTO #3: Merry on Main will featur...

City expands landfill, enters key industrial waste market

PHOTO: A new half-cell at the Victoria landfill, 18141 FM 1686, is covered with a thick plastic liner to prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment.

The City of Victoria has secured permission from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ...

City earns state honors for video projects

PHOTO: The City of Victoria received four statewide awards from the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA). From left are Communications Administrative Assistant Alvesa Odom, Public Safety Communications Manager Lauren Meaux...

Keep Victoria Beautiful earns grants for waste diversion education

PHOTO: Yard waste and tree limbs sit in a pile at the City’s compost facility after being collected from residents’ yards. These materials will be ground into chips, mixed with biosolids and left to decompose into compost, which will b...

Parks & Recreation partners with port for 3rd annual youth hunt

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Parks & Recreation, the Port of Victoria, the Texas Youth Hunting Program, the Texas Wildlife Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted a youth hunt for five local youth Nov. 3-5 at the Port of Victoria.

Fiv...

Keep Victoria Beautiful and partners host Queen City cleanup

From left, Victoria Police Department Capt. Jason Turner and Victoria Housing Authority Public Housing Associate Jessica Ramos assist a group of volunteers Oct. 21 during the Queen City Neighborhood Cleanup hosted by Keep Victoria Beautiful. About 130 vol...

Community involvement turns Keep Victoria Beautiful neighborhood cleanups into ‘resource fairs’

By Sam Hankins, City of Victoria communications specialist.

This article originally appeared in the November issue of Texas Town & City, published by the Texas Municipal League.

PHOTO: From left, City of Victoria Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith an...

Victoria Police Department announces new deputy chief, more promotions

PHOTO: Three Victoria Police Department officers were promoted Oct. 27 during a private ceremony at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex. Shown from left are Sgt. Jacob Garza, Deputy Chief Clay Fetters and Lt. Jason Martin.

The Victoria Police ...

City, AEP wrap up second phase of citywide lighting project

PHOTO: AEP street light technician John Velasquez installs a new LED post-top light at the entrance to the Waterstone neighborhood as part of the second phase of the citywide LED lighting project.

If you take your family out trick-or-treating tonight, you ...

Retiring Deputy Chief Mark Jameson honored with walkout ceremony

PHOTO #1: Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Mark Jameson is surrounded by local law enforcement during his “walkout” ceremony in honor of his retirement Oct. 20 in the 300 block of South Bridge Street.

PHOTO #2: Victoria Police De...

City assists The Texas Zoo with renovations, master plan

PHOTO: The Texas Zoo is renovating its jaguar exhibit with help from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding from the City of Victoria. In this photo, the jaguars are seen through the protective glass at the new viewing kiosk.

Visitors to The Texas Zoo ma...

Fire Marshal’s Division honors winners of Fire Prevention Week poster contest

PHOTO #1: The winners of the Fire Prevention Week poster contest hosted by the Victoria Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Division, from left, are Shealyn Carver, fifth grade, Mission Valley Elementary School; Luke Ortiz, fourth grade, Dudley Eleme...

Keep Victoria Beautiful announces 2 beautification grant recipients

PHOTO: Heritage Mark, 5606 N. Navarro St., received a $1,000 matching grant from Keep Victoria Beautiful to plant trees.

Keep Victoria Beautiful has awarded two matching grants to local organizations looking to spruce up their community by beautifying thei...

Distinguished Citizens honored for completing City educational programs

The City of Victoria recognized 10 Distinguished Citizens during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting. Residents can earn the title of Distinguished Citizen by completing the three educational programs offered by the City: Citizens Academy, hosted by Communic...

TxDOT asks for input on long-range transportation strategies

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking input on Connecting Texas 2050, a long-range plan that will guide transportation priorities in Texas through the year 2050.

Residents will have two opportunities to fill out a survey providing input on the ...

Residents can take survey to improve transportation, earn rewards

PHOTO: The ETC Institute has been sending out postcards like the one shown here to invite residents to take the Household Travel Survey, also called the Lone Star Travel Survey, as part of a study conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The Ho...

City to begin water meter replacement program

PHOTO: The City of Victoria is partnering with Sensus Meters and Aqua-Metrics to replace residents’ water meters, like the one shown here, and their component parts as needed.

The City of Victoria Public Works is preparing to provide maintenance ...

City seeks sponsorships for Bicentennial Ball

The City of Victoria will host a Bicentennial Ball to celebrate Victoria’s 200^th anniversary, and sponsors are needed to help make it an evening to remember.

“With the community’s involvement, our bicentennial date will be an ...

Residents are invited to Victoria’s yearlong bicentennial celebration

The City of Victoria will turn 200 next year, and the City is inviting residents to celebrate the bicentennial by taking part in festivities all year long.

“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and our City staff and local partners are workin...

Mayor provides key project updates during State of the City address

PHOTO #1: Mayor Jeff Bauknight delivers his State of the City address during the Victoria Chamber of Commerce luncheon Oct. 11 at the Victoria Community Center.

PHOTO #2: Mayor Jeff Bauknight explains the City’s history of capital improvement pro...

Director of Parks & Recreation Job Opportunity with the Parks & Recreation Department

City, artists prepare for Laurent Street underpass mural painting

PHOTO: The Laurent Street underpass mural will feature imagery that celebrates Victoria’s heritage and identity. The two designs shown here will be painted on either wall of the underpass. Local photographers Janice Carriger, Ted Goris and Elias Rodriguez...

Victoria Fire Department to host fire prevention show for VISD students

PHOTO: This image provided by the National Fire Protection Association highlights this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign: “Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.”

The Victoria Fire Department is p...

Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox honored at retirement ceremony

PHOTO #1: Current and former City of Victoria staff, elected officials and state officials came together to celebrate the career of Victoria Fire Department Chief Tracy Fox during a retirement ceremony Sept. 27 at the Victoria Community Center. Fox is ret...

Victoria Main Street Program offers grants for historic properties

PHOTO: The old federal building, 210 E. Constitution St., received a Façade Grant through the Victoria Main Street Program in fiscal year 2023.

Applications have reopened for two Victoria Main Street Program grant opportunities designed to help ...

Victoria Fire Department, late councilman’s family dedicate tree in his honor

PHOTO: From left, Victoria Fire Department Interim Fire Marshal Jeff Cowan, Interim Fire Chief Shannon Martin and Assistant Chief Michael Belt; George Soliz; Victoria City Council member Josephine Soliz; and Victoria Fire Department Battalion Chief Dana W...

Residents can help with transportation planning by taking survey

PHOTO #1: The widening of Loop 463 at Houston Highway was one of the projects recommended by the Metropolitan Planning Organization in its 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The MPO is encouraging residents to take the Texas Department of Transportati...

Keep Victoria Beautiful volunteers awarded for Fall Sweep efforts

PHOTO #1: The University of Houston-Victoria teams who volunteered at the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep, including the soccer team shown here, earned the Most Spirited award.

PHOTO #2: The volunteer team led by Jon Keene and Zach Cornwell earned the M...

City partners with Victoria ISD to air district’s content on TV15

PHOTO #1: “Titan TV,” a TV show produced by Victoria East High School media production students, is part of Victoria ISD’s content that airs on the City of Victoria’s cable channel, TV15. In this still image from th...

Application period opens for 2024 Citizens Academy

PHOTO #1: Communications Director Ashley Strevel welcomes participants during the 2023 Citizens Academy.

PHOTO #2: City Manager Jesús A. Garza teaches participants about the City’s structure and goals during the 2023 Citizens Academy.

PHOTO #3: Environmenta...

Residents invited to share their memories during bicentennial year

The City of Victoria will celebrate its bicentennial next year, and the City is inviting residents to help celebrate our history by sharing their memories of Victoria.

The City will display residents’ memorabilia at City Hall throughout the bicen...

City of Victoria Communications earns national honor for social media use

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs accepted a Savvy Award in the Social Media – Best Campaign Use category during the 3CMA conference Sept. 6-8 in Orlando, Fla. Shown from left are 3CMA Executive Director Scott Le...

Victoria Fire Department to host EMT training course, Fire Academy

Residents will have a chance to earn their emergency medical technician certifications close to home as the Victoria Fire Department partners with the Magnolia Beach Volunteer Fire Department to host an EMT-B training course.

The program will be 8 a.m.-5 p...

Keep Victoria Beautiful hosts citywide Fall Sweep

PHOTO #1: Keep Victoria Beautiful Executive Director Christy Youker addresses a group of volunteers before the Keep Victoria Beautiful Fall Sweep on Sept. 9. Photo contributed by Susan Armstrong Cain.

PHOTO #2: Volunteers picked up 275 bags of trash during...

Convention & Visitors Bureau honored for promoting local businesses

PHOTO: The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau earned two statewide awards for its “Yule Love Shopping!” and “Tacos & Margs!” promotions.

The City of Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau earned...

Victoria Fire Department unveils remodeled Station One

PHOTO #1: The Victoria Fire Department, City Council, City Manager’s Office, Lauger Construction and BRW Architects participate in a ribbon-cutting Sept. 6 at the newly remodeled Victoria Fire Department Station One, 606 E. Goodwin Avenue.

PHOTO ...

Explore Victoria Texas launches ‘Victoria TX Arts Trail!’ to promote the arts

PHOTO #1: The “Victoria TX Arts Trail!” will invite residents to explore arts-related locations in Victoria, including public art installations such as the downtown crosswalk art by Free Art Victoria.

PHOTO #2: The “Victoria T...

Realtex announces The Victorian, an apartment complex for seniors

PHOTO #1: Realtex Development Corporation is planning to build The Victorian at 901 John Stockbauer Drive.

PHOTO #2: The Victorian will be located at 901 John Stockbauer Drive.

Realtex Development Corporation is planning to build The Victorian, a 68-unit ap...

City enters Stage 3 of drought contingency plan

PHOTO: The Guadalupe River is unusually low for this time of year, which limits the City’s ability to pump water.

Residents must take additional steps to conserve water as the City enters Stage III of its drought contingency plan.

High atmospheric...

City of Victoria launches in-house street sweeping with 2 new sweepers

PHOTO #1: The City of Victoria has purchased two street sweepers for a new in-house sweeping program.

The City of Victoria has purchased two street sweepers for a new in-house sweeping program that will allow streets to be swept more often for a lower pric...

City to begin De Leon Plaza expansion

This news release was updated Nov. 17 to include updated conceptual renderings and to clarify the addition of a decorative water feature.

PHOTO #1: As part of the De Leon Plaza expansion project, the grassy seating area on the north side of the plaza will ...

City, AEP begin 2nd phase of citywide lighting project

PHOTO #1: From top left, AEP service technician Albert Rodriguez and street light technician John Velasquez switch out HPS lights at Pine Street Park with new LED lights on Nov. 17, 2022. From bottom left, service technician Garret Easley and service crew...

Developer announces new apartment complex for seniors

(Updated 8/9/2023 to include a current illustration of the apartment)

PHOTO #1: This illustration provided by FishPond Development LLC shows FishPond at Victoria, a new apartment complex for seniors.

PHOTO #2: This map shows the future location of FishPond ...