Each year, Keep Texas Beautiful, in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation, honors communities across the state that go above and beyond to create cleaner, greener, and more beautiful places to live. The Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA) recognize the hard work of cities and towns that invest in environmental stewardship, community pride, and public engagement.

In 2025, ten standout communities earned this prestigious recognition—rising to the top of more than 70 applicants statewide. From first-time winners to seasoned champions, these cities represent what’s possible when residents, leaders, and volunteers work together toward a common goal. Each will receive a share of $2 million in landscaping funds from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), along with a commemorative plaque honoring their achievements.

In 2017, Blanco began the Town Creek Riparian Restoration Project – a Keep Blanco Beautiful (KBB) collaboration that brought together groups like Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Hill Country Alliance, and the Nature Conservancy to work alongside volunteers and kids from local schools – leading the next generation of conservationists to learn how to be good stewards of their community. This riparian zone continues to grow every year, providing essential services for local water quality, erosion control, and ecosystem biodiversity.

In the spring of 2022, the City of Blanco was officially designated an International Dark Sky Community by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) – a major achievement in the fight against light pollution, spearheaded by the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky. Later that year, the Blanco County Conservation Initiative was formed to help protect dark skies, water, land, and hill country culture. These local connections highlight the larger community’s dedication to conservation and environmental protection.

Strong partnerships fuel Blanco’s progress. KBB collaborates with the Blanco Chamber of Commerce, city officials, Texas Master Gardeners, and local groups like the Blanco County Friends of the Night Sky, Blanco County Conservation Initiative, Blanco Library, and Real Ale Brewing Company. These partnerships have supported efforts like park beautification, tree plantings, environmental education, cleanup efforts, and the installation of recycling bins in downtown and school campuses.

Keep Blanco Beautiful continues to play a leading role in preserving the town’s charm and natural beauty. In 2023, KBB coordinated 20+ events, from citywide cleanups to household hazardous waste collections, removing 16,000 pounds of litter and debris with help from nearly 250 volunteers. The community also launched a new Adopt-a-Spot program and supported targeted campaigns like the Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off® and Keep Texas Waterways Clean.

Education is a key focus. The Blanco Middle School Green Team leads campus recycling and raises awareness about litter, and KBB volunteers also helped these kids set up school composting for gardens on their grounds. Outreach strategies are tailored for a small-town audience. KBB promotes events and initiatives through the Blanco County News, utility bill inserts, fliers, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Volunteers are recognized publicly and with service awards, building a culture of pride and participation.

Through grassroots leadership, creative partnerships, and a strong volunteer base, Blanco is making a lasting impact. Their efforts showcase how even small communities can lead the way in sustainability, beautification, and civic engagement.

The “Respect Our Island Home” campaign, featuring Flynn the sea turtle, is a great example of how Port Aransas promotes environmental responsibility. From waste management and beach cleanups to recycling initiatives, the city is proactive. They partner with organizations like Keep Texas Beautiful and the Texas General Land Office to enhance their efforts.

Keep Port Aransas Beautiful (KPAB), a volunteer-run organization, is at the heart of community improvement. They drive programs like Adopt-A-Highway and Adopt-A-Beach cleanups, funded by grants, donations, and city partnerships. Leaders stay informed through training and conferences.

Outreach is key, with websites, social media, and events like SandFest Recycling playing a big role. They make sure to engage diverse audiences, including Winter Texans and low-income residents. You’ll also see the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign promoted, and the community celebrates efforts with awards like Yard of the Month. Educational programs are offered in schools and through organizations like the University of Texas Marine Science Institute.

Youth engagement is encouraged through Adopt-A-Highway, scholarships, and environmental education. Beautification efforts include landscaping, public art, and trail networks. Litter prevention is tackled through cleanups and monitoring recycling contamination. Solid waste management involves partnerships with haulers and recycling programs, and Code Enforcement addresses littering and illegal dumping.

Port Aransas’ dedication to environmental efforts has made it a better place to live, work, and play. Successes like expanded sustainability at Texas SandFest and high community participation in cleanup events show their commitment to keeping their island home beautiful.

The city is managing this growth by separating into two distinct areas: preserving the historic downtown residential district and developing a higher-density urban area to the east. Infrastructure upgrades are underway, including a new wastewater treatment plant, an elevated water tank, and a public safety station.

Keeping Pilot Point beautiful is a priority! Keep Pilot Point Beautiful (KPPB) is dedicated to beautification and litter abatement. They have an Adopt-a-Spot program and partner with Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) for training, supplies, and educational materials. KPPB hosts the Spring Trash Off and the Fall Sweep cleanup events. Funded by the city’s General Fund and the solid waste provider, KPPB is managed by the City Parks Director and the Parks and Recreation Board.

Outreach efforts are diverse, including monthly water bill inserts, print media, social media, and events. They even target seniors and home-bound residents through programs like Meals on Wheels. Pilot Point promotes the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign and has received the Silver Star Award from KTB. They also have awards like Yard of the Month and participate in other community recognition programs.

Educational initiatives are also key. New ordinances for commercial dumpsters and residential trash containers, lunch and learn sessions at the Community Center, Master Gardeners Association classes, and partnerships with Texas Agri-Life are just a few examples. Youth engagement is encouraged through partnerships with the school district and youth sports leagues, focusing on keeping park spaces clean. The city is also working with the Nancy Lieberman Foundation to establish youth programs focused on civic leadership and environmental awareness.

Pilot Point is a community that values its history, embraces growth, and is committed to keeping its city beautiful for all.

This city boasts a rich history, marked by the arrival of the railroad in 1925, the discovery of oil in 1937, and the opening of South Plains College in 1958. But perhaps what Levelland is most known for is its title as the “City of Mosaics,” thanks to its impressive collection of over 125 mosaic artworks. Key industries like oilfield manufacturing, agriculture, and education drive the local economy.

While Levelland hasn’t seen explosive population growth, it has focused on strategic enhancements. Improved housing, recreational amenities, and proactive economic development efforts have all contributed to the city’s appeal. A crucial part of this is the Keep Levelland Beautiful (KLB) program, dedicated to keeping the city clean and beautiful.

KLB, an affiliate of Keep Texas Beautiful, has achieved Gold Star Status for five consecutive years, a testament to its dedication. Partnering with Take Care of Texas and other environmental organizations, KLB is funded through a contract with the City of Levelland and the Chamber of Commerce, grants, and donations. A volunteer advisory board and task forces drive initiatives in beautification, litter prevention, and education.

Outreach is key for KLB, utilizing social media, newspapers, radio, and community events. Awards and recognition programs encourage community involvement, while educational efforts on recycling, waste reduction, litter prevention, and beautification reach schools and the wider community.

Beautification efforts include tree planting, landscape maintenance, and public art installations. Litter prevention is tackled through cleanups, the Adopt-A-Spot program, and enforcing litter ordinances. The city also manages solid waste and supports recycling, with Code Enforcement addressing nuisance issues like graffiti and junk vehicles.

Even when faced with challenges, like a significant storm in May 2024 causing substantial debris, the community rallied together for cleanup efforts. This strong spirit of partnership and volunteerism truly defines Levelland. Overall, Levelland’s commitment to community improvement and environmental stewardship makes it a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

As the city continues to evolve, Angleton is committed to managing growth through smart policy updates, including ordinances and fee structures that support livability. The Parkland Dedication Ordinance ensures that new developments contribute directly to expanding green space, while beautification remains a top priority. A newly formed task force, working alongside Code Enforcement, is leading these efforts, reinforcing the city’s dedication to a clean, inviting environment for all residents.

At the heart of these efforts is Keep Angleton Beautiful (KAB). Guided by a seven-member volunteer board and supported by the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, KAB drives environmental stewardship and civic pride. KAB is funded through a combination of city water bill donations, trash bag sales, a Waste Connections contract, and grants such as the H-GAC Solid Waste Grant. Board members stay engaged and informed through training and leadership opportunities offered by Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

KAB’s strong partnerships with Keep Texas Beautiful, Keep America Beautiful, and Keep Brazoria County Beautiful have amplified the impact of local initiatives. Events like the Annual Fall Sweep and Spring Cleanup not only reduce litter, they unite the community around a shared goal of sustainability. Recent H-GAC grant funding has also expanded recycling services, including latex paint collection.

Outreach and engagement are essential to KAB’s mission. The program leverages social media, digital signage, citywide mailings, and recognition programs like Yard/Business of the Month to celebrate community participation. Materials are offered in Spanish, and a dedicated Senior Newsletter ensures inclusivity for older residents. Through collaboration with the Public Service Ministry Alliance, KAB also extends its reach into underserved areas of the city.

Angleton proudly supports the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign through organized cleanups, electronics and paint recycling events, and volunteer litter pickups along major roadways. These efforts not only beautify the community; they inspire a culture of pride, responsibility, and environmental respect.

With a proactive spirit and a passion for beautification, Keep Angleton Beautiful is truly making a difference; one project, one partnership, and one volunteer at a time.

Keep Copperas Cove Beautiful (KCCB) leads these efforts, working closely with city leaders,
volunteers, and organizations like Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful. With funding from city allocations and strong regional partnerships, such as the Central Texas Council of Governments and the Cen-Tex Sustainable Communities Partnership, KCCB organizes clean-up events, promotes recycling, and educates residents on environmental stewardship.

The program is overseen by an Executive Director and a volunteer board of 15 commissioners who implement best practices learned from training sessions and conferences, ensuring Copperas Cove stays ahead in community engagement and improvement strategies.

Public outreach is key to KCCB’s success, with campaigns promoted through social media and local newspapers like the Copperas Cove Leader-Press. Frequent appearances on media platforms strengthen awareness and encourage participation. The city’s diverse population, influenced by the nearby military post, ensures broad engagement, with specific efforts to include military families, seniors, and low-income residents. Programs like Adopt-A-Spot and school partnerships reinforce the message of environmental responsibility, while city ordinances help enforce litter prevention.

Copperas Cove actively participates in state initiatives like the “Don’t mess with Texas®” campaign, hosting competitive cleanup events and large-scale efforts such as post-event cleanups following the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Recognition programs, including scholarships, reward community involvement and inspire future generations to contribute.

Through dedicated volunteers, strong partnerships, and continuous education, Copperas Cove is fostering a culture
of pride, sustainability, and long-term environmental stewardship.

To keep pace with this exciting growth, Haltom City has been hard at work on road repairs, infrastructure improvements, and new development projects. This boom has been so successful that the city has even been able to lower the tax rate and build new public facilities. A significant change has been the switch to automated trash and recycling pickup with Waste Connections, which has made a noticeable difference in keeping the city clean.

A key player in maintaining Haltom City’s beauty is Keep Haltom City Beautiful (KHCB), a dedicated volunteer board. Funded through the city’s Hotel/Motel Fund, KHCB works tirelessly on litter prevention, beautification, and waste reduction, partnering closely with various city departments.

Haltom City is committed to reaching all its residents. The city utilizes its website, newsletters, and social media to keep everyone informed, and makes sure to include seniors and non-native speakers by providing materials in Spanish and Vietnamese. The city hosts a variety of workshops, community cleanups, and programs at the Senior Center and Library, and even recognizes businesses and schools that are doing their part to contribute to the community.

Actively promoting the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign and working closely with Keep Texas Beautiful, Haltom City is dedicated to environmental stewardship. The city conducts an annual litter index to target problem areas and has programs in place to address roadside litter and waterway cleanup, tackling issues like illegal dumping and homeless encampments.

All of these efforts are contributing to Haltom City’s ongoing transformation, making it a truly wonderful place to call home.

Strong partnerships have been instrumental in Flower Mound’s beautification and sustainability efforts. A $10,000 Texas A&M Forest Service grant in 2024 funded the planting of 50 new trees. KFMB’s collaboration with Keep Texas Beautiful has provided resources for composting classes, cleanup supplies, and volunteer programs. Community engagement is widespread, involving scout groups, youth organizations, and local businesses in environmental stewardship.

Nestled north of Lake Grapevine, Flower Mound boasts an extensive trail system and numerous parks, reflecting its commitment to preserving natural beauty amidst growth. The town follows a Master Plan and SmartGrowth strategy to balance land use, infrastructure, and environmental protection. Public input is highly valued, with annual “FloMo Convos” sessions providing residents a platform to share concerns and ideas. Litter abatement efforts have evolved, now focusing on high-traffic areas through programs like Adopt-a-Spot and Keep Flower Mound Beautiful (KFMB).

Beyond cleanup initiatives, Flower Mound invests in community improvement programs, including property rehabilitation, public art installations, and tree planting. KFMB, a volunteer-driven nonprofit, is supported through town allocations, grants, and private donations. The town prioritizes ongoing education, with staff participating in waste management webinars, regional conferences, and industry meetings.

Outreach efforts include an environmental video series, social media campaigns, newsletters, and speaker events. Flower Mound fosters civic pride through cultural festivals, beautification programs, and supporting statewide initiatives like the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign. With dedicated volunteers and strategic planning, Flower Mound continues to enhance sustainability and maintain its unique character.

Waco is actively investing in its future, focusing on infrastructure, affordable housing, and sustainable development. Programs like “Building Back Better” and strategic downtown roadmaps are laying the groundwork for a thriving community. A key aspect of this vision is litter abatement. Keep Waco Beautiful (KWB) leads numerous cleanup events, and the city invests in street sweeping and debris collection. Partnerships with the EPA, Texas Solar For All Collaborative, and other organizations support waste reduction, recycling, and environmental stewardship. These collaborations have yielded significant grants and initiatives, including food waste diversion, lead abatement, and solar installations.

Community improvement in Waco is a collaborative effort, driven by city leadership, nonprofits like KWB, and dedicated volunteers. KWB coordinates initiatives for litter prevention, beautification, and recycling education, all supported by city funding, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Leaders stay informed through regular reports and citizen feedback tools like the MyWaco App.

Outreach efforts are extensive, using various media channels to engage diverse audiences, including underserved populations like seniors and non-native speakers. The city promotes the Don’t mess with Texas® campaign and recognizes local efforts through community awards. Educational initiatives on recycling, waste reduction, and beautification are provided in schools and through community events.

Youth engagement is encouraged through programs like the Youth Advisory Council and partnerships with schools and universities. Environmental education covers topics like solid waste, recycling, and water conservation. Beautification efforts, including park improvements, public art, and trail networks, contribute to economic development and community pride. Litter prevention involves data-driven strategies, roadside cleanups, and waterway protection, while solid waste management supports recycling, reuse, and composting. Enforcement of litter laws and nuisance issues is conducted by city departments and partnerships.

Overall, Waco’s environmental efforts have led to positive changes, including increased community engagement, successful recycling programs, and significant waste diversion. The city is committed to creating a sustainable and vibrant community for both residents and visitors.

KLB effectively reaches diverse audiences through a variety of media outlets and community events, promoting anti-litter campaigns. Recognition programs and awards further encourage community support. Educational initiatives on recycling, waste reduction, and beautification are conducted by KLB and other municipal departments. Engaging the youth is a priority, with programs like the Laredo Youth Council and collaborations with schools and organizations.

Beautification efforts are evident in tree planting and landscape maintenance events, while the city promotes economic development through beautification grants. Litter prevention strategies include street sweeping, waterway cleanups, and enforcement of litter ordinances. The city also manages solid waste and actively supports recycling. Code enforcement officers address litter abatement, illegal dumping, graffiti, and other nuisance issues.

All in all, these community efforts have really made a difference, leading to a cleaner environment and a better quality of life in Laredo.