This month, 13 Texas cities earned certified Scenic City status for demonstrating strong municipal infrastructure standards, through a rigorous assessment process developed by Scenic Texas, Keep Texas Beautiful and 14 other Program Partner organizations.

The Scenic City Certification Program offers cities an objective review of existing municipal infrastructure standards as they relate to public roadways and public spaces. The evaluation compares these standards to the Scenic City model devised by the 16 Program Partners. Assessment is points based, and every city applicant receives a detailed, scored evaluation.Official certification can be earned by cities that score in the upper range of points and verify threshold standards for landscaping, tree planting and sign regulation. The ascending levels of Certification are Recognized, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Certification is valid for five years, after which cities may re-apply to retain or increase their status.

Each of our organizations supports vibrant communities, so partnering to form the Scenic City Certification Program made sense. And it’s notable that many Scenic Cities boast active KTB affiliate chapters. Cities with strong scenic standards by and large are resilient, distinctive cities known for a strong sense of civic pride.

Anne Culver, Scenic City President

This year, four cities earned first-time certification, while nine re-certified or upgraded an existing certification status:

*Denotes KTB affiliate organizations  

 A reception to present these 13 municipalities with their Scenic City Certification awards will be held on October 11th in Fort Worth, during the Texas Municipal League’s Annual Conference week.

“Keep Texas Beautiful and Scenic Texas are natural partners,” said Scenic Texas President Anne Culver. “Each of our organizations supports vibrant communities, so partnering to form the Scenic City Certification Program made sense. And it’s notable that many Scenic Cities boast active KTB affiliate chapters. Cities with strong scenic standards by and large are resilient, distinctive cities known for a strong sense of civic pride.”

The Scenic City Certification Program was inaugurated in 2010. To date, the total number of cities across Texas that have earned certification is 75. The next Scenic City Certification application process opens January 1, 2019. To review more information on the Program standards and application, visit www.sceniccitycertification.org.

​Blog post written by Chris Cantu of Scenic Houston