Ten Texas Communities Win Prestigious Governor’s Community Achievement Awards

Austin, TX, May 13, 2025 – Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) has revealed the recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards (GCAA), recognizing exceptional initiatives in community enhancement. The ten winning communities are Blanco, Port Aransas, Pilot Point, Levelland, Angleton, Copperas Cove, Haltom City, Flower Mound, Waco, and Laredo.
This year, more than 70 communities vied for the GCAA, which acknowledges outstanding contributions in beautification, volunteer involvement, and environmental preservation throughout Texas. Three of the communities are first-time winners of the award.
The winners will collectively receive $2 million in landscaping funds from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for projects along state-maintained rights-of-way. Additionally, each community will be presented with a cast aluminum plaque to be displayed prominently in a public area.
Sara Walters, KTB’s Program Director, commended the winning communities, stating, “These ten communities have gone the extra mile in creating places their residents can take pride in. Their endeavors, from enhancing public spaces to engaging volunteers and educating young people, exemplify the essence of building a strong, connected community. We are delighted to honor both repeat winners and first-time awardees for the innovative, grassroots work they are undertaking to make their towns cleaner and more inviting for all.”
The GCAA, established in 1969 in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, is a premier annual environmental and community improvement accolade in Texas. Since 1985, TxDOT has allocated landscaping funds for winning projects, amounting to over $49 million invested in local beautification initiatives.
A panel of judges from various sectors assesses each applicant’s programs in seven categories: public awareness and outreach, environmental education, beautification and community improvement, litter prevention and cleanup, solid waste management, litter law, and illegal dumping enforcement. Communities compete in ten population categories, with award amounts adjusted accordingly.
For more information on the GCAA and this year’s winners, visit ktb.org/gcaa
About Keep Texas Beautiful
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing Texas as a top-notch place to live, work, and play. Their mission is to motivate and empower Texans to enhance the cleanliness and beauty of their communities. KTB offers resources for community improvement projects, recycling, clean-up campaigns, and youth engagement endeavors statewide. Through the Keep Texas Recycling program, they deliver technical aid, education, and market access to boost recycling in rural and underserved areas.
Founded in 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful relies on its network of affiliate members, communities, volunteers, and supporters across the state, impacting 17 million Texans yearly.
For further details and to locate your nearest affiliate, visit ktb.org.
About TxDOT
The Texas Department of Transportation is tasked with maintaining 80,000 miles of roadways and supporting aviation, maritime, rail, and public transportation throughout the state. Through cooperation and leadership, TxDOT offers a safe, reliable, and integrated transportation system that facilitates the movement of people and goods. Learn more at TxDOT.gov.
Contact:
Keep Texas Beautiful
Lara George
512-577-8997
ktb.org