2019 RECAP: BRENHAM MAYOR MILTON TATE
As 2019 comes to a close, KWHI is asking Washington County elected officials what their thoughts are on major issues faced this year by them and their administrations.
We begin with Brenham Mayor Milton Tate, who talked with us about what he thought were the city’s biggest challenges and achievements this year.
When discussing the city’s accomplishments this year, Tate mentioned the adoption of a comprehensive plan and tourism strategic plan, new visitors kiosks, the 20th anniversary of Brenham Main Street, and the agreement to put a new shopping center along Highway 290 as some of this year’s highlights. He also pointed to the city’s relationship with Washington County as a high point in 2019.
Tate cited the ongoing storm damage repairs and infrastructure replacement projects, paired with the city’s limited resources, as challenges through 2019. He also mentioned the difficulty of expanding the city’s boundaries amidst a growing population. In addition, he referenced the city’s efforts to replace several high-profile positions.
Moving forward into 2020 and beyond, Tate said he will be keeping an eye on the development of the shopping center, as well as new housing development near Blue Bell Road and Highway 36 North, and the continued replacement of old infrastructure. He added that the city’s need for water is a rising concern.
Tate was first elected as Brenham mayor in a special election in 2003, to succeed the late Walter Schwartz. He has since been elected five times, the most recent of which came this year against challenger Dorothy Morgan.