2024 RECAP: BRENHAM MAYOR ATWOOD KENJURA

  

Entering the final hours of 2024, KWHI continues to meet with officials around Washington County to gather their thoughts on how this year shaped out.

Our next spotlight is on Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura, talking about how this year treated the City of Brenham and what may come in 2025. 

Kenjura says much of 2024 was spent laying the groundwork and making further progress on ongoing projects, like the drilling of water wells, improving the water treatment plant, and building the city’s second fire station on James Nutt Boulevard.  With the number of citizens continuing to climb, he says providing adequate water and fire protection services becomes more and more crucial.

Kenjura says the city remains in “great shape” financially and wants to continue striving to live within its means.  The rollout of impact fees this year is expected to shake up how future development proceeds in the city.  In the coming year, the city hopes to officially kick off the first phase of the Brenham Family Park project.

As for a TxDOT project to overhaul the cloverleaf interchange at Highway 290 and Highway 36, Kenjura says that is being pushed back due in part to rising costs. 

The city also saw several key leadership changes, as Lloyd Powell took the helm as Brenham Police Chief, and Mark Donovan was hired as the new Brenham Fire Chief.  

Efforts will continue next year to create a plan of succession for city manager, as Carolyn Miller announced earlier this year that she would hold off on retiring from her position until 2025.  There will also be an election for the Brenham City Council and likely a charter amendment election. 

Kenjura says it remains important to ensure that the growth coming to Brenham fits in with the city’s long-term vision and goals. 

Kenjura first joined the city council in May 2021 and was elected as mayor in May 2023.