The background
Cities are certified for periods of five years. West U is one of 23 cities to be certified for the 2023-28 period. The city has now been certified for three consecutive periods after first being certified in 2013.
The certification is given out by the Scenic Texas, the nonprofit advocacy group that works to preserve and recognize scenic infrastructure in the state, including cities, parks and public spaces along roadways. The certifications for 2023 were announced at an October awards reception in Dallas.
The city of Houston was also certified as a Scenic City in 2017. Other certified cities in the Greater Houston area include:
- Dayton (2019-2024)
- Friendswood (2019-2024)
- Fulshear (2022-2027)
- League City (2019-2024)
- Missouri City (2020-2025)
- Magnolia (2020-2025)
- Nassau Bay (2020-2025)
- Pearland (2021-2026)
- Sealy (2020-2025)
- Sugar Land (2020-2025)
- Webster (2019-2024)
The Scenic City Certification Program uses objective metrics to review each city's existing infrastructure ordinances that focus on public spaces, streetscapes and scenery. Each city earns a score, and cities that score above a certain threshold receive official certification as scenic cities. Cities can be certified in one of four statuses, including bronze, silver, gold and platinum.
What they're saying
West U Mayor Susan Sample said the city incorporates best practices into its landscape ordinances, sign regulations and green space development.
“This recognition not only reflects our commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of our cityscape but also underscores the collective effort of our dedicated residents," West U Mayor Mayor Susan Sample said in a statement.
What else?
Earlier in 2023, city officials made improvements to the city's Colonial Park. Following transportation improvements along Buffalo Speedway, city officials also approved designs for new entrance signage.
