Garland, a Texas community dedicated to environmental and community betterment, has caught the attention of state leaders with its recent recognition. The city was presented with the 2024 Governor's Community Achievement Award, an honor celebrating diverse aspects of civic excellence from litter prevention to beautification efforts.
Garland's pride was on full display during a special reception at the Governor’s Mansion on June 19. Hosted by Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and the Keep Texas Beautiful Board of Directors, attendees from Garland received a signed proclamation from Governor Greg Abbott. According to the City of Garland, the late Betty Roberts, former president of Keep Garland Beautiful, was honored posthumously for her 12 years of leadership and for laying the groundwork for the city's achievements.
The award does not come just with accolades. It encompasses a tangible collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Each winning community gets to team up with TxDOT for a landscaping project along a state thoroughfare, blending aesthetics with public space to create shared benefits for all Texans.
Keep Texas Beautiful and TxDOT select ten communities annually across seven criteria, which include litter law enforcement, public awareness, and solid waste management. They consider such awards a few among many to encourage municipalities to think globally and act locally. In a nod to civic leaders and volunteers, the city of Garland showcased representatives such as volunteer engagement specialist Caitlyn Godfrey and Parks Director Matt Grubisich among others, in a photographed moment of recognition available on the official website of the City of Garland.
