Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially announced that Sugar Land is now a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community—a status conferred by the Texas Music Office (TMO) after the city underwent a comprehensive certification process. Sugar Land has joined the ranks as the 68th community to earn this designation, which is aimed to bolster music-related economic development and create job opportunities. As reported by the Office of the Texas Governor, the music industry in Texas is a major force, supporting over 192,000 jobs and contributing more than $26 billion to the economy each year.
Abbott expressed his congratulations, emphasizing the intrinsic value of music to the state's identity and tradition. He noted the significant effort invested by local communities to attract and develop their music scenes to generate employment and economic growth. The Governor also expressed optimism about continuing to boost Texas' economy through such initiatives, in a statement obtained by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst highlighted Sugar Land's high-caliber musical offerings and their significant role in local economic stimulation, focusing on attracting visitors and fostering growth. Similarly, Representative Gary Gates pointed out the timeless quality of music and its potential in driving job creation and tourism, as well as supporting small businesses and boosting local economies through musical events.
"Sugar Land has long been a city that celebrates arts and culture," Mayor Joe R. Zimmerman told the State of Texas government website, expressing pride in the work done by the Civic Arts Division. The Music Friendly Community certificate is viewed as a sign of ongoing growth, creativity, and economic potential in the region. Nicole Solis, Assistant Director of Neighborhood Services for the City of Sugar Land, added that music enriches lives and unites communities.
In celebrating the new designation, the City of Sugar Land, in association with TMO, will host the Music Friendly Texas Community Certification Ceremony at Oyster Creek Park during the Summer of Sound event. According to the event details posted on Facebook, the ceremony promises to be an evening that will see city officials and community leaders in attendance and is open to the public.
Reinforcing the importance of the music industry in the Texan economy, the TMO has been operating since 1990, and the introduction of the Music Friendly Community Program in 2016 enhanced their commitment to the Texas music business, musicians, and communities. With more than 65 Music Friendly certified communities, TMO continues to be a central hub for industry information, connections between music businesses and governmental bodies, and a driving force for attracting influential music industry players to Texas.
