Richmond Named 2025 Scenic City of the Year, Honored for Excellence in Beauty, Planning, and Community Stewardship
In a proud moment for Fort Bend County, the City of Richmond has been named the 2025 Scenic City of the Year by Scenic Texas, an honor that celebrates communities with a strong commitment to visual character, environmental stewardship, and forward-thinking development. This recognition places Richmond among the most admired cities in Texas for its comprehensive efforts to preserve beauty, protect its environment, and thoughtfully shape future growth.
“This recognition from Scenic Texas is a powerful affirmation of who we are as a community,” said Richmond Mayor Rebecca Haas. “Richmond is deeply rooted in its traditions, yet we are continuously growing, modernizing, and raising our community standards. Being named Scenic City of the Year shows that we can protect what makes us historic and authentic while thoughtfully shaping our future.”
Leading by Design: A Commitment to Visual Quality
Scenic Texas recognized Richmond for its strategic approach to design and planning across the city. Key efforts include strengthening sign ordinances, limiting visual clutter, and protecting key viewsheds across prominent roadways like FM 762, U.S. 90A, and IH 69 / U.S. 59. With restrictions on new billboards, a shift toward monument-style signage, and carefully curated wayfinding signs, Richmond has created an aesthetic that is welcoming to both locals and visitors.
In tandem, the Unified Development Code ensures that new construction honors the city's historic charm while fostering walkability and cohesion. From underground utilities to dark-sky compliant lighting, every detail reinforces the city’s high design standards.
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Environmental Stewardship at the Heart of City Planning
Richmond’s approach to sustainability also played a major role in earning the Scenic City of the Year distinction. The city maintains a robust tree preservation ordinance, integrates native and drought-tolerant landscaping, and has implemented green infrastructure features like bioswales, rain gardens, and vegetated detention basins that provide both beauty and function.
“Our policies help keep the quality of our parks, the character of our Historic District, and provide the experience people have when they drive, walk, or visit Richmond,” said City Manager Terri Vela. “From underground utilities and dark-sky lighting to thoughtful landscaping and design standards, we have made a sustained commitment to visual quality.”
The city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan and Trail Master Plan further link scenic preservation with long-term public improvements, including expanded park access, trail connectivity, and the protection of the Brazos River corridor.
A Community That Cares: Civic Engagement in Action
Richmond’s success is not only the result of policy—it’s a reflection of its people. Programs like Keep Richmond Beautiful, sustainability events, school partnerships, and interpretive trail signage empower residents to participate in maintaining the city's charm and cleanliness.
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Popular community events such as Art in the Bend, the Pecan Harvest Festival, and Miracle on Morton Street are made even more vibrant by the city’s well-maintained public spaces and thoughtful design. These gatherings showcase how scenic preservation can enrich civic life and boost local pride.
A Scenic Legacy for the Future
This statewide award adds to Richmond’s growing list of accolades. The city also recently secured Platinum Scenic City certification—the highest level of recognition—through 2029, reinforcing its leadership in scenic preservation and environmental standards.
Looking ahead, Richmond plans to proudly integrate its Scenic City of the Year status into community outreach efforts throughout 2025 and beyond, encouraging locals and visitors alike to support beautification, conservation, and responsible development.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
