The mission of the Scenic City Certification Program is to support and recognize Texas municipalities that demonstrate leadership in high-quality scenic standards, thoughtful planning, beautification, and sustainable community development.
With a respected, proven certification framework, the program gives cities a comprehensive tool to assess, evaluate, and earn statewide recognition for excellence in infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community character—strengthening quality of life, economic vitality, tourism appeal, and civic pride.
The Scenic City Certification Program (SCCP) was developed and implemented to establish a foundation of cohesive scenic standards and land planning practices that advance sustainability through environmental conservation, ecosystem management, and environmental education. The SCCP provides city leaders and members of the community with innovative tools and educational resources used for the development, implementation, and evaluation of landscaping plans and infrastructure standards. The SCCP is used to maintain and enhance ecologically sensitive areas, shared community spaces, parks, walkable sidewalks, and the scenic roads that connect all Texans. The implementation of SCCP is expected to enhance the scenic quality of outdoor spaces and, as a result, improve the well-being of all residents of Texas.
The SCCP is backed by a proven track record of success for upholding high-quality scenic standards and implementing sustainable landscaping practices. We believe in building sustainable communities and designing greenspaces that are accessible to all residents to ensure environmental equity, which is a key metric for the success of the program. Our program uplifts communities, enhances civic beautification, promotes environmental sustainability, and improves the well-being of all residents of Texas. The measurable results of our SCCP include an increase in Texas cities having higher municipal standards and ordinances, an increase in the number of Scenic Cities across Texas, a high quality of life for citizens, improved environmental education for community members and city officials, enhanced landscaping and infrastructure standards, and upgraded outdoor spaces.
Scenic City Certified Program benefits include:
- Providing expert third-party evaluation of existing standards
- Forming a basis for continual review and analysis of development plans
- Serving as a platform to educate citizens on the impact of local regulations
- Supporting economic development efforts as it relates to nature and the built environment working in harmony
Scenic Texas supports and recognizes exceptional implementation of these scenic standards and practices through the Scenic City Certification (SCC). The certification process involves an objective third-party evaluation of a city’s existing environmental conservation practices. The process facilitates continual monitoring and evaluation of the city’s development plans to ensure accurate certification and to promote future sustainability. SCC creates recognition for the conservation practices and sustainable development plans that positively impact communities and the environment.
Accepting scenic city applications
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Scenic City Certification
Key Benefits
Comprehensive Certification Benefits
Earning the Certified Scenic City designation is a prestigious distinction that reflects a city’s commitment to high-quality infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning. But it’s more than just a title—it’s an active partnership that brings real, ongoing value.
Prestige, Public Recognition & Visibility
- Statewide Recognition: Featured on the Scenic Texas website with your city’s profile, photo, website link, and placement on a searchable statewide map—seen by over 100,000+ annual visitors.
- Use of Official Scenic City Certification Badge and Logo: Instantly elevate your brand with certified graphics that can be displayed on city websites, signage, social media, and promotional materials.
- City Gateway Markers: Gateway markers and plaques recognize your status at major entry points—promoting civic pride and setting a welcoming tone for visitors.
- Media Features: Cities are routinely highlighted in Scenic Texas press releases, state-wide newsletters, social media spotlights, and the Scenic City Showcase video series and distribution emails.
Strengthen & Promote Economic Development and Tourism Appeal
- Tourism Enhancement: Scenic City status helps attract visitors interested in well-maintained, visually appealing destinations.
Strategic Marketing & Outreach Support
- Custom Promotional Videos: Recognition videos created for award-winning cities and shared across digital platforms and events.
- Support for Local Campaigns: Scenic Texas can help co-brand beautification or conservation campaigns with your city to increase reach and participation.
Policy Advocacy & Legislative Representation
- Real-Time Legislative Alerts: Get early warning and analysis on bills that may affect scenic or municipal authority—potentially saving your city thousands in advocacy costs.
- Advocacy Support: Scenic Texas serves as a voice at the Capitol, tracking legislation and advocating on your behalf during each legislative session.
- City Authority Protection: Scenic Texas defends local control over signage, lighting, tree ordinances, streetscapes, and environmental quality.
Municipal Development & Best Practice Resources
- Ordinance Development Guidance: Access templates and expert-reviewed examples of effective signage, lighting, tree, and infrastructure codes.
- Technical Support: Personalized consultation available on improving municipal visual standards and infrastructure quality.
- Infrastructure Benchmarking: Compare your city’s development standards to other Scenic Cities to identify opportunities for improvement.
Leadership, Training & Networking
- Monthly Leadership Webinars: The Scenic City Leadership Network offers best-practice webinars and peer discussions to stay ahead of trends.
- Scenic City Lunch & Learn Series: Monthly virtual events featuring expert speakers, city case studies, and interactive Q&A.
- Professional Development Opportunities: Ideal for planners, city managers, sustainability officers, and elected officials to gain insights and training in scenic preservation, infrastructure planning, and public engagement.
Beautification & Environmental Stewardship
- Tree Donation & Urban Forestry Program: Priority access to thousands of free trees annually, which can be used for city parks or distributed to residents.
- Community Engagement Through Tree Giveaways: Boost citizen pride and participation with sponsored city-wide tree planting initiatives.
- Environmental Education Support: Leverage educational videos and workshops that reinforce green infrastructure and sustainability goals in your city.
Awards & Recognition
- Eligible for Annual Awards:
- Scenic City of the Year
- People’s Choice Award
- Rise in Rank Recognition
- Recertification Awards
- TML Conference Recognition: Scenic City designees receive formal acknowledgment during the annual Scenic City Awards Reception at the Texas Municipal League (TML) conference—five complimentary attendees per city.
- Publication of Achievements: Award-winning cities are profiled in Scenic Texas publications, newsletters, and state-wide media campaigns.
Cost Savings & Added Value
- Free Marketing & PR Exposure: No-cost media and event exposure that would typically cost thousands in paid promotion.
- Access to Professional Services & Tools: Save money by using Scenic Texas templates, policy guidance, and infrastructure evaluations—resources that might otherwise require costly consultants.
- No-Cost Tree Planting Resources: Thousands of dollars in free resources for eligible cities each year. Scenic Cities receive priority for tree giveaways
Community & Civic Impact
- Civic Pride & Identity: Scenic City status promotes civic pride among residents, businesses, and local organizations.
- Boost in Property Values: Cleaner, better-planned cities are more attractive to homeowners and investors.
- Attract New Residents & Talent: Visually appealing cities are more competitive when recruiting families, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Research shows that well-maintained public spaces improve mental health, walkability, and resident satisfaction.
By joining the Texas Scenic City Certification Program, your city becomes part of a statewide movement of communities leading the way in sustainability, urban beauty, and smart growth. The program not only celebrates your achievements—it helps you plan, protect, and promote the future of your city.
The evaluation reviews every applicant’s existing ordinance and code language in these areas
Certified PLATINUM Texas Scenic Cities
