Scenic County Program
(In Development)

Building a More Beautiful Texas
County by County

The Scenic County Program is a future statewide initiative currently under development. It is being designed to support and recognize Texas counties that commit to high-quality planning, preservation, and stewardship of public roadways and shared spaces. Developed in conjunction with the Scenic City Certification Program, this effort will expand Scenic Texas’s impact beyond municipalities to the broader landscapes that connect them.

Vision

The Scenic County Program will aim to create a Texas where counties actively preserve scenic character, enhance visual quality, and promote responsible development along roadways and public corridors. Through clear standards and meaningful recognition, the program is intended to encourage counties to become leaders in protecting the natural beauty and cultural identity of their regions.

Purpose and Goals

As currently envisioned, the program will serve as both a planning framework and a recognition system. Its anticipated goals include:

Encouraging proactive planning for roadway aesthetics, land use, and corridor management
Promoting preservation of scenic vistas and environmentally sensitive areas
Supporting economic development through tourism, quality of place, and community pride
Enhancing safety and functionality of public roadways while maintaining visual appeal
Fostering collaboration among counties, municipalities, and regional partners

Strategic Alignment

The Scenic County Program is being developed as a key component of Scenic Texas’s long-term strategic vision. It is intended to:

Extend scenic standards beyond city limits
Strengthen regional collaboration
Create continuity across jurisdictions
Support statewide advocacy efforts for scenic preservation

By integrating counties into the Scenic Texas framework, the program will help establish a more unified approach to maintaining the visual integrity of Texas landscapes.

Development Process

The program is currently in the early planning phase. Scenic Texas is forming an advisory committee to help shape its direction, structure, and priorities. This group is expected to include:

County officials and representatives
Planning and land-use experts
Transportation and infrastructure professionals
Environmental and conservation partners

This collaborative process is intended to ensure the program is practical, scalable, and responsive to the diverse needs of Texas counties.

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What the Program May Include

While still in development, the Scenic County Program is expected to include a structured yet flexible framework to guide county participation and recognize achievement. Potential components may include:

1. Certification Tiers

The program may establish multiple levels of recognition to reflect varying stages of progress, such as:

Emerging Scenic County – Early stages of planning and policy development
Certified Scenic County – Demonstrated implementation of core standards
Premier Scenic County – Leadership and innovation in scenic stewardship

2. Core Standards and Criteria

Counties may be evaluated across key focus areas, including:

Roadway design and maintenance
Signage and billboard regulation
Scenic corridor protection
Landscaping and vegetation management
Litter prevention and cleanup efforts
Preservation of historic and cultural assets

3. Planning and Assessment Tools

The program is expected to provide participating counties with:

Self-assessment guides
Best practice toolkits
Model policies and ordinances
Technical assistance and expert consultation

4. Recognition and Benefits

As the program develops, participating counties may receive:

Public recognition and designation
Marketing and tourism promotion opportunities
Access to a network of peer counties and experts
Potential eligibility for future grants or incentives

Looking Ahead

The Scenic County Program represents a future expansion of Scenic Texas’s mission to protect and enhance the visual environment of our state. As development continues, this initiative will be shaped by collaboration, research, and shared commitment to preserving the character of Texas landscapes.

Together, we are working toward a more scenic Texas—one county at a time.