News Flash

This summer and all year long, the library is your space

This Saturday, the Victoria Public Library will be anything but quiet as we host a multitude of residents and community groups for the kickoff of our Summer Fun Fest.

This yearly kickoff, which fills our building with eager patrons picking up reading logs ...

New police chief brings multilayered approach to public service

I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve Victoria as your police chief. Ever since my promotion was announced, I’ve received an outpouring of support from local leaders and from the community. I’m looking forward to leading this ...

No neighborhood left behind: Agencies revitalizing Queen City are stronger together

PHOTO #1: Volunteers paint the outside of a home during the March 4 Keep Victoria Beautiful cleanup in Queen City. The maintenance project was part of the Brush Up program, a partnership between Keep Victoria Beautiful and Golden Crescent Habitat for Huma...

Support, incentives open the door for new downtown businesses

Business is growing downtown, bringing with it an improved experience for residents and visitors.

There was a time when walking through downtown meant passing by empty storefronts; now, you can park at DeLeon Plaza and walk past a nearly continuous string ...

Victoria Housing Finance Corporation talks current, upcoming projects

PHOTO #1: Assistant City Manager Dr. Mike Etienne, right, updates the Victoria Housing Finance Corporation board—from left, Councilwoman Jan Scott, Councilman Rafael DeLaGarza and Councilman Dr. Andrew Young—about Golden Crescent Habit...

Help us create a safer transportation network for all modes of travel

As the City seeks to improve our transportation network, we want to make sure that we remember our residents who don’t drive.

The City of Victoria Development Services is developing our first active transportation master plan, and we encourage re...

Resilient infrastructure helps our community withstand disasters

Victoria has been through plenty of storms.

Whether it’s a regional threat like a hurricane or an unexpected event like a winter freeze, we’ve persevered through hazards that have tested our community—and our infrastructure&am...

A look at what the Municipal Court does (and doesn’t do)

Do you know what services your City court provides?

The City of Victoria Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanor cases, which include traffic violations and similar minor offenses. However, residents who know us as the place to pay your s...

Understanding different types of emergency alerts

When trouble arises in Victoria—whether it’s something major like a hurricane or something more mundane like an unexpected road closure—our residents rightly expect to be informed about it. But who is in charge of sending the...

Traffic light tips: What to do when the lights aren’t working

PHOTO: This photo shows the inside of a traffic control cabinet in Victoria. A traffic control cabinet contains all of the electronics that keep street lights working.

Everyone knows that a red light means stop and a green light means go—but what do you do...

Economic Development department has many resources for small businesses

Many people dream of starting a business at some point in their lives, but navigating the process for the first time can seem like a daunting prospect. The City’s recently created Economic Development department is here to help residents make their small ...

Where does my trash go? Help us get rid of waste the right way

PHOTO #1: A cell under construction at the Victoria landfill, 18141 FM 1686, is covered with a thick plastic liner to prevent contaminants from leaking into the environment. Since January 2021, the landfill has received more than 365,000 tons of waste. Th...

Only rain down the drain: Keep pollutants out of our water system

When it comes to our storm drainage system, a helpful phrase to remember is “Only rain down the storm drain” – that is, nothing but stormwater should enter the system. 

What is stormwater?

Federal law defines stormwat...

No neighborhood left behind: Queen City revitalization guided by community collaboration, data

PHOTO: City of Victoria Special Projects Manager Keisha Smith, middle, shares the preliminary results of a survey that is being conducted in Queen City during a meeting of City departments and other local groups working to revitalize the neighborhood Dec....

Sports tourism grows with new and bigger events, helping whole community

A thriving sports tourism industry is a gift that keeps on giving.

As Victoria’s first sports tourism manager, my job is to collaborate with city staff and community partners to help showcase what Victoria has to offer in the area of sports&m...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation sets goals for prosperous future

My career has taught me about the type of environment businesses need to thrive. As the CEO of DeTar Healthcare System for nearly 30 years, I knew there were only two ways DeTar’s base of potential patients could grow: if the community grew or if we offer...

Let’s talk turkey: How to celebrate Thanksgiving during a pandemic

COVID-19 precautions like staying inside and staying apart may not fit most people’s idea of a Thanksgiving celebration, but with a few modifications, you can still enjoy the holiday while keeping your loved ones safe.

Curbing the spread of COVID-19 is esp...

City Corner Column: Victoria Fire Department expands public health role

When young kids say they want to be firefighters when they grow up, they may not imagine themselves providing flu shots to economically disadvantaged residents to keep hospitalizations low during a global pandemic—but for the Victoria Fire Department, it’...

Heat your home safely by keeping seasonal hazards in mind

The weather outside will be frightful before we know it—but before you light a fire in the fireplace or turn on your heating appliances, remember that fire safety is crucial even (and especially) during the colder months.

John Stary, fire inspect...

City Corner Column: Victoria Regional Airport helps whole community soar

Imagine flying into George Bush Intercontinental Airport late at night after a lengthy vacation or business trip. You’re tired and jet-lagged, and you want nothing more than to go home and rest. Would you rather spend another two hours driving home or fly...

As fiscal year begins, capital improvement projects steadily move forward

PHOTO: An image from a March 3 presentation to City Council shows the proposed new design for the duck pond in Riverside Park.

Fiscal year 2021 kicked off for the City of Victoria on Oct. 1, but whether you notice any changes may depend on where you look.

T...

PSA shares public health information with Victoria’s Spanish speakers

“La familia lo es todo,” Mayor Pro Tem Josephine Soliz implores the camera from her seat on the City Council dais, “y tenemos la responsabilidad de protegernos.”

Family is everything, and we have a responsibility to protect each other.

That’s the message be...

City Corner Column: Victoria Broadband Commission seeks ways to keep people connected

As society progresses, amenities like electricity and plumbing that were once luxuries for a privileged few become expected and necessary parts of life. In the house where I grew up, we couldn’t get cable TV because of our location relative to rail lines....

City Corner Column: Music industry professionals, how can we help you?

The Convention & Visitors Bureau is seeking volunteers to serve on the new Victoria Music Friendly Advisory Board, an unpaid board that will yield dividends for its members, the City and our community as we seek to harmonize our efforts to cultivate V...

Census deadline is almost here; here’s why you should respond

The window to take part in our nation’s once-in-a-decade head count closes Oct. 5.

As the deadline nears, we realize that residents who haven’t responded yet may have a variety of reasons for not doing so. Nevertheless, we want to emphasize that everyone c...

City Corner Column: Take a “Minute” to learn about the City

People like to say, “You learn something new every day.” I hope that’s true for Victoria residents, who have plenty of ways to learn about the many services and programs the City offers. 

When choosing where to eat, V...

Public Works in Action: City smooths out pothole repair process

PHOTO #1: Equipment operator Bryant Stamps repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #2: Crew leader James Toth repairs a pothole using one of the City of Victoria’s patch trucks.

PHOTO #3: Crew leader Hen...

City Corner Column: With 2021 budget approved, residents can look forward to bright future

Last week, the City Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2021. The completed budget represents a culmination of efforts by City leadership to find the best ways to continue addressing the community’s needs and take the next steps toward b...

Complete Count Committee ramps up Census effort as deadline nears

PHOTO: From left, Celeste Menchaca, City of Victoria development coordinator; Ashley Strevel, City of Victoria director of Communications & Public Affairs; Bethany Castro, executive director of Perpetual Help Home; and Jodi Sandoval, community health ...

City Corner Column: Going virtual brings challenges, new possibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations of every stripe to rethink the way they do business, and the City of Victoria is no exception. As social distancing recommendations have guided us to limit the number of people in City-owned buildings, we&...

Certified Permit Technician uses love of code to assist residents

PHOTO: Development specialist Dora Gomez works at the front desk at the City of Victoria Development Center. Gomez holds a Permit Technician Certification from the International Code Council.

Spending hours a day researching building codes may not be most ...

City Corner Column: Victoria Public Library provides education, entertainment during pandemic

Recently I ran into someone I know while I was assisting with checkouts on a busy day at the Victoria Public Library. As I helped her check out, she thanked me and said, “This is helping me with my mental health.”

It was a reminder of t...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #5: Census plays role in health care, pandemic recovery

Responding to the U.S. Census is a bit like washing your hands: It’s a simple action that won’t take too much of your time and will help to protect the health of your community.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a stark lesson about th...

City Corner Column: City works to bring you information wherever you are

Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; checking email; listening to a podcast; turning on your TV; or picking up the newspaper, the City of Victoria’s Communications & Public Affairs will be there to provi...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Recreation services manager

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

PHOTO: Recreation Services Manager Jaymie Heibel, right, and recreation ...

City Corner Column: What’s in store for Parks & Recreation? It’s up to you

I’m excited to be back in my hometown directing Parks & Recreation. Victoria is a city with a lot of natural beauty, and we’ve got a great parks system with good bones and plenty of space for expansion and new amenities. Our recrea...

#WeAreParksAndRec: Head golf professional

To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the City of Victoria is spotlighting its Parks & Recreation employees who help make Victoria a great place to live, work and play.

When Head Golf Professional Rolando Hernandez tells people his job title...

City Corner Column: Building a better Victoria through new methods, ongoing projects

Public Works is taking an increasingly scientific approach to road repairs, gathering information that will help us to provide a pavement management report that will lead to more cost-effective maintenance programs for our streets.  

We’...

Victoria Police Department earns trust by upholding core values

Recent high-profile incidents of police violence have led to a breakdown of trust in law enforcement. We have seen citizens rising up across the nation to demand accountability and have been stunned to see how some protests have turned violent.

The Black L...

We’re prepared for hurricane season. Are you?

PHOTO: Environmental Services’ emergency procedures for hurricanes and other disasters are recorded in a yellow binder. The department recently finalized contracts with AshBritt, a debris management company, and TetraTech, a monitoring service c...

City Corner Column: Looking back, looking forward after 1 year in Victoria

It’s been a year since I came to Victoria to take on the role of city manager, and both the job and the city have been great. My wife and I love the fact that Victoria is a small enough community to feel family-oriented but big enough to have am...

Fun things to do in Victoria this summer

Summer is a time for relaxation, and this year we’ve definitely earned it. The kids have logged out of their virtual classes, and with some pandemic restrictions being lifted, it’s likely that you’re looking for a cure for yo...

City Corner Column: Maintenance, custodial staff keep City buildings safe throughout pandemic

When you come to City offices to apply for a permit or pay your water bill, you may not give much thought to the maintenance and custodial workers who keep the building running. Today, however, I’d like to commend my staff for their excellent re...

City Corner Column: Helping downtown thrive through COVID-19 and beyond

Danielle Williams, Victoria Main Street Program director and interim director of Parks and Recreation 

It seems like more and more people nowadays are visiting Victoria’s historic downtown after hours, stopping by to go for a jog or walk...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 2: Hurricane Harvey, COVID-19

In the second part of my interview with Chief Fox we cover Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19, both so impactful to Victoria in such different ways.

This blog post is the second in a two-part series about Fire Chief Robert Fox’s experiences with major...

City Corner Column: 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan outlines long-term goals for Victoria

Transportation planning is often a moving target. The City’s Development Services department uses the best data available on demographics and growth trends to plan far into the future, but these goals still must be revised and updated on a regul...

Lessons learned from disasters, part 1: 1998 flood

Ashley Scott, digital media specialist for the City of Victoria

During a person’s career there are always moments that stand out. For most these may be big projects or promotions. For a firefighter, though, these times may include natural disaste...

City Corner Column: Communication can be used for good during public health crisis

There’s a profound word picture in the Bible that depicts how we can become refined through trials, much like gold becomes when it is put through the fire. It’s a parallel to the process of character growth, a concept I’m sur...

Things you can do while you’re staying home, staying safe

Staying at home can be frustrating if you’re not used to it, especially if it’s just one of many challenges you’re facing during the COVID-19 situation. However, following the City and County “Stay Home – ...

City Corner Column: Coronavirus Liaison Team seeks out problems, solutions

The recommendation to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds seems straightforward enough—unless you’re out on the street and don’t have ready access to soap and water.

That’s just one of the problems taken up by ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #4: Census will determine representation

They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes our population.

During the last census 10 years ago, Texas’ population was clocked at 25,145,561, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that our state grew more than 15% between the...

Support your community during COVID-19 situation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Texas Governor’s Office and the White House are advising residents to avoid gatherings of 10 people or more in order to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. As always, the City of Victoria...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #3: Demographic data helps with retail recruitment

Do you want to see more shopping or restaurant options in Victoria? You can help by responding to the 2020 Census.

We’re all familiar with the excitement caused by the arrival of a favorite national retail chain in our city as well as the heartbr...

City Corner Column: Placido Benavides Drive helps design Victoria’s future

Take a drive along the newly opened Placido Benavides Drive from Navarro Street to Ethel Lee Tracy Park. As you do, look around at the wide-open fields and imagine the possibilities for this blank canvas – new neighborhoods, a Class A office spa...

Grant funding drives big changes in Victoria Transit system

If you were excited to see a sleek new bus stop being installed at the Victoria College Science Center, complete with a bike rack and solar-powered lighting, then get ready to see even more upgrades at a total of 48 Victoria Transit stops across the city....

City Corner Column: Are you helping us to keep Victoria beautiful?

If you’ve driven by Navarro and the Loop this past week, you’ve probably seen City crews chipping away at the litter in the drainage ditch near IHOP, doing their part to turn our public spaces into something we can all be proud of.

The ...

City Corner Column: Plan 2035: Victoria’s road map to success

Since coming to Victoria, I’ve had countless conversations with elected officials, business leaders and community stakeholders who’ve shared their ideas about what’s important to them and our city. Most of them want the same ...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #2: Accurate count helps schools get resources they need

If school district officials receive funding to provide lunch for 50 children, one can imagine the last thing they would want is for 250 hungry students to show up when lunchtime rolls around.

Having an accurate head count in the 2020 Census impacts more t...

City Corner Column: Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation: Promises made, promises kept

The clothes you just bought are helping to pay for road repairs, recreational facilities and a wide variety of other projects that help make Victoria a better place to live and work.

On Jan. 27, the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation will gather fo...

Census 2020: Why it matters; Reason #1: The 2020 Census determines federal funding

The 2020 Census is right around the corner, and with it comes an opportunity for Victoria to show the federal government just how much our city has grown. Maybe you already know that the census is used to gather data for representation and other purposes,...