Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott announced that Harlingen has been recognized as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). The city completed a multi-step certification process to receive this designation, which is part of a program designed to boost music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas.

Governor Abbott expressed his congratulations, stating, “With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside Music Friendly Texas Communities in every region of our state to boost local job creation and economic growth.”

Representative Oscar Longoria commented on the impact of this designation: “Joining this program will help the city bolster the local economy and music scene and bring more music-related industry to our community. Congratulations to Harlingen and its residents for this great achievement.”

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda emphasized that becoming a certified community is about more than just entertainment. “It’s about building identity, strengthening our economy, and uniting our community through the power of music,” she said.

City Commissioner Rene Perez added that being recognized shows Harlingen's commitment to creativity and supporting local talent. “It helps grow our economy, strengthens tourism, and gives residents more reasons to be proud of where they live,” he stated.

Harlingen joins 86 other communities with this certification. The TMO was established in 1990 as part of the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office. Since 2016, it has operated the only statewide Music Friendly Community Program in the nation.