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The City of Dripping Springs was awarded the Platinum Scenic City Certification on Thursday, Oct. 10, at an event held during the Texas Municipal League’s Annual Conference in Houston. More than 170 officials and business leaders from across the state attended to recognize Dripping Springs, one of 15 cities to earn certification for the 2024-2029 period. This marks the second consecutive time the city has received the Platinum designation. Dripping Springs has been recognized as a Scenic City since 2014.
The Scenic City Certification Program, a project of Scenic Texas, provides Texas cities with an objective review of their municipal infrastructure ordinances related to public roadways and spaces. The program evaluates cities against the Scenic City model, developed by partnering organizations. Certification is awarded based on a points system, and cities that meet high scenic streetscape standards earn official certification.
“Scenic City Certification highlights Dripping Springs’ strong commitment to high-quality standards for public roadways and spaces,” said Anne Culver, executive vice president of Scenic Texas. “This recognition supports cities with a long-term vision, and we hope it encourages other cities to follow Dripping Springs' example.”
Scenic Texas is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing Texas’ visual environment. Inspired by the late Lady Bird Johnson, the organization continues her legacy of promoting the beautification of Texas’ roadways, countryside, and communities. Johnson’s advocacy led to the passage of the Highway Beautification Act during her husband, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s administration.
“Beautification is far more than a matter of cosmetics,” Lady Bird Johnson said in 1968. “For me, it describes the whole effort to bring the natural world and the manmade world into harmony; to bring order, usefulness — delight — to our whole environment, and that of course only begins with trees and flowers and landscaping.”
Dripping Springs embodies this vision by balancing growth and development with the preservation of the area's natural beauty. The community has supported its designation as an International Dark Sky Community since 2000. Dripping Springs was the sixth city in the world and the first in Texas to receive this designation. The city’s commitment to maintaining scenic beauty and rural charm, particularly through its Dark Sky ordinances, contributed to earning the Platinum Scenic City certification.
The city also supports research on the health and safety impacts of lighting and regularly updates its ordinances to maintain high standards that protect the night sky. Many residents participate in stargazing events, furthering Dripping Springs' dedication to preserving its scenic environment.
For more information about the Scenic City program, visit scenictexas.org.
