An announcement made Friday by Gov. Greg Abbott is more good news for Granbury’s tourism industry. The city has been designated as the 40th Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office.
The Music Friendly Texas program seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities. It was the first such program in the nation when it was introduced in 2016.
In a prepared statement, Abbott as well as State Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, and State Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, congratulated Granbury for having successfully completed the multi-step certification process.
City Manager Chris Coffman said that the designation has been a goal of his since the program’s inception.
“The music ecosystem this program promotes will increase tourism and allow local musicians to excel in their career goals without having to leave the area,” he said. “Texas music is unique, has its own following, and is continually growing. I am so proud of our team in acquiring this new designation.”
Early last year, the Granbury City Council tweaked the city’s noise ordinance due to the square and surrounding area becoming a thriving entertainment district with about a dozen establishments offering live music.
Mayor Jim Jarratt said Monday that he is “delighted” with the Music Friendly achievement and offered “kudos” to all involved in the effort, including Visit Granbury Director Tammy Dooley.
Jarratt noted that he and other Granbury representatives attended an event last week as part of the city’s quest to be designated as a cultural arts district.
He said he hopes that the cultural arts designation will be achieved by the end of the year.