District 3 City Council
Meet Bob Brown
A Galveston native with the experience to deliver results — and the independence to stand up for our neighborhoods.
I’m running for re-election as your District 3 City Councilmember because experience matters. As a Galveston native, architect, and retired UTMB facilities planning director, I bring decades of hands-on civic leadership focused on protecting neighborhood character, strengthening infrastructure and flood protection, and delivering smart, accountable growth.
My Background
Bob Brown is a lifelong Galvestonian seeking re-election to represent District 3 on City Council. A 25-year resident of the East End Historic District, Bob brings over four decades of professional experience as a registered architect and retired UTMB Program Director for Facilities Planning—expertise he’s put to work addressing the district’s infrastructure challenges and planning needs.
Bob’s commitment to Galveston runs deeper than his professional credentials. For more than 25 years, he’s served the island through leadership roles that shaped its future: chairing the Galveston Landmark Commission, steering the city’s Comprehensive Plan and disaster recovery efforts after Hurricane Ike, and serving on the Planning Commission. His work with the Galveston Historical Foundation—including a term as Board President—helped preserve the character that makes our neighborhoods unique.
As your current City Council member, Bob serves as liaison to the Park Board, Housing Finance Corporation, Short Term Rental Committee, and Joint Wharves Board. He understands that good governance requires listening to neighbors, studying the details, and making decisions that balance growth with livability. Whether it’s tackling the $32-40 million 14th Street Pump Station project or addressing parking concerns in residential areas, Bob approaches every issue with the same careful analysis he’s brought to every board and commission he’s served.
Bob holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He lives at 1027 Sealy with his wife Allison.
Why I am running for Re-election
I Still Believe Our Best Days Are Ahead
District 3 is where Galveston’s history, neighborhoods, and economic engine meet—and it only works when we protect quality of life while delivering the basics. I’m running for re-election because I’ve been in the middle of the hardest issues: short-term rental impacts, parking and noise, historic preservation, and the infrastructure and flood protection projects that determine whether our streets and homes function day-to-day.
When STRs began turning residential blocks into de facto hotel districts, I didn’t wait for someone else to act. I co-sponsored and led the STR Ad Hoc Committee through 19 meetings to produce real regulations, and I’ve continued pushing for consistent enforcement and transparency—because rules only matter when they’re applied fairly.
I also bring the technical, project-level experience District 3 needs right now. As an architect and retired UTMB facilities planning director, I know how to read plans, manage budgets, and ask the right questions so big projects deliver real results—especially on drainage, streets, and flood mitigation.
My commitment is straightforward: protect neighborhood character, strengthen infrastructure and flood protection, support public safety readiness, and guide smart growth that benefits residents—not just visitors. District 3 doesn’t need on-the-job training. It needs steady, experienced leadership and follow-through.
Professional Experience
1999 - 2004
Chair, Landmark Commission
City of Galveston
Led efforts to preserve Galveston’s architectural heritage, ensuring new developments respect historical integrity.
9/2019–9/2022
Vice Chair, Planning Commission
City of Galveston
Oversaw urban planning initiatives, focusing on sustainable growth and infrastructure improvements.
2004–2005
President, Galveston Historical Foundation
Galveston Historical Foundation
Directed preservation projects and community outreach, fostering appreciation for Galveston’s rich history.

