Rose M.Z. Gowen, M.D. was elected to the Brownsville City Commission in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Dr. Gowen has focused on smart growth, and health related issues to raise awareness to the region’s high levels of diabetes and other obesity related chronic illness. Working with the UT School of Public Health-Brownsville, she was instrumental in the design and development of the Brownsville Farmer’s Market. Dr. Gowen was the first Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and led the market in becoming a Texas certified farmers’ market. The Market is recognized as a model of excellence by the Texas Department of Health and the US Mexico Border Health Commission. Establishing a working relationship between the UT School of Public Health, many city departments and business entities, she has spearheaded efforts to provide active living programming such as cycloBia since 2012. Building a vibrant Brownsville in a healthy way is her mantra as she builds capacity and momentum with programs to create a community that is economically bustling with people friendly spaces that are health promoting. In 2014 Brownsville was recognized by RWJF as a Culture of Health winner and in 2016 became a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly City (American League of Bicyclists). Partnering science, city government, and the community has resulted in a rich integrated network of policy and programing that invites healthy living.