Brownwood Attends 2026 ICSC Retail Conference

City officials meet with developers and brokers to attract new retail businesses

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

The City of Brownwood, Texas sent a delegation to the 2026 Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) Red River Conference in San Antonio to connect with real estate professionals and recruit new retail businesses to the area. The city has seen a 47% increase in sales tax revenue over the past decade and is focused on continuing to grow its retail sector to fund essential services and community improvements.

Why it matters

Attracting new retail businesses is a key economic development strategy for the City of Brownwood, as sales tax revenue enables the city to provide public services, invest in infrastructure, and support community initiatives. The ICSC conference provides an opportunity for the city to network with industry professionals and showcase Brownwood as an attractive location for national and regional retailers.

The details

City of Brownwood officials, including the Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Deputy City Manager, and City Manager, attended the 2026 ICSC Red River Conference to meet with developers, brokers, and potential retail clients. The city has been represented at the ICSC conference for many years as part of its efforts to recruit new retail businesses. Recent retail developments in Brownwood include the Shops on Commerce, a $9 million project that will add over 41,000 square feet of new retail space.

  • The City of Brownwood has been represented at the ICSC conference for many years, with 2011 being their inaugural year.
  • The 2026 ICSC Red River Conference took place on February 17-18, 2026 in San Antonio.

The players

Amy Whitmer

Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Brownwood.

Ray Tipton

Deputy City Manager for the City of Brownwood.

Marshal McIntosh

City Manager for the City of Brownwood.

The Shops on Commerce

A new retail development in Brownwood that will include over 41,000 square feet of new retail space and represent a $9 million capital investment.

Brownwood Municipal Development District

A partner organization that works with the City of Brownwood to leverage strategic goals and improve the community.

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What’s next

The City of Brownwood will continue to leverage its partnerships and focus on retail development to attract new businesses and drive economic growth in the community.

The takeaway

By actively participating in industry events like the ICSC conference, the City of Brownwood is demonstrating its commitment to strategic retail recruitment and diversifying its tax base to fund important community initiatives and services.