In an exclusive interview on The Building Texas Show, Alpine Mayor Catherine Eaves detailed the city's unique blend of historic preservation, educational excellence, and proactive governance in the heart of West Texas's Big Bend region. “We're not just growing, we're growing thoughtfully. From infrastructure to housing, we're making decisions that support both current residents and future generations,” said Eaves.
A retired 25-year science educator and professor with Lone Star College, Eaves moved to Alpine full-time in 2021 and was elected mayor in 2022 after a door-to-door campaign focused on civic engagement. She created “City Government 101” classes at City Hall to demystify local governance. “I wanted to educate people and get them involved in their government,” she said.
Education is a cornerstone of Alpine's identity, anchored by Sul Ross State University, which fuels local innovation through its nursing program, law enforcement academy, and wildlife management degrees. The university also houses the Museum of the Big Bend, home to a world-class map collection. Eaves emphasized how educational partnerships, including remote learning with Lone Star College, are building a skilled workforce and supporting rural healthcare needs.
A pressing issue discussed was the upcoming expiration of the city's contract for emergency services. Eaves outlined collaborative solutions being explored with Brewster County, including the potential formation of an Emergency Services District (ESD) to ensure reliable emergency care for Alpine's growing retiree population. “We're leaning on each other,” she said, highlighting monthly leadership huddles with county, school, and university officials.
Alpine is experiencing a business boom, with new restaurants, retail stores, and nurseries opening downtown. The city was recently approved as a Historic Downtown District and is rebranding as the “Dark Sky Capital of Texas” to attract astrotourism. Landmarks like Kokernot Field—a historic baseball stadium—and partnerships with Amtrak are enhancing Alpine's appeal as a destination.
Mayor Eaves also hosts “Small Town Big Stories,” a podcast preserving Alpine's oral history. With nearly 100 interviews featuring multi-generational residents, the show archives pioneer stories for future generations and is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. The full interview offers deeper insights into Alpine's challenges and vision. Subscribe to The Building Texas Show on YouTube, like the episode, and turn on notifications for more Texas community stories.
Alpine is a vibrant and historic city located in Brewster County, West Texas, serving as the cultural and commercial hub of the Big Bend region. Known as the gateway to Big Bend National Park, Alpine is home to Sul Ross State University, which drives local education, healthcare, and innovation. The city boasts a charming historic downtown district, rich in murals and pioneer heritage, and is celebrated as the "Dark Sky Capital of Texas" for its exceptional stargazing opportunities. With a growing retiree community, expanding local businesses, and strong partnerships between city, county, and educational institutions, Alpine offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and forward-looking growth.
