Beaumont in Motion

Edition #22 | April 8, 2026

Trivia Question

How often are City Council elections held in Beaumont, and how long do elected officials serve?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

BB’s Tex-Orleans is opening its newest location at 2325 Calder Avenue in Beaumont’s Old Town, but for founder Brooks Bassler, this move is all about roots.

The Beaumont opening is a tribute to Bassler’s family, especially his grandmother—whose Southeast Texas recipes inspired the menu and spirit of the restaurant.

The new 8,200-square-foot space features seating for 70 inside and 175 on the patio, a kids’ play area, and a massive 225-inch outdoor screen—ideal for game days and gatherings.

The menu serves up Gulf Coast classics like seafood boils, seasonal crawfish, gumbo, and po’boys, honoring the local traditions that inspired the concept.

For Bassler, selecting Beaumont is less about business expansion and more about cultural fit—recognizing a community that already knows and loves this style of cooking.

BB’s arrives later this month, bringing food that feels right at home.

What's the most popular item at City Hall?

The coffee maker. Running a city requires fuel.

Tip of The Day

City Council meetings are open to everyone, not just people with problems. Show up and watch how your city works. If you want to speak, read the agenda at beaumonttexas.gov first and comment during your item—specific facts beat vague complaints every time. 

That's how you go from observer to influencer.

Beaumont’s first Coalition Against Violence will convene on April 14, raising not just the issue of violence but an urgent question: who will step up?

Mayor Roy West launched the group to tackle rising violence, but lasting change hinges on more than just policies or plans.

This coalition only matters if it brings together those who feel the impact firsthand — from educators and faith leaders to youth advocates, business owners, and families who have experienced loss.

The meeting will reveal whether this is a community-driven movement or just another official committee.

Real solutions demand shared knowledge and collective action, not just symbolic gestures.

April 14 could mark the difference between paperwork and real progress for Beaumont.

Beaumont City Council meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 Main Street. Citizens can speak on agenda items or any other issue during public comment. You can also watch meetings live online or on Spectrum Channel 4 at 7 AM and 1 PM. The next time someone says "they never listen," the real question is whether you've ever shown up with something to say.

Chris Boone has been appointed as Beaumont’s next City Manager, earning unanimous support from the City Council after two decades of dedicated service.

Boone, who officially takes the helm on May 1, 2026, has built vital institutional knowledge since joining Beaumont in 2006, holding leadership roles across city departments and guiding the city as Interim City Manager during a past transition.

His selection followed a competitive process among three internal finalists — all familiar with Beaumont’s unique needs.

Boone currently oversees Planning, Community Development, Public Health, Economic Development, and other city services, ensuring coordination that’s essential for efficient operations.

With an advanced degree in Urban Planning and a background in both West Orange and Mobile, Alabama, Boone’s credentials add depth to his long-standing commitment.

This leadership change signals Beaumont’s confidence in homegrown experience and a steady vision for the city’s future.

Beaumont is charting a 20-year vision, just months after voters drew a hard line between public engagement and real priorities.

The city launched its Comprehensive Plan in late 2025, focusing on land use, transit, housing, and economic opportunity through robust community input.

But recent history complicates the picture. In November, after extensive outreach and dozens of public meetings, voters approved a $264 million bond only for essentials — roads, drainage, and sidewalks.

Other proposals — improved police facilities, riverfront development, and a downtown venue tax — failed, making it clear residents want city leaders to fix fundamentals first.

The new plan again invites public involvement, but the true test will be whether city decisions finally reflect residents’ pressing needs — not just their input.

With the next two decades at stake, Beaumont faces a familiar challenge: Will leaders align bold planning with the community’s call to put basics before dreams?

Answer to Trivia Question:

Elections are held in odd years, with the mayor and all council members serving two-year terms. Unlike many cities with staggered terms, Beaumont's entire council turns over or renews at once every two years, which means voters can reshape city leadership quickly if they choose to show up.

Beaumont is making moves — and it’s the people here driving it forward.

City Council made their choice today. A coalition meets next week. A comprehensive plan takes shape. A restaurant opens later this month because the culture felt like home.

Beaumont's moving forward. Thanks for being part of it.

See you next week.

Beaumont Current Team