How ‘Adopt-a-Highway’ started in East Texas before spreading across the globe

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The First Adopt-a-Highway in the World is right here in East Texas and you’ve probably driven past it without realizing its history.

A stretch of Highway 69 leaving North Tyler holds a special distinction: it’s the first Adopt-a-Highway in the world.

“We didn’t hear about it, we actually came up with this idea,” recalls Billy Black, a retired public information officer for TxDOT’s Tyler district.

The idea took shape in the 1980s. Black and the district engineer James “Bobby” Evans were brainstorming ways to battle the ongoing litter problem.

“Get some people out there actually on the highway to see what a problem this was becoming, we could turn that into something,” Black says.

That “something” became a model copied around the world.

March 9, 1985: The Program Is Born

On March 9, 1985, the concept became reality when the Tyler Civitan Club adopted that stretch of Highway 69.

What started as a local experiment quickly turned into a win–win:

• Cleaner roads without relying solely on taxpayer-funded crews
• Community pride and ownership of public spaces
• Free visibility for civic groups and organizations

“Of course anybody could get some free publicity on a sign that’s being passed by 10,000 cars a day—that’s pretty good and it doesn’t cost them any money,” Black notes.

Black wasn’t sure they ever got Austin’s approval to start the program, but the results spoke for themselves.

“I don’t think we ever got Austin’s approval to do this program,” he says. “In three months, we were statewide.”

How Adopt-a-Highway Works Today

The basic idea hasn’t changed much since that first stretch in Tyler.

Today, groups can adopt a two-mile stretch of roadway, committing to pick up litter at least four times a year. In return, TxDOT provides safety training, safety vests, and trash bags, and installs a roadside sign recognizing the group.

There are about 3,300 active groups participating in Texas—but more roads still need adoption.

“It approximately saves, at least money-wise, $3.4 million a year in litter pickup for TxDOT,” explains Catherine Cromer, TxDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator. “But in a bigger way it’s a way for TxDOT to connect with the community.”

From Tyler to the World

Black’s idea didn’t just spread across Texas—it went global.

He kept a document signed by representatives from every state transportation department.

“Each of the different representatives from the states signed it for me,” he says proudly.

Today, all 50 states have some version of an Adopt-a-Highway program. So do Canada, Japan, and other countries.

His international counterparts even reached out for help launching their own efforts.

“If you can get me a sabbatical, and get me to Australia for four weeks, I’ll have this up and running for ya!” he once joked.

For more information on the program and to sign up, click here.