The joint meeting of the Wharves Board of Trustees and the Galveston City Council on January 9, 2025, focused primarily on the upcoming 200th anniversary celebration of the Port of Galveston. Scheduled for October 17 and 18, 2025, the event will feature a community celebration on the dock area and a gala at the San Luis Hotel. Organizers emphasized that no taxpayer money will be used for the festivities, as funding has been secured through sponsorships from local businesses and cruise lines.

The celebration will kick off with a golf tournament on October 16, followed by a public party on the pier. The event aims to highlight the historical significance of the port, with several local historical venues participating in the celebrations. Additionally, a book detailing the history of the Port of Galveston is being prepared by the Galveston Historical Foundation.

The budget for the anniversary celebration is estimated between $500,000 and $600,000, all sourced from private contributions. Organizers are also considering establishing a scholarship fund with any leftover funds, similar to initiatives in other Texas cities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration between the trustees and the city council, emphasizing the importance of the port's success for the broader Galveston community. The next joint meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2025, where further discussions will continue.