President Trump, Guillermo Rico from the Port of Brownsville, Joaquin Spamer President of Commodities Integrated Logistics (CiL), and Brownsville Mayor John Cowen. Courtesy Images: Public Domain, Port of Brownsville and Texas Border Business. Bgd for illustration purposes.
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — President Donald Trump announced plans for a new oil refinery at the Port of Brownsville, describing it as the first newly built U.S. refinery in roughly 50 years and promoting it as a major energy and economic development project.
In a post on social media, Trump said America First Refining would open the refinery in Brownsville and called it a “historic $300 billion deal.” He stated that the facility would strengthen national security, expand domestic energy production, support exports, and bring thousands of jobs to South Texas. He also credited partnerships with India’s Reliance Industries and said the project reflects his administration’s “America First” energy agenda.
According to Reuters and the Financial Times, the refinery would be developed by America First Refining, a startup company led by CEO John Calce, with significant investment from Reliance Industries, India’s largest privately held energy company. Reliance operates the Jamnagar refining complex in India, described by Reuters as the world’s largest.
Reuters reported that the proposed refinery would have a processing capacity of about 168,000 barrels of crude oil per day and would be designed to process American light shale oil. The facility could handle approximately 60 million barrels of crude annually and produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petroleum products.
While Trump described the announcement as a $300 billion deal, the Financial Times reported that construction costs are estimated at approximately $4 billion.
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, in a statement posted on social media, said the refinery would process shale oil from the Permian Basin and include a 20-year agreement to purchase and refine 1.2 billion barrels of U.S. shale oil valued at about $125 billion. He stated that the project could produce up to 50 billion gallons of refined petroleum products, valued at roughly $175 billion, and contribute an estimated $300 billion to the U.S. trade balance. Cowen also said a groundbreaking ceremony is expected in April 2026 at the Port of Brownsville.
The Port of Brownsville, in a separate social media statement, said the project has been under development for more than 12 years and described it as a long-planned investment that would strengthen energy infrastructure and expand economic opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas.
Analysts cited by Reuters noted that most refinery growth in the United States over the past several decades has come from expansions of existing facilities rather than construction of new ones. If completed, the Brownsville project would represent the first entirely new refinery built in the United States in about half a century.
Joaquin Spamer, president of CiL Group, wrote on social media that the original Element Fuels proposal was estimated between $4 billion and $6 billion, suggesting the larger figure cited by Trump includes long-term trade values rather than construction costs.
Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026, subject to securing permits and financing, according to Reuters. The Port of Brownsville was selected in part for its deep-water access, proximity to Gulf Coast energy infrastructure, and connections to pipelines that transport U.S. shale oil to export markets.
South Texas College faculty member Dr. Ruben Flores, chair of the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management program, has been appointed to the city of McAllen’s Traffic Commission. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
South Texas College faculty member Ruben Flores, Ph.D., has been appointed to serve on the city of McAllen’s Traffic Commission, bringing decades of civic engagement and regional insight to an advisory board that helps guide the city’s mobility and infrastructure planning.
Flores, department chair for STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Operations Management (BAT) program, was appointed by McAllen City Commissioner Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora to fill a vacancy on the commission. The board evaluates traffic concerns and mobility needs across the city and makes recommendations to city commissioners on matters like road connectivity, traffic signals and long-term transportation planning.
“These boards bring people together who come from different sectors of the community,” Flores said. “On the traffic commission, you see engineers, people from the business community and many others who are interested in how mobility is planned for the future. When people want a new signal or when roads need to connect different areas of the city, those discussions often begin there.”
The appointment follows Flores’ recent completion of a four-year term on the McAllen Convention Center and Performing Arts Advisory Board, one of several civic boards he has served on throughout his career.
For Flores, community involvement goes back decades, beginning with his work with Communities in Schools in the 1980s, an organization focused on supporting students facing economic and social challenges.
That experience, Flores said, helped shape his long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Communities in Schools was the very first organization I served on,” he said. “I saw that many students had tremendous socioeconomic needs. Some didn’t even want to go to school because they had holes in their shoes. What impressed me was that counselors were going to students’ homes and getting to know what was going on in their lives.”
Flores later served on the McAllen Vision Board, a planning initiative tasked with examining the region’s long-term future. During those discussions in the late 1980s, Flores said he advocated for the creation of a community college in the area to serve students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
Those early conversations ultimately helped lead to the creation of South Texas Community College and finally South Texas College as it is known today. Flores said STC has evolved into an institution that continues to transform lives across the region.
“We’ve come a long way from when I grew up in a colonia in south McAllen where many of us didn’t even think about getting a degree,” he said. “Now we have students saying, ‘I can get a degree, start a business and change my family’s future.’’’
Flores has worked at the college since the late 1980s when the campus was still known as Texas State Technical College in McAllen. During that time, he said he has seen the college evolve from a small campus with a handful of buildings into the nation’s No. 1 Hispanic-Serving institution.
Serving on local boards, has also allowed him to connect the work of the college with leaders across the community.
“Being involved in the community gives me access to people I can invite to speak to our students,” Flores said. “Instead of simply asking someone to come to campus, you’re building relationships with people who are working on real projects. That allows us to bring knowledge from the outside directly into the classroom.”
Zamora said Flores’ experience and perspective make him a strong addition to the traffic commission.
“He (Flores) is certainly an asset to our community,” Zamora said. “Dr. Flores has always been active in city business and has a deep understanding of how McAllen has grown over the years. That historical perspective is incredibly valuable as we address issues like traffic and infrastructure.”
Pictured from left to right is Gabriel and Sylvia Espinoza whose son tragically passed away in a car accident in 2023 and became an organ donor. Transplant recipients as well as donor families were invited to the flag signing event. Image courtesy of DHR Health
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The DHR Health Transplant Institute and the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance recently hosted a flag signing event on February 27, 2026, for the upcoming Transplant Games of America event that will be held June 18 to 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
This was the first time the Transplant Games flag came to the Rio Grande Valley. Signing the transplant games flag were DHR Health kidney transplant recipients, donor families, organizations that work closely with the Transplant Institute, elected officials, business leaders, and community members. News media representatives and the RGV Viper Basketball mascot, Fang, and dancers were also in attendance.
“Events such as the transplant flag signing bring together recipients, donors, families, and supporters to celebrate those second changes while also raising awareness about the importance of organ donation,” said Dr. Sridhar Allam, medical director and nephrologist at DHR Health’s Transplant Institute. “Our Transplant Institute exists to ensure that patients in our community have access to life-saving care that is close to home.”
Jim Franklin, of Hemphill, reeled in 14.23-pound ShareLunker 695 on a fishing trip Wednesday afternoon. Not only was it the second Legacy Class fish from Toledo Bend this year, but the 12th overall of the collection season, which runs through March 31. Image courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Border Business
ATHENS – Toledo Bend Reservoir in East Texas was front and center again with its second Legacy Class entry of the 2026 Toyota ShareLunker program collection season. The Toyota ShareLunker program is a cornerstone of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) efforts to grow bigger, better, bass.
Jim Franklin, of Hemphill, reeled in 14.23-pound ShareLunker 695 on a fishing trip Wednesday afternoon. Not only was it the second Legacy Class fish from Toledo Bend this year, but the 12th overall of the collection season, which runs through March 31. Drake Wadsworth of Stonewall, Louisiana produced the waterbody’s first Legacy Lunker this year; 13.10-pound ShareLunker 687 caught on Saturday Feb. 7.
Toledo Bend has now produced 11 Legacy Class ShareLunker entries along with multiple Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+ April through December) entries. Eric Weems holds the current official lake record for a largemouth bass with his 15.32-pound catch on July 3, 2000.
“Catching a Legacy Class ShareLunker truly becomes the fish of a lifetime for most anglers,” said Natalie Goldstrohm, TPWD coordinator for the Toyota ShareLunker program. “Seeing another bass of this caliber come from Toledo Bend highlights the incredible opportunity anglers have when they get out on this reservoir.”
Franklin had caught a lot of fish during his time on the water over a few days but hadn’t landed a massive largemouth bass. That all changed on his Wednesday trip to Toledo Bend.
“I’d been disgusted a little bit that I hadn’t caught a ten-pounder or nine pounder yet this year so I did something completely different,” said Franklin. “I went to areas of the reservoir I hadn’t been in the last two years or so. The day had not been very good to me, and I was about to give up, but I stopped at one last spot. A friend called me and I caught a 3.5-pound bass, cast again while I was talking to him and I had a five pounder get off. I told my friend I have to let you go because I think I’m on some fish and then made two more casts and I caught the fish.”
Franklin said he caught the fish about 25-30 feet away from his boat on a Carolina rig and once the fish was on the hook, the fight was on.
“I was by myself and it was total chaos,” said Franklin. “My net was put up, and I ran circles around my boat about three times, and she stayed on top and put on a show the whole time. Finally, she gave up and I caught her. When I got her in the boat, I was shaking like a leaf, and I got my scale out. I zeroed it out and thought I had raised her off the deck completely, but apparently, I hadn’t because my scale said 13.57 pounds. I thought holy cow, I just caught a Legacy Class ShareLunker, and this has been a dream for a long time.”
Franklin made the call to the ShareLunker program to submit the fish and get the verified weight, which came in at 14.23 pounds. The catch also proved to be a new personal best for Franklin.
“I think the ShareLunker program is the greatest thing that we as anglers could possibly have,” said Franklin. “The fact that they take these fish, let them spawn, make fingerlings and then release the fingerlings along with the ShareLunker back into the lake, I don’t think there is a better program. I’ve spent a lot of time in other states where they don’t have these programs, and they want to do something similar to what we have here in Texas. I can’t thank Toyota and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enough for what they do for bass anglers in our state.”
About the ShareLunker Program
During the first three months of the season (Jan. 1 through March 31), anglers who reel in a 13-plus pound bass can loan it to TPWD for the ShareLunker selective breeding and stocking program. These anglers can call TPWD on the ShareLunker hotline at (903) 681-0550 to report their catch 24/7 through March 31, 2026.
Legacy Class ShareLunker weights are all verified using a certified scale, but anglers may use a digital scale to get an initial weight to inform the ShareLunker response team. Once the TPWD team arrives, they can take a certified weight on site.
Anglers who catch and loan a 13-plus pound lunker earn Legacy Class status, receive a catch kit filled with merchandise donated by program sponsors, a 13lb+ Legacy decal for their vehicle or boat, VIP access to the Toyota ShareLunker Annual Awards event, a high-quality replica mount of their fish from Lake Fork Taxidermy and ShareLunker branded apparel provided by AFTCO. Anglers also receive entries into two separate drawings – a Legacy Class Drawing and the year-end Grand Prize Drawing. Both drawings will award the winner a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree.
The year-round Toyota ShareLunker Program offers anglers three additional levels of participation for catching bass over eight pounds or 24 inches in Texas public waters. Each of these levels provide vital data for TPWD fisheries biologists, helping them better manage bass in Texas.
Anglers who enter data for any lunker they catch greater than eight pounds or 24 inches also receive a catch kit, a decal for their vehicle or boat, a one-month subscription card to Bass University and an entry into the year-end Grand Prize Drawing to win a $5,000 Bass Pro Shops shopping spree. ShareLunker entry classes include the Bass Pro Shops Lunker Class (8 lb.+), Strike King Elite Class (10 lb.+) and Lew’s Legend Class (13 lb.+).
Once a qualified lunker is reeled in, anglers need to enter the catch data on the Toyota ShareLunker mobile app – available for free from the Apple App Store and Google Play – or at TexasSharelunker.com.
In addition to providing basic catch information, anglers have the option to send a DNA scale sample from their lunker bass to TPWD biologists for genetic analysis. Anglers who contribute a sample to the program will receive a Lew’s baitcasting reel while supplies last, with a limit of one reel per angler. Instructions for submitting DNA samples are located on the Toyota ShareLunker website.
TPWD and the Toyota ShareLunker program are once again partnering with AFTCO on the AFTCO Guide of the Year award for the 2026 ShareLunker season. The AFTCO Guide of the Year award recognizes a fishing guide who contributes to conservation and enhancement of largemouth bass in Texas.
The Toyota ShareLunker Program is made possible in part by the generous title sponsorship of Toyota. Toyota is a longtime supporter of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and TPWD, providing major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks and wildlife projects.
Additional vital program support comes from Legend Class category prize sponsor Lew’s, Elite Class category prize sponsor Strike King, Lunker Class category prize sponsor Bass Pro Shops, AFTCO, Bass Forecast, Bass University and Lake Fork Taxidermy.
Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas.
Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel during the Great Depression connected the Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf of Mexico and laid the groundwork for decades of industrial expansion.
From its earliest days, the port evolved from handling agricultural products and earning the title “Number One Cotton Port in the Nation” to managing grains and shrimp, and ultimately becoming a diversified logistics hub supporting steel, energy, construction and the space industries as well as positioning itself as the premier hub for shipbuilding and ship recycling in the U.S.
As the only deepwater seaport located directly on the U.S–Mexico border, the port plays a critical role in international commerce, accounting for 5.3 percent of Texas’ total trade value moving through all 23 seaports of the Lone Star State, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. Its geographic position provides direct access to global maritime routes while serving as a key gateway for cross-border trade between the United States and Mexico.
A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board.
Owner of McAllen’s most popular culinary experiences – Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse – Rego, through her Santa Fe Foundation has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, internships and career opportunities.
“I’ve always been a huge supporter of STC’s Culinary Arts department and a fan of the college’s mission and vision for the Rio Grande Valley,” said Rego. “So, to be a part of the STC Foundation board is truly an honor that aligns with my values. Education is a powerful tool that everyone should have access to, and I’m excited to contribute to the foundation’s efforts.”
A native of Mexico, Rego began in the restaurant industry in 2000, since then employing many of STC’s Culinary Arts graduates as chefs in her restaurants. Many of her chefs are now also faculty at STC and leaders in the industry.
“The culinary industry in the Rio Grande Valley and across the region has a huge demand for highly- skilled leaders, and they’re being produced right here at STC,” she said. “This is why it’s so important to give these students the scholarships and tools they need to success. We have a large talent pool in our region; it’s our job to foster these dreams.”
Supporting and funding these dreams is only the first step, according to Rego. It is also vital that this newfound talent remains in the RGV.
“Our job is to give students the chance to learn and grow, but often times we do so well, that our talent leaves the region to explore other options in other parts of the state or country,” said Rego. “Success is always the ultimate goal, but we also want to keep some of this talent here also, to level up the culinary experiences we offer in our communities.”
Therefore, Rego works closely with STC and local high schools to offer internships and career opportunities within all her restaurants, even initiating a new initiative called CAFÉ – Culinary Arts for Everyone.
CAFÉ is a McAllen-based, inclusive cafeteria that gives all aspiring culinary students the chance to test their skills through hands-on learning experiences while serving their community.
STC Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs Rodney Rodriguez, Ph.D., said Rego’s work is impactful and changing the landscape of the Culinary Arts industry in the RGV.
“We are so honored that Sony has accepted her appointment on the STC Foundation Board. She is an exceptional member of our community who has continuously shown up for our students through scholarships and opportunities that make dreams come true,” he said. “Her position on the board will continue to enhance this partnership and will broaden the impact she has on STC and its students. Her knowledge and philanthropic work will play a huge role in our Foundation’s success.”
As a believer in the arts, culinary and beyond, Rego works toward a mission that is near to her heart, not only as the newest member of STC’s Foundation’s board, but also as the board president of the Easter Seals and treasurer of the Valley Symphony Orchestra.
Moving forward as an STC Foundation board member, Rego said she looks forward to making fundraising efforts stronger, expanding scholarship support for students and the college’s student food pantry, introducing new fundraising ideas and forging new partnerships that will allow the foundation to grow.
“I believe that if you’ve found success, it is your responsibility to pay it forward and help others,” said Rego. “That is what I’ve always strived to do through the Santa Fe Foundation, my roles on boards within the community and now on the STC Foundation Board. It’s an honor to be working among a distinguished group of leaders, and I’m happy to play a role in opening doors of opportunity and hope.”
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. Image: Screenshot from workintexas.com
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN ⎯ Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. The updated application simplifies the hiring process to help attract new talent to state jobs and is part of a broader state effort to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations in government.
“As the No.1 state for new jobs in the country, we must make finding a job easier,” said Governor Abbott. “This modernized application process implemented by the Texas Workforce Commission will ensure that Texans have every opportunity to find a good, high-paying job. By making state government more responsive and more efficient, Texans will be more prosperous than ever before.”
“The streamlined State of Texas Application offers Texans a direct link to rewarding careers and connects the state government to a wider pool of talent,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC is here to help Texans find opportunities to prosper, and this updated application reflects our commitment to that mission.”
The new state application offers a quick, two-step process that aligns with private sector hiring practices. Job seekers can now submit applications for state jobs after simply uploading their resumes and completing a brief questionnaire on WorkInTexas.com. This change saves time, ensures a seamless user experience, and opens the door to a larger pool of qualified applicants.
The modernized state application is part of a broader effort led by the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office to make government more efficient. Texans seeking career opportunities in state government are encouraged to visit WorkInTexas.com. Start your journey to a rewarding career in public service today.
Packages containing 121.34 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Roma Port of Entry. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
ROMA, Texas – Roma Port of Entry seized methamphetamine valued at more than $1 million in a single enforcement action.
“This seizure illustrates the ability of our frontline officers to apply training, inspections experience and technology to zero in on and take down a significant drug load,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma Port of Entry. “The dedication of our officers to CBP’s border security mission helps protect our communities by preventing drugs like these from reaching U.S. streets.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, March 8, at the Roma International Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 22-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 2013 Ford Explorer for secondary inspection. After conducting a nonintrusive inspection system scan and a closer physical examination, CBP officers discovered 53 packages containing a total of 121.34 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the vehicle. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $1,084,728.
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
Mayor Javier Villalobos. Photo by Roberto H. Gonzalez
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Mayor Javier Villalobos delivered his State of the City Address under the theme “The McAllen Way,” highlighting growth, economic performance, and long-term planning.
Speaking to city officials, business leaders, and residents, Villalobos pointed to continued expansion and encouraged collaboration and investment in the community.
McAllen reported a record $96.8 million in retail sales tax revenue, ranking second in Texas for sales tax per capita among cities with more than 100,000 residents.
“We are proving that McAllen is a prime destination for business and investment,” Villalobos said. “Our affordability and economic strength make us a model for other cities.”
The city was also recognized as the most affordable in the United States and issued more than 1,069 commercial and 1,291 residential permits in 2024, reflecting ongoing development.
Villalobos cited public safety as a key milestone, noting McAllen reported its lowest crime rate in 37 years and was recognized as the safest city in Texas. He attributed the results to investments in law enforcement, first responders, and traffic safety.
“Our commitment to safety is unwavering,” he said.
McAllen’s $652 million budget funds more than 180 capital improvement projects focused on roads, drainage, and water diversification. Environmental efforts through the Keep McAllen Beautiful campaign mobilized more than 4,000 volunteers, removing over 554 tons of trash and converting 230 standpipes into public art.
The city is expanding higher education and workforce programs through partnerships with UTRGV and STC in healthcare, technology, and artificial intelligence. A new $49 million Texas A&M Nursing Education & Research Building will expand medical training. STC also launched AI and manufacturing courses in partnership with Intel.
“These investments are about preparing McAllen’s youth for the jobs of tomorrow,” Villalobos said.
Tourism and air travel also grew. The McAllen Holiday Parade and South Pole Festival drew more than 340,000 visitors and generated over $100 million in hospitality revenue. McAllen International Airport reported a 29% increase in passengers and added nonstop flights to Austin, Mexico City, Cancun, and Tampa. The city also expanded trade partnerships with Mexico and European nations.
Looking ahead, Villalobos outlined plans to expand green space, including a 20-acre campground and a Center for Urban Ecology, maintain fiscal discipline, and pursue sustainable development.
“If we can, we will. That’s the McAllen Way!” he said.
Read more inside this Texas Border Business issue.
Mayor Javier Villalobos delivered an inspiring State of the City address, celebrating McAllen’s unprecedented growth, community spirit, and limitless potential. His speech was anchored in the theme: “The McAllen Way”— a philosophy of bold vision, unity, and commitment to excellence.
Key Highlights:
Unparalleled Economic Growth & Affordability
Retail sales tax revenue hit a record $96.8 million, positioning McAllen as #2 in Texas for total sales tax per capita. The city continues to be America’s most affordable city, ensuring that homeownership remains within reach. Over 1,069 commercial and 1,291 residential permits were issued in 2024, signaling a booming economy.
Public Safety & Quality of Life
McAllen is Texas’ safest city, with the lowest crime rate in 37 years. Investments in first responders, traffic safety, and new community policing initiatives continue to make McAllen a secure place to live, work, and visit.
Check out the galley below for more images of the 2026 McAllen State of The City Address. All Photos Texas Border Business:
Infrastructure & Sustainability
A $652 million budget includes 180+ capital improvement projects, focusing on roads, drainage, and water diversification. McAllen Unified Development Code & Envision McAllen 2040 streamline urban planning and foster sustainable, walkable communities. Keep McAllen Beautiful engaged 4,000+ volunteers, collecting 554+ tons of trash and transforming 230+ standpipes into public art.
Education & Workforce Development
UTRGV & STC partnerships are shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals and tech leaders. Texas A&M Health’s new $49M Nursing Education & Research Building enhances medical education in the region. McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy & AI courses at STC prepare students for the future of technology and innovation.
Tourism, Culture & Events
McAllen Holiday Parade & South Pole Festival attracted 340K+ visitors, boosting hospitality revenue beyond $100M. The city hosted 800+ events with a $91M economic impact. International relations strengthened with trade agreements and partnerships across Mexico, Europe, and beyond.
Transportation & Connectivity
McAllen International Airport recorded a 29% increase in passengers, adding new nonstop flights to Austin, Mexico City, Cancun, and Tampa. The $88M Anzalduas Bridge expansion is set to make McAllen one of America’s most efficient commercial corridors.
McAllen’s Future: Limitless Possibilities
The city is investing in parks, green spaces, and new urban forests. A 20-acre campground and state-of-the-art Center for Urban Ecology will revolutionize nature education. McAllen continues to uphold fiscal responsibility, reducing taxes while expanding city services.
The McAllen Way: A Legacy of Boldness and Unity
Throughout his speech, Mayor Villalobos reinforced that McAllen’s success is not by chance but by choice—the choice to dream big, invest wisely, and uplift the community. He left residents with a powerful call to action: “If we can, we will. That’s the McAllen Way!”
McAllen’s future is brighter than ever, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in limitless potential.
Mayor Javier Villalobos Celebrated McAllen’s 2025 State of the City!
Thank you, thank you. So good to see you all. ¡Bienvenidos! Welcome everyone to McAllen’s 2025 State of the City! It’s amazing how time flies. I can’t believe it’s my fourth State of the City. I remember the first time; how excited and nervous I was. And today I stand here more excited, and still nervous. I have shared some exciting and amazing things these past few years. And today I am excited to continue delivering great news on how our great city has been doing.
I welcome all elected and appointed officials. In reality, I welcome all public servants. I thank you for your time and for your sacrifice in serving our communities. And today I thank you for being here.
Check out the galley below for more images of the 2026 McAllen State of The City Address. All Photos Texas Border Business:
Above all, I welcome our residents to today’s address. You are the reason we serve, and you are the people behind our purpose.
As mayor, and your servant, I too have had to make sacrifices. And I’ll tell you, the hardest sacrifice is the lack of time with my family. Alina, Jaime, Miranda, Javi, thank you for your understanding and for always standing with me. To my beautiful wife Annette, through ever changing times and circumstances, you have stood by my side as my pillar, my rock, and my cornerstone. You have made me strong. For that I will always love you and protect you.
I want to recognize our city partners that helped us create this once again, record-breaking event. Through this event, your generosity benefits McAllen nonprofits throughout the year.
With all my heart, I thank our Titanium, Platinum, and Gold sponsors for supporting our city and I give special thanks to our Diamond sponsors:
Bert Ogden Auto Group – Thank you!
CIL – and our good friend Joaquin Spamer!
Linebarger Attorneys at Law – Thank you for all you do!
McAllen Hidalgo/Anzalduas International Bridges – ¡Gracias!
Ruby Red Hospitality – Thank you to the Patel family!
Starr Camargo Bridge – Thank you, the Vail family!
Texas A&M University – Thank you Manny, Sandy!
And Zoho – with our good friend Raj!
To all sponsors who care so much about our city, ¡Muchísimas gracias! Thank you!
McAllen has never been better. But we did not arrive at this moment overnight. We definitely did not get here on our own. We must recognize those who came before us and walked this path in times when our future was not certain. I want to recognize the hard work and perseverance of McAllen’s earlier generations that left us with a foundation to build upon and a legacy to continue.
Today, furthering that legacy has become our way of life. It is our way to break barriers. It is our way to think long-term and make bold investments in our future. It is our way to work together for the common good. And it is our way to take care of one another and leave no one, absolutely no one, behind.
Today, we will show the world what happens when you build a city the McAllen Way, a city that sees its future potential as limitless. What does the McAllen way mean?
The McAllen Way is without limits, because we know our potential as a city is limitless. The McAllen Way is to dream big, start small, and act together with a specific purpose.
The McAllen Way is putting our values into action and honoring our past as we embrace new ideas and bold objectives. The McAllen Way is to act with kindness to one another and build projects that benefit everyone in our community. And it is the McAllen Way to see our cultural heritage as a legacy worth keeping for future generations.
When we do things for our city, I want us to think and ask ourselves, “Are we bold enough? Does this honor our values? Will this create a better city for our future? If we are going to do anything, we should do it the McAllen Way!
My own understanding of the McAllen Way comes from my heritage and my father. I remember the sweat on his brow after a long day. I remember his weathered skin, hands, boots, and his work clothes. I remember the scent of fuel, sweat, and dirt. But what I remember the most, is his pride because he was providing for his family.
Now as mayor, I see men and women like him working tirelessly to build a future for their families. A future my father could have hardly imagined at the time. A future as now, where nothing is seen as impossible. Working hard, working with pride, that is what the McAllen Way is all about.
I want you to think about how the McAllen Way is limitless. You now live in a city where our children will learn alongside UTRGV researchers at the new Quinta Mazatlán Center for Urban Ecology.
You live in a city that will serve as one of America’s most efficient commercial corridors with the expanded Anzalduas Bridge. And you live in a city that will solve water needs for future generations by implementing bold plans and state-of-the-art technology. That, my friends, that is the McAllen Way! It is the McAllen Way to say if we can, we will. If we can, we will!
We said before, if we can build on the best of America’s past, we will make a city that looks like America’s future. Today, McAllen is a place where our quality of life is valued, and our safety is assured through the dedication of our compassionate public servants.
It is the McAllen Way to create world-class destination events that draw guests to our city and provide year-round celebrations for our residents and visitors.
We also always look to future generations. Investing in higher education, conservation, and enterprise has always been the McAllen Way. We are proud of our community spirit and the limitless potential of that next generation. Ladies and gentlemen, I am ready to show the world what the McAllen Way has accomplished.
It is my duty today to deliver the State of the City. And as I stand before you today, I say with great pride, with great honor, and with great enthusiasm, that the State of McAllen is strong, stronger than ever!
I am proud to say that McAllen is strong in ways that benefit everyone. As housing costs soar across the country, McAllen is a city where the American dream is still affordable. And why wouldn’t it be?
People believe and invest in McAllen, creating new subdivisions which create new inventory of homes and keeping the cost of homes affordable. To all investors, developers, realtors who have believed in McAllen, thank you for keeping us affordable. ¡Muchísimas gracias! And McAllen was ranked #1 in America for most affordable cost of living, providing limitless possibilities for McAllen families.
In my years as Mayor, some of my proudest moments have been when we are recognized as the one of America safest cities year-after-year. Not only am I comforted by the safety we all enjoy, but I am also thankful for our residents who take pride in our city, who are law abiding, and care about the rule of law. And of course, I thank our police department and our first responders who work hard to keep us safe. Thank You!
Being safe is the McAllen Way, and in 2024, McAllen reported our lowest crime rate in 37 years! Ladies and gentlemen, we live in one of the safest cities in the whole United States! We are number one in Texas, and Texas is a very big state!
Now hospitality and innovation are the McAllen Way, and it’s why we created a year-round calendar of events for guests and residents. We again earned the IFEA World Festival and Event City Award for creating tremendous community and economic capital as a destination city. And we remain an accessible destination, ranking in the top 5 affordable cities to visit in Texas. Because when McAllen throws a party, when we throw a pachanga, everyone is invited!
In 2024, McAllen’s retail dominance broke records. As Mayor, I’ve reported record-setting retail sales before; but never have McAllen retailers earned 96.8 million dollars in sales tax revenues for our city. People believe in McAllen, they eat in McAllen, they shop in McAllen, and they just overall enjoy our great city of McAllen. Thank you all for buying in McAllen!
McAllen is now second in total sales tax per capita in Texas among cities with more than one hundred-thousand residents; and we again lead the Rio Grande Valley in sales tax revenue.
It feels like McAllen’s retail potential is limitless, but we must recognize the efforts of our retail partners to reach this level of success. Reinvesting in our people is the McAllen Way. Our retail success has helped us continue delivering tax relief to our residents and still deliver quality city services.
Because of our great retail partners and the consumers that enjoy our city, our Commission has reduced McAllen’s tax rate for 4 consecutive years.
Holding the line on taxes, protecting property values, and all with full transparency. Promises made, promises kept. Thank you, commissioners!
And thanks to 2024’s record sales tax revenue, our City Commission’s strategic business plan is well underway. I applaud their vision that follows McAllen’s way of balancing ambition with affordability. I am proud to share McAllen’s ambitious $652-million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year: a momentous joint effort between our Commission and administration.
I want to recognize our new City Manager, Issac Tawil. Ike, thank you and our team for the leadership in drafting, organizing, and implementing this historic budget.
This new budget accomplishes our City Commission’s goals and sets the foundation for limitless opportunities for McAllen. Ike, we truly appreciate you and your team’s efforts. Please stand and be recognized.
The McAllen way is safe and fiscally sound. Our budget is backed by a $153 million general fund that provides 232 days of working capital, a number exceeding our required reserve of 140 days.
Now, imagine – a future where our families live, work, and play in walkable public spaces that strengthen our bonds as a community. In December of 2024, we didn’t just imagine it. We took action to build it by adopting a groundbreaking McAllen Unified Development Code (UDC). The UDC is a complete overhaul of development ordinances which were unchanged since the 1970’s. But that was not all, we went further. We created Envision McAllen 2040.
Envision McAllen 2040 is the award-winning plan we prepared over my past three years as Mayor; and the first plan of its kind in South Texas. Envision McAllen promotes mixed-use developments by relaxing restrictions and infill development to reduce the time and money required to break new ground.
Building a better future for our next generation is the McAllen Way, and I give thanks to everyone who worked to make Envision McAllen possible. Thank you! ¡Muchísimas gracias!
Ladies and gentlemen, join me in listening to a message from Mayor Pro-Tem Omar Quintanilla, about how greater business development is the McAllen Way for our growing city.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner Omar Quintanilla. He spoke from the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, on UDC vision for residents, businesses and community partners. Thank you, Commissioner Quintanilla.
Celebrating and sharing the best of our culture is the McAllen Way. We show it by welcoming millions of guests each year to our city’s events and celebrations, all created from the limitless imagination of our talented city teams.
I applaud our city and volunteers for producing world-class events that bring guests to our city, opportunities for our businesses, and entertainment for our residents and guests.
McAllen won over 75 IFEA awards in 2024, an accomplishment our city departments, volunteers, and private partners should be proud of. We won awards for hosting more than 800 events that generated more than $91 million of economic impact. We are honored to share these awards with cities much, much larger than ours.
Together, we created events like the new South Pole Illuminated Festival, with the nation’s tallest digital Christmas tree and the new Driscoll Electric Parade, featuring trompitos – our new spinning floats, illuminated floats, holiday balloons, and Santa!
Not only did we welcome more than 140 thousand guests to the South Pole Illuminated Festival, for one special night, we brought the magic to young patients at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. But the parade was not the magic, the magic was the smiles on the children’s faces.
And we did it together! Thanks to the support of H-E-B, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Driscoll Health Plan, Lone Star National Bank, Sames McAllen Lincoln, McAllen International Airport, and Reliant Energy. Thank you all! What a magical event that was!
The 2024 McAllen Holiday Parade presented by H‐E‐B and powered by Bert Ogden returned for our 11th year and welcomed more than 200 thousand guests to celebrate Noche Mágica – our theme honoring our culture and holiday traditions.
Our parade is the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas and has been recognized as the world’s best parade eight times! It showcased over 35 giant balloons, celebrity guests, a national broadcast, and sold-out engagements at the South Padre Island Vuelta Zone and McAllen International Airport Skybox.
Destination events like the McAllen Holiday Parade and South Pole Illuminated Festival are a yearly tradition in our community that attracts overnight guests and tourism that benefits our hospitality industry. Those guests helped our hotels report over $100 million d in revenue for three consecutive years. And while those guests are in our city, they pour dollars into our stores and restaurants.
Some guests even say they just travel here for our food! Our guests enjoyed more than 1,200 dining spots in our city known for our food and hospitality, because as we know, good food and a good time is the McAllen Way.
Island Travel Magazine even called us a southern foodie destination, saying quote – “Whether you’re looking for affordable living, dynamite food, or a thriving and diverse community, this bustling Texas gem offers so much value it feels like the state’s, and maybe the country’s, best-kept secret.” But it’s no secret to us!
The McAllen Way is to partner with local businesses and nonprofits to do big things. In ‘24, the McAllen Performing Arts Center partnered with one of the world’s largest live theater operators to bring top Broadway shows to our region. We connected people with our art and culture at festivals like Fiesta de Palmas and MXLAN, where we honor our roots through music, art, and food traditions.
These celebrations are part of our commitment to connect our next generation with our shared past while encouraging them to embrace the limitless possibilities of their future.
And we did that. At the MXLAN Economic Summit, we hosted a sister cities trade mission that welcomed over 40 businesses and 90 participants from Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Jalisco, Tamaulipas, and more. The Summit helped build more than 37 emerging business partnerships and new opportunities for McAllen.
We also created McAllen’s Department of International Relations and had an immediate impact in 2024. In our 1st year, we hosted Consuls from Ireland and France. We welcomed the Governor of San Luís Potosí and sister city delegations from Apodaca, Puerto Vallarta, Victoria, Reynosa, and Monterey. We welcomed delegations from partnering states in Mexico like Aguascalientes, Chihuahua, Durango, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.
In Mexico City, we hosted McAllen Day, and in Monterrey, we secured agreements with World Trade Center-Monterrey at the Universidad Autónoma De Nuevo León, and with the COMCE Noreste – the Mexican Council for Foreign Trade. And we just signed a trade agreement with the State of San Luís Potosí, a Reaffirmation of Sister City Agreement with the San Luís Capital, and McAllen’s FIRST Friendship Partnership Agreement with Tampico.
McAllen’s agreements will boost economic growth, help develop new businesses, build cultural connections, and bring our nations and people closer. People ask me why I am so frequently in Mexico. Simple, Mexico believes in McAllen, Mexico embraces McAllen, Mexico invests in McAllen y quiero que sepan mis amigos mexicanos que McAllen siempre apoyara a México.
We depend on each other for trade and commerce, tourism, and many times, we are just family. A todos mis amigos mexicanos, to all my Mexican friends, please stand up and be recognized. Together, the possibilities are limitless.
I now welcome Commissioner J.J. Zamora to share a story about how McAllen brought the South Pole of Texas to those that matter most.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner J.J. Zamora. He spoke from McAllen Metro North Station, about The South Pole Express, Capable Kids and Driscoll Electric Parade. Thank you, Commissioner Zamora.
Creating a city where our children can dream without limits, this is the McAllen Way. Today I am proud to announce that we are on the doorstep of changing the way our children will interact with nature for generations.
At Quinta Mazatlán, we broke ground on a historic partnership between McAllen, UTRGV, and several other stakeholders to build the Center for Urban Ecology. The $76 million facility has quickly risen over McAllen, featuring 500 tons, and 70-foot-tall Wings of Steel, a 14-acre research center, and a 5-acre discovery garden that will be the first of its kind in the United States.
Once completed in early 2026, guests from around the world will experience more than 20 attractions and see more than 24,000 new native plants. Together, we will open a new door for students to learn about balancing sustainability, ecotourism, and their health and wellness. That, that is the McAllen Way.
We thank Doctor Guy Bailey, Senator Juan Chuy Hinojosa, Senator Adam Hinojosa, all the valley delegation, Congresswoman De La Cruz, County Commissioners Elle, Eddie, Ever, David, and County Judge Cortez, but most importantly we thank the Friends of Quinta Mazatlán, led by Val La Mantia and John Gerling who were instrumental and worked tirelessly in securing the funding for this momentous project! Once again showing, that in McAllen, our potential is limitless. In McAllen if we can, we will! To all named and every community partner who did it the McAllen Way – please stand and be recognized.
This generational project will leave our world better than how we found it, that is the McAllen Way. But McAllen has been making huge strides for years with Keep McAllen Beautiful. We organized more than 4,025 volunteers who invested more than 12,228 service hours to make McAllen Shine like never before.
Together, they launched cleanups around the city and collected more than 554 tons of trash and debris. On behalf of our entire community, thanks to all Volunteers, to our Public Works, to our Residents. Thank you, for keeping McAllen Beautiful! ¡Gracias!
And Keep McAllen Beautiful let our community’s limitless creativity shine through our standpipes and art. As of Today, local artists have transformed more than 230 standpipes into beautiful works of art. 84 were painted in 2024 alone. I am proud to report that we have painted more than half of all of our standpipes in McAllen and this is only the beginning!
This initiative has provided an opportunity for local artists to demonstrate their talents, highlight our community and culture, and change the way McAllen will be seen for generations to come. The Houston Chronicle and I quote wrote, “McAllen’s irrigation-pipe murals put Valley city on the art-world map”, that is the McAllen way. Let’s give all these talented artists a big hand!
The McAllen way is to make sure every resident and visitor of McAllen shares in one common goal. Last year I stood here and said we would launch a citywide McAllen Shines campaign to spark a cultural shift toward civic pride in keeping our community welcoming and beautiful. I am proud to report we did it the McAllen Way.
We launched the campaign with a press event to kick off the McAllen Shines campaign, and then successfully visited our local elementary schools and deputized over 4,000 of our youngest citizens. Through this new initiative we will continue to empower our citizens to do the right thing, beautify our city, and shine for years to come. This is a change in culture and will take years. But little by little, with everyone’s help, we will reach our goal. I ask you to help me make McAllen Shine.
Last year, for his work at Nolana Tower, McAllen Shines recognized its 1st community champion for his commitment to being a shining example of making McAllen a better place to live and doing it the McAllen way. Help me in congratulating and thanking Mr. Alonzo Cantu.
Last year, McAllen was once again recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management! The McAllen Way includes a community that cares for sustainability, and it’s people.
Today I am proud to announce that we have made life changing investments into our health care system by investing in our regional partners in higher education. Our partnership with UTRGV continues to flourish with a $1-million investment into the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center which will open this year.
UTRGV is a world-class university, and through their partnership, we officially opened another McAllen first in October of 2024 – the McAllen ISD Collegiate Academy.
McAllen ISD Students now benefit from a 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art science lab and lecture hall, while choosing from 4 study tracks – health science, computer science, engineering, or education. Just another reason why UTRGV is ranked #1 in Texas for providing high-quality education that’s both affordable and accessible. Thank you UTRGV!!!
And South Texas College is another important partner in education for the City of McAllen. STC’s programs include their Nursing and Allied Health Program and the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. McAllen is proud to invest more than $2 million over the past three years to help train these much-needed healthcare professionals and logistic-manufacturing graduates. And our investment quickly bore fruit. Just 2 weeks ago, it was announced that STC’s nursing graduates ranked in the top of the state with 98% and 95% passing rate for RN’s and VN’s respectively. Congratulations to STC and its nursing program!!!
Innovation is the McAllen Way, some of these funds will go to new programs starting this year. In partnership with Intel Corporation, STC will introduce the region’s first Artificial Intelligence courses in manufacturing. This exciting new program is gaining National attention and will teach cutting edge manufacturing, programming and coding using Intel data.
I also congratulate STC for ranking as the most affordable online bachelor’s degree program nationwide and creating the STC Promise Program providing dual credit at zero cost for high school students and an opportunity for all to attend at possibly no cost tuition. Thank you STC!
It is the McAllen Way to care for its own, that is why we are so proud to see the groundbreaking of the new $49-million Texas A & M Health Nursing Education and Research Building, the future home of the Texas A&M School of Nursing, veterinary medicine and biomedical research. Right here in McAllen!
The nearly 61,000-square-foot building will include nursing classrooms, study areas, a 10,000-square-foot clinical simulation center and space for a veterinary clinic and research laboratory. What an amazing accomplishment and just another way we are unlocking a future of limitless potential in McAllen!
Our institutions of higher education are creating exactly what our businesses need, and that ladies and gentlemen is Educated Human Capital. And the McAllen Way is a shining example of work-life balance in a growing community with ever-expanding green spaces.
Let’s now hear from Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, about how the McAllen Way will soar to new heights.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner Pepe Cabeza De Vaca. Thank you, Commissioner Cabeza de Vaca.
Connecting our city with the people and places that matter most, this is the McAllen Way. In ‘24, I am proud to report that we reached historic new heights in both air and land travel. The McAllen International Airport had a record year with a 29% increase in passengers and 59% increase in flights. Once again breaking all previous records held throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations McAllen Airport for your new record of more than 1.2 million passengers in 2024.
And in the peak of all summer travel, July of 2024, our airport reported a 70% increase in flights, #1 in the nation. This accomplishment reflects the airport’s continued record-breaking growth and enhanced connectivity, due in large part to the addition of three new air carriers and four new nonstop destinations: Austin, Cancun, Mexico City, and Tampa-St. Petersburg.
McAllen International Airport now features nine nonstop destinations including daily non-stop service to Mexico City and three daily non-stop flights to our state capital via Delta Airlines. And travelers stayed connected to our favorite sports brands by building on McAllen’s corporate partnership with the Dallas Cowboys. Go Cowboys!!!!
Last year we once again supported student athletes through a unique partnership with our favorite and fastest-growing sports brand in the region- the UTRGV Vaqueros. We look forward to cheering on the new football team as they fly out of the Official Airport of the UTRGV Vaqueros. Go Vaqueros!
Our Airport partners went above and beyond to improve the traveler experience when Congresswoman De La Cruz secured a $7.4 million grant, an unprecedented investment in McAllen’s infrastructure.
Thank you, Congresswoman De La Cruz, for helping us secure these important dollars for our Airport and our Community! Thank you!!!
Travelers now enjoy improved boarding bridges, terminal amenities, runway improvements, a sit-down bar, and a VIP lounge coming very soon! Our next step as the leader in regional air travel is a new terminal expansion, coming soon.
And in the spirit of efficient local travel, Metro McAllen held its grand opening of the new North Transfer Center in March 2024. This new 8,000 square foot facility now serves as the new transit hub for McAllen’s northern sector.
This HUB, combined with a system redesign, immediately shortened headways, added four new routes, and realigned routes across the region. With fares of only $1 for adults and free for children under 6, the McAllen Way is to improve mobility for all.
Investing in new transit infrastructure helped us be recognized as the only city in America to reduce traffic and congestion in 2024. You may not believe it, especially around Christmas time, but yes, we did, and that is the McAllen Way.
The spirit of an international city is always connected with our friends abroad. The McAllen-Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges are a shining example of McAllen’s global connectivity. Our bridges connect us to broader economic development, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic ties between our countries.
Last year, we connected more than 19.3 million vehicles and pedestrians northbound to McAllen’s retail and hospitality businesses, and to our award-winning destination events. Commercial truck empties reported a 100% increase year over year.
McAllen’s international bridges position us as an international city where commerce, trade and tourism thrive. I am proud to announce that we will be opening our new $88 million Anzalduas Expansion later this year. This project proudly received a grant for Rebuilding America that recognizes nationally significant projects that move freight and people like no other, and we do that well. Why? Because that’s the McAllen Way.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Commissioner Rudy Castillo, to talk about our city’s power to connect people through our international bridges.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner Rudy Castillo. Thank you, Commissioner Castillo.
McAllen’s spirit of caring kept our city safe in 2024. Together, we have built a community where public safety is not just a priority, but a shared responsibility, because that’s the McAllen Way.
I am proud to report that we were recognized as the safest city in Texas. We recorded our lowest crime in 37 years. And I am proud to say, we have more officers per resident than any city in South Texas.
The McAllen way says we will always balance public safety with personal growth. A new teen court program was launched to provide teens charged with class C misdemeanors the opportunity to participate in a court system with teen jurors, attorneys, bailiffs, and witnesses. This we do in hopes that they better understand their personal situation.
More than 127 teens have successfully completed this innovative program and had their charges dismissed in the process. It’s been incredible to see the growth from our teen volunteers and we look forward to inspiring future leaders in the legal and law enforcement fields.
McAllen’s investments in public safety have helped our city’s quality of life increase over the past three years, but we have recently created a new traffic department to ensure you are getting where you need to be safer and faster, because that’s the McAllen Way.
Here is Commissioner Haddad, with a message about how McAllen is keeping our community safe.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner Victor Haddad. Thank you, Commissioner Haddad.
To help our residents help themselves is the McAllen Way. Together, the Development Corporation of McAllen, our general fund, and CDBG combined to fund $9.3 million for key city improvements and local nonprofits.
McAllen’s nonprofits preserve our history, improve literacy, inspire small business, mentor our youth, counsel those in need, and step up to ensure every resident is treated with dignity and respect. I thank our local organizations and non‐profits for caring the McAllen way. Thanks to all of you!
The McAllen way encourages us to do things both big and small, because small acts of kindness can be the start of something big. We have “Imagine Tomorrow,” an incentive program for residents in need of home repairs, demolition, and renovations.
To date, our residents have taken full advantage of this program by investing more than $23 million of their own money to renovate 148 homes. This is a huge return on McAllen’s modest investment of $920,000.
Incentivizing our community to shine, that’s the McAllen Way. The McAllen Retail & Business development office also invested in beautifying our city with the Refresh 50/50 grant program.
We invested $986,000 to encourage small business to spend more than $2.5 million to refresh storefronts and modernize historic downtown McAllen. Preserving our character and hometown spirit, that is the McAllen way.
And there is no investment more important than our future generations. We continue to encourage a healthier McAllen. Last year we won our 7th consecutive It’s Time Texas challenge. This annual event challenges cities statewide to help their residents make small changes to improve their overall health, proving again that in McAllen if we can, we will! And we do it the McAllen way.
To keep McAllen healthy, we continued to grow our ecosystem of 98 parks and green spaces now totaling more than one thousand beautiful acres and 34 miles of hike and bike trails. Just last year the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department opened 2 new urban forests, a refreshed tennis court, soccer field, splash pad, and a new outdoor learning and special sensory environment.
And we officially broke ground on a new, 20-acre McAllen campground that will offer our children archery, fishing, boating, hiking and overnight camping. This park will officially open later this year! And we invested, we invested whatever we needed to, to help thousands of families create lifelong memories… because if we can, we will.
Our libraries continued to reach new heights of attendance with a record-breaking 16,495 guests at our South Texas Book Festival which earned the prestigious Grand Pinnacle Award.
And that’s not all- McAllen’s investments in public safety have helped our city’s quality of life increase significantly over the past three years. In McAllen we are always ready to help our neighbors on both sides of the border, because that’s the McAllen Way.
Here is Commissioner Tony Aguirre, on how McAllen’s spirit of kindness is helping us when we need it most.
A vignette was presented by: Commissioner Tony Aguirre. Thank you, Commissioner Aguirre.
When our citizens share our vision, our potential is limitless. Congratulations to McAllen’s Office of Communications for being recognized for their excellence with 5 statewide Texas Municipal League awards.
The McAllen way is to always be efficient and intelligent with our resources. I’m proud to recognize McAllen’s City Secretary’s office for being honored with the prestigious 5-star exemplary state award for their efficient processing of more than 12,000 vital records. To our Office of Communications and City Secretary’s Office, congratulations!
And we saw solid improvements to McAllen’s roads, water systems, and public infrastructure. And to keep McAllen’s streets safe, our engineering team is proud to report 16 planned storm water drainage projects have been completed with a massive investment of $12.9 million.
And now friends, let’s hear how McAllen is diversifying our water sources for generations to come from the McAllen Public Utilities Board.
A vignette was presented by: McAllen Public Utilities. Thank you!
You know we are blessed to have one of the best water systems in the whole state of Texas! 2024 was a challenge for many communities facing an uncertain future. For McAllen, it was a chance to show the world that the McAllen Way is limitless.
McAllen issued more than 1,291 residential permits totaling more than 232 million dollars in construction value– a 42% increase year over year. We welcomed more families to our community with a 28% increase in new subdivisions. And more homes drove demand for more businesses, with 1,069 commercial permits totaling more than $131 million in construction value, that’s a combined total of $363.3 million in 2024 alone!
Our record $652 million budget will create more than 180 capital improvement projects, while for the third year in a row we reported the largest and most robust fund balances in our city’s history. We created an environment where our businesses earned record-breaking sales tax revenue of $96.8 million.
And we wisely reinvested that revenue into our community through one of our most ambitious budgets ever. McAllen once again delivered tax relief, improved our infrastructure, and diversified our water resources for 100 years.
We invested in our international bridges, education, transit, libraries, firefighters, non-profits, and most importantly in McAllen. In McAllen we invested in you, our residents, our guests!
McAllen balanced growth with sustainability with more green spaces, conservation efforts, and innovative initiatives to preserve and beautify our city. We grew as a destination city and welcomed thousands of guests and recognized millions in revenue. And we did it all as one of America’s safest cities, with a nationally recognized quality of life.
We have dreamt without limits for the past three years. I have been honored to serve as your Mayor. And we have changed our community for the better for years to come. Promises made, promises kept, that is the McAllen Way.
Thank you, and God bless each and every one of you. And God bless our great city of McAllen.
