Roberto H. Gonzalez

DAY ONE: The third annual Rio Grande Valley Utility Conference opened Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, bringing together water and wastewater professionals, engineers, government officials and industry exhibitors for three days of education and networking.

For Rio Grande Valley residents considering business ownership, November 13 offers an opportunity to sit across the table from franchise representatives, ask questions about investment requirements, and explore the possibility of operating an established brand.

Sunshine Haven has named Brownsville businessman and community leader Jim Tipton as its 2026 Angels Among Us award recipient, recognizing his longstanding involvement in civic organizations and community service throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Texas residents are approaching the November 3, 2026, general election, with early voting scheduled to begin Monday, October 19, and continue through Friday, October 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

What began as a community's desire to preserve its past has become a 20-year commitment to protecting McAllen's history, culture, and identity. In 2026, the McAllen Heritage Center, Inc. – Museum of History & Culture (MHC) celebrates two decades of service, marking a milestone made possible by the determination of its founders, the generosity of residents, and the continuing support of the City of McAllen.

Pedro “Pete” Alvarez, district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation’s eight-county Pharr District, urged Rio Grande Valley leaders to coordinate transportation priorities, prepare projects for construction and address drainage challenges during an infrastructure summit held October 20, 2026, at the Mission Event Center.

Brian R. Barth, deputy executive director for program delivery at the Texas Department of Transportation, said regional cooperation and construction-ready projects are essential for securing transportation investments in the Rio Grande Valley.

AACT NOW is reminding Rio Grande Valley residents that early voting for the November 3, 2026, general election concludes Friday, October 30, leaving voters several days to participate before Election Day.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade outlined the scale of the state's transportation investment and the importance of regional cooperation during the Rio Grande Valley Partnership Infrastructure Summit on October 20, 2026, at the Mission Event Center.

Harlingen will host the Texas–Mexico Manufacturing Ecosystem Forum on May 12-13, 2027, bringing a new binational industrial event to the Rio South Texas region at the Harlingen Convention Center.