Roberto H. Gonzalez

At the McAllen Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon on October 3, state lawmakers and city leaders reviewed the 89th Texas Legislative Session, pointing to major action on water, education, tax relief, and health care. The event, hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, drew a bipartisan panel of legislators.

South Texas College (STC) celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new Kinesiology & Wellness Center at the Pecan Campus, a project years in the making.

The Mission Economic Development Corporation (Mission EDC) has unveiled a new website, positioning it as a one-stop hub for business resources, programs, and opportunities in Mission, Texas.

Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra’s decision not to seek reelection has opened the field for a competitive race to represent Texas House District 41.

Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra, a Democrat representing Texas House District 41, has announced he will not seek reelection when his term expires in January 2027.

The much-anticipated opening of IKEA in Pharr drew hundreds of residents and community leaders together to celebrate a project described as both “game changing” and “remarkably efficient.” The Swedish retailer’s arrival is not only a major retail milestone but also a symbol of economic growth and opportunity for the Rio Grande Valley.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Mark Murray, president of Futuro RGV,” Murray began, noting the “somber” news that “Edinburg City Council member Jerry Lozano’s son passed this morning” and asking the audience to join him in a moment of silence. He then outlined the ground rules for the Futuro RGV 2025 Edinburg Mayoral Candidate Forum, a 90-minute debate.

The City of Pharr is celebrating a major milestone with the grand opening of IKEA’s first small-format store in the United States and the company’s first location in the Rio Grande Valley. City leaders, business partners, and IKEA executives say the project represents years of persistence, regional growth, and strong community partnerships.

Governor Greg Abbott highlighted Texas’ expanding economic influence during the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC) Investor Summit, held at Hillwood’s Circle T Ranch in Westlake and hosted by Ross Perot, Jr. Themed “Texas Takeover: America’s New Financial Hub,” the summit convened more than 200 business leaders, investors, and officials from across the state and the nation.

At a Texas Tribune event in Edinburg, local leaders, economists, and business executives examined the Rio Grande Valley’s economic outlook, highlighting opportunities in trade, housing, and workforce development while noting ongoing challenges.