Roberto H. Gonzalez

The City of McAllen is taking an innovative approach to workforce development by partnering with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and local businesses to create new opportunities for students and small enterprises.

By Roberto Hugo González | Texas Border Business You’re reading one of 12 exclusive stories from the McAllen City Manager’s Update—brought to you by Texas...

During his recent presentation at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Series, City Manager Isaac J. “Ike” Tawil announced that the McAllen City Commission approved a new city budget that includes a modest tax-rate reduction, made possible by steady increases in local property values and continued economic expansion.

With a packed audience at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce, City Manager Isaac J. “Ike” Tawil set the tone from the first minutes: approachable, energetic, and focused. He opened with thanks, humor about “buying food and hiring a clown,” and a heartfelt shout-out to a 101-year-old community supporter. It was vintage Ike—warm and unscripted—but his message was clear: McAllen is building a “community of opportunity and excitement,” and City Hall’s job is to be the fuel for that engine.

After this article, subscribers to Texas Border Business will enjoy FREE access to twelve short stories in this special series. Texas Border Business takes you inside the projects, partnerships, and people driving McAllen’s transformation. From the Boeye Reservoir redevelopment to innovations reshaping public safety, mobility, and the environment, each story highlights a different dimension of a city on the rise—ambitious, united, and unmistakably ready for the future.

McAllen’s Entertainment and Cultural Overlay District, commonly known as the 17th Street entertainment district, was created in 2005 to allow bars, clubs, and music venues to operate under special permits with added safety requirements.

Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business Teclo Garcia, CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, announced that the Ruby Red Ventures...

The Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle in San Juan, Texas, held its annual Sharing Basket Thanksgiving Food Distribution on November 25, 2025.

The McAllen Citizens League luncheon brought together local leaders, community members, and supporters to hear an update on the McAllen Heritage Center from its executive director, Elva L. Cerda. The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from McAllen Citizens League President Judith Flores Saldivar, who said it was her “privilege and honor to serve as board president” of an organization with “a rich history in our community.” She thanked attendees for taking time out of their busy day to attend the event.

Texas Border Business Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business PHARR, Texas - Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), met Monday with the South Texas Builders Association...