Roberto H. Gonzalez

Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza said infrastructure improvements, economic development and public safety have defined her first term and remain her priorities if reelected.

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Impulso Developments and NAI STX, held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new commercial retail development at 705 W. Nolana Loop, marking another investment in the city's continuing commercial growth.

Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza said the city's acquisition of a 17-acre property near Tower Road and the expressway is intended to position the city for long-term economic growth by creating a commercial development that expands the tax base, generates jobs and provides new retail and dining opportunities.

Efrain Gomez Jr., treasurer of the South Texas Builders Association, called for legal workforce pathways, expanded construction training and continued cooperation between employers and elected officials during a regional forum focused on labor shortages and housing affordability.

When Felida Villarreal became president and chief executive officer of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) in 2022 at age 27, she assumed the leadership of one of South Texas' most established workforce development nonprofits— and the scrutiny that often accompanies young executives.

U.S. Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez told members of the South Texas Builders Association that immigration reform, workforce shortages and housing affordability require bipartisan solutions, arguing that the construction industry needs legal pathways to maintain an adequate labor force.

South Texas Builders Association CEO Mario Guerrero urged elected officials, business leaders and residents to pursue practical workforce solutions and bipartisan cooperation during a forum focused on immigration, construction and the regional economy.

As financial fraud continues to affect consumers and businesses across the country, Texas Regional Bank Chairman and CEO Michael Scaief is urging Texans to make fraud prevention part of everyday life, arguing that protecting financial accounts is no longer solely the responsibility of banks but also of every household and workplace.

Economic development leaders from across Rio South Texas told business representatives from the San Luis Potosí Automotive Cluster that regional collaboration, transportation infrastructure and workforce development position South Texas as a strategic partner for Mexico's expanding automotive industry.

Texas State Rep. Christina Morales of Houston used a brief appearance at the conclusion of a South Texas Builders Association forum to call for humane immigration policies, honor construction worker Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and encourage voters to consider candidates' positions on immigration.