Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. played a leading role in the South Texas Alliance of Cities’ inaugural Mayors’ Mission to Mexico, a four-day initiative held from May 11 to 14, 2025. The mission aimed to foster deeper collaboration between South Texas municipalities and Mexican government and business leaders on key issues, including trade, infrastructure, and regional economic development.
Mayor Cowen was joined by Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and other South Texas officials during meetings in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Together, they engaged in policy discussions with Nuevo León Governor Samuel García and U.S. Consul General Melissa A. Bishop. These talks, held at the Government Palace’s Salón Juárez on May 14, focused on enhancing trade logistics, modernizing border infrastructure, and coordinating efforts around the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Monterrey is set to host.
Mayor Cowen emphasized the importance of regional unity during the visit, stating, “Leaders in Nuevo León came together to advance a shared vision for economic strength and regional collaboration. I am proud to stand alongside Governor Samuel García, Mayor Victor Treviño of Laredo, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio as we build on South Texas’s role as a powerhouse for industry and innovation.”
In Monterrey, the delegation discussed key infrastructure projects, including the Colombia Bridge expansion and a new highway connection between Monterrey and Texas, both of which are critical to improving commercial flow and trade capacity. These discussions reinforced the strategic importance of Brownsville and other South Texas cities in the evolving U.S.-Mexico trade corridor.
The mission continued in Mexico City, where the mayor’s planned meetings with national government officials and private-sector leaders. Topics included migration, rail infrastructure, water resource agreements, and economic opportunities tied to international trade. Mayor Cowen’s participation highlighted Brownsville’s commitment to being an active player in shaping cross-border solutions and promoting regional prosperity.
Mayor Treviño of Laredo also highlighted the region’s role as a leading port of entry and discussed fair trade policies, immigration, and binational infrastructure. Mayor Nirenberg brought the perspective of one of Texas’s largest cities to the table, focusing on shared metropolitan challenges and growth strategies.
The Mayors’ Mission to Mexico, organized by the South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC), marked a significant milestone in regional diplomacy. Mayor Cowen’s engagement throughout the mission demonstrated his administration’s focus on economic development and international cooperation. By working alongside fellow mayors and Mexican leaders, Cowen reaffirmed Brownsville’s role as a vital partner in building a stronger, more interconnected future for the South Texas-Mexico region.
