Texas Border Business
For the eighth year in a row, the City of McAllen has once again earned the top spot in the Large City category of the Healthier Texas Community Challenge, a statewide health and wellness competition that inspires Texans to prioritize healthy habits and community well-being. In partnership with McAllen I.S.D., the city logged an impressive 2,824,300 million points; 2,712.60
miles walked; and 149,331 minutes of physical activity—securing its spot as the leading healthy city in Texas for cities of its size.
“This win isn’t just about points, it’s about people. It reflects a true community-wide commitment to healthier living,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Through partnerships, like the one we have with McAllen I.S.D., and through the free public health and recreational infrastructure we’ve built, we continue to promote The McAllen Way: active, connected, and healthy.”
McAllen’s victory in the 2025 Healthier Texas Community Challenge demonstrates its continued leadership in wellness, not only by racking up points, but also through year-round support for healthy lifestyles. With over 414 acres of city parks, almost 25 miles of scenic hike and bike trails, and four community centers, and three nature centers, McAllen offers countless free opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active—indoors and out.
In collaboration with McAllen I.S.D., students, families, and faculty joined forces with the City of McAllen to log activities and encourage healthy habits that start young and last a lifetime. The school district was instrumental in McAllen’s success, integrating the challenge into school activities and building momentum across campuses.
“This isn’t just an award—this is a statement,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “It proves that McAllen is setting the standard for health and wellness in Texas. And we’re doing it in a way that’s inclusive, accessible, and community driven.”
The Healthy Texas Challenge encourages mayors, businesses, schools, and individuals to commit to healthy living by tracking physical activity, healthy meals, water intake, and participation in community wellness events. McAllen residents and stakeholders responded in force—highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the city.
The City of McAllen also organized daily fitness walks, a community-wide dance party, and virtual wellness events to adapt to evolving health guidelines and maximize community participation. Residents and employees alike took part in the challenge, with businesses, schools, and non-profits contributing to the win.
“This challenge helps us energize our whole city around a simple message: movement matters,” said Jolee Perez, Director of Employee Wellness for the City of McAllen. “Our residents are proving that wellness is not only a personal journey, but also a community mission.”
An awards ceremony will take place in April to recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations whose commitment helped make this eighth victory possible.
McAllen’s consistent success in the Healthier Texas Community Challenge reflects its ongoing efforts to foster a healthier, happier city for all—and underscores that in McAllen, wellness isn’t just a resolution. It’s a way of life.
For more information about McAllen’s parks, trails, and wellness programs, visit www.mcallen.net or follow @cityofmcallen on social media.
