Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) this week announced the appointment of Roy Rodriguez as the chairman of the South Texas Water Working Group during their second official meeting. This move follows Rodriguez’s recent resignation as McAllen’s city manager, a role in which he was widely recognized for his effectiveness, leadership, and commitment to the community.
Rodriguez brings an impressive career spanning several decades in Texas in public administration, water management, and engineering. As chairman, he will lead a coalition of local stakeholders, officials, and experts working together to address one of South Texas’ most pressing challenges: water availability and sustainability.
“I am honored to name Roy Rodriguez as chairman of our South Texas Water Working Group,” said Rep. De La Cruz. “His legacy across Texas speaks for itself, coupled with his deep knowledge of water infrastructure. This makes him the ideal leader to combine efforts to find long-term solutions to South Texas’ water needs and reduce our dependence on Mexico.”
Rodriguez echoed the Congresswoman’s sentiments: “It is an honor and privilege to be Chairman of a group tasked with one of the most critical issues in South Texas—the availability and sustainability of water. I remain committed to helping our region wherever I can. Congresswoman De La Cruz has brought a new focus to a decades-long concern that can quickly become a crisis. Thank you, Congresswoman.”
The South Texas Water Working Group aims to develop long-term solutions for managing water resources in the region, which is crucial for the area’s growing population and agricultural sector. As the new chairman, Rodriguez’s role will be key in leading joint efforts to ensure a sustainable future for water in South Texas.
Roy Rodriguez’s Career and Legacy
Roy Rodriguez has established himself as a respected figure in public service, with over 30 years of experience in various city and county administration roles. His long-standing career includes:
- Serving as city engineer, assistant city manager, and city manager in Harlingen.
- Acting as the city engineer for Weslaco.
- Holding the role of county engineer in Jefferson County.
- He led the McAllen Public Utility Board as general manager, overseeing critical water and utility services for the rapidly growing city.
- Serving as an area engineer in Oklahoma.
Most notably, Rodriguez served as McAllen’s city manager for nearly a decade, where he was celebrated for his effective and just leadership. Rodriguez played a central role in overseeing economic growth, infrastructure development, and public services during his tenure. His commitment to ensuring that McAllen thrived in an era of rapid change and population growth earned him widespread respect from the community and fellow officials across Texas.
Rodriguez’s leadership as city manager also extended into managing McAllen’s water utility, where he spearheaded significant improvements to the city’s water infrastructure. His technical expertise and passion for public service positioned McAllen as a regional leader in water resource management.
Rodriguez’s resignation as McAllen city manager in 2023 surprised many, but the transition allowed him to focus on new opportunities, including his current role with the South Texas Water Working Group. The volunteer position enables him to apply his wealth of experience to solving broader regional issues, particularly the challenges posed by water scarcity.
His appointment as chairman of the South Texas Water Working Group reflects his enduring commitment to public service and addressing one of the region’s most critical challenges. South Texas relies heavily on the Rio Grande and faces water security challenges compounded by increasing population pressures, agricultural demands, and environmental concerns. As chairman, Rodriguez will work closely with local and federal leaders to devise strategies for sustainable water management, reduce dependence on water resources from Mexico, and advocate for investments in infrastructure.
Roy Rodriguez’s legacy as a leader in McAllen and across Texas continues to grow as he embarks on this new chapter, helping to ensure South Texas has the water resources it needs to support its future development.
In his own words, Rodriguez remains dedicated to serving the public: “My goal has always been to make a positive impact, and I see this as a new chapter in my lifelong mission to improve the lives of Texans. Water is essential to our future, and I am ready to work with Congresswoman De La Cruz and the entire team to address these critical issues.”
Rodriguez’s reputation as a leader who listens, acts fairly, and delivers results has followed him throughout his career. His influence will undoubtedly extend beyond McAllen as he plays an important role in shaping the future of South Texas’s water infrastructure.
As the region prepares for an uncertain water future, Rodriguez’s expertise and steady hand will help guide efforts to secure a sustainable and thriving South Texas for generations to come.
