Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
With a vision firmly anchored in prosperity, Priciliano shares substantial economic growth and promising prospects for both local and international businesses. Priciliano Treviño, the dedicated Executive Director for Hidalgo Economic Development. With a vision firmly anchored in prosperity he is crafting an enticing business environment for investors and enterprises to this growing city located in Texas.
Housed in the Border Security and Technology Center, a multipurpose building originally purposed for police officer training, the Economic Development office of Hidalgo represents an ingenious model of utility and adaptive reuse. This facility also houses the Hidalgo Housing Authority and chief’s offices for the fire department, illustrating the city’s skill for optimal space usage, a quality vital for growth.
Priciliano acknowledges the compelling growth of Hidalgo, despite its relatively small population of around 14,000 to 15,000 residents. New subdivisions are mushrooming, retail sectors are expanding with the incoming of brands like Starbucks and Dairy Queen, and an overall buzz of business activity is palpable across the city.
One of the central areas Trevino is enthusiastically promoting is the availability of industrial parks, signaling manufacturing companies to establish their operations within Hidalgo. The city boasts three industrial parks – Industrial Drive Park, Produce Road, and Tres Puentes Industrial Park – each offering distinct opportunities and benefits for investors and developers. The spaces, although privately owned, have witnessed cooperative efforts between the city and landowners to fuel development and generate economic viability.
The parks will benefit from infrastructure improvement grants, such as the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) $3 million grant to redo the street in Produce Road Park, enhancing its ability to cater to heavy-duty logistics and manufacturing operations.
In response to what businesses might bring value to Hidalgo, manufacturing industries are high on the priority list. Priciliano has a clear message: “There’s land available for a manufacturing facility to create some more jobs for our people.” Not only does this invite economic input but it also paves the way for employment opportunities for local residents.
Hidalgo, conveniently situated near Mexico and flanked by three international bridges – the Pharr International Bridge, McAllen International Bridge, and Anzalduas Bridge – offers a strategic location for businesses looking to leverage international trade and transportation opportunities. Additionally, despite the constraints of being a smaller city, Priciliano’s strive to provide tangible incentives to foster growth and development in the area.
Perhaps one of the key factors distinguishing Hidalgo EDC under Priciliano’s guidance is its business-friendly environment. It offers a straightforward, red-tape-free pathway for businesses to set up, ensuring they can navigate through planning, zoning, and approval processes with ease.
Land prices in Hidalgo are competitively priced, oscillating between $75,000 to $125,000 per acre, depending on the preferred location. Moreover, with a valorem tax of only .35, one of the lowest in the state of Texas, Hidalgo stands out as a financially viable option for businesses and residents alike.
Additionally, the residential market is heating up. Developers like West Wing Homes are finding success, and the city is attracting individuals not just locally but also from states like California and Florida, further indicating the attractive nature of living and doing business in Hidalgo.
Priciliano’s enthusiasm, coupled with practical strategies in promoting Hidalgo, is more than evident. Through strategic promotion of available industrial parks, incentivizing businesses, leveraging the city’s strategic location, and ensuring a simple and supportive setup process for new enterprises, he is not just steering but propelling Hidalgo towards a future of economic prosperity and sustainable development. All under the direction of Mayor Sergio Coronado and the city’s councilmembers.
