Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Felida Villarreal, president and CEO of Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), today announced her candidacy for McAllen City Commissioner District 5, pledging to bring her proven leadership experience, financial expertise, and deep community roots to city government.
VIDA, a nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 1995, helps Rio Grande Valley residents overcome barriers to education and employment through comprehensive support services, tuition assistance, and career training. The organization’s mission of “Educating One Life at a Time” has transformed thousands of lives by creating pathways to economic mobility for underserved communities.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in my commitment to serve the community I love,” said Villarreal. “As someone born and raised right here in McAllen who attended Cathey Middle School and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Academy before graduating from Sharyland High School, I’ve experienced our city’s growth firsthand. I was proud to be part of the last graduating class of UTPA in 2014 before returning to earn my master’s degree in accountancy at UTRGV—all while remaining rooted in this community. Now, as I am raising my eight-year-old daughter in this wonderful city, I’m running for city commissioner to offer a fresh perspective and collaborative leadership to our local government. Mi compromiso es con nuestra comunidad y su futuro próspero.” [My commitment is to our community and its prosperous future.]
Villarreal’s passion for service extends beyond her professional role. She currently serves on the board of the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – RGV Chapter and was recently appointed as a RioPlex ambassador, working closely with Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez and community leadership to enhance economic prosperity for the region.
“Public service has always been at the core of who I am,” Villarreal explained. “Whether through my work at VIDA, volunteering, or board service, I’ve dedicated myself to creating opportunities for our community to thrive. In my nonprofit role, I have the opportunity to work directly with our most vulnerable populations, which has given me a deep understanding of the real challenges our residents face. I’ve learned that effective leadership begins with listening – truly hearing people’s concerns, understanding their aspirations, and then working collaboratively to find practical solutions that improve lives. This community-centered perspective is what I will bring to the McAllen City Commission.”
“McAllen deserves leadership that blends fresh perspective with heart,” Villarreal said. “While I’m proud of my work in financial management and workforce development, what truly drives me is creating a thriving community where my daughter and all our children can build their futures—because when you live in McAllen, every City decision directly shapes the community we all call home.”
Villarreal is committed to advancing five key priorities:
- Economic Development: As your commissioner, I’ll leverage my workforce development background to continue attracting quality jobs and support small businesses throughout District 5’s diverse economic landscape. From the innovative Mercado District, with its 200+ spaces for entrepreneurs, to the established commercial corridors along 10th Street, the dynamic Downtown McAllen business district, and the emerging business zones throughout our area—each represents vital economic engines that deserve targeted support.
- Infrastructure Investment: District 5 faces unique infrastructure challenges, with some of McAllen’s busiest streets, including 10th Street, Bicentennial Boulevard, 23rd Street, Nolana Avenue, and more. “I’ll prioritize smart traffic management solutions, pedestrian safety improvements, and continued investment in our roads and recreational assets to ensure our infrastructure serves both residents and businesses effectively while keeping our neighborhoods family friendly and thriving,” said Villarreal.
- Public Safety: District 5 benefits from strong police and fire departments, and I’ll work to enhance these partnerships even further. I’ll support our first responders with continued investment in resources and training while creating more opportunities for community connection through regular forums. My focus is on maintaining our district’s safety standards while building stronger relationships between residents and the professionals who serve us.
- Fiscal Responsibility: As a CPA with proven experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and federal grants, I bring specialized financial accountability and transparent stewardship of resources to our city’s already sound fiscal management. My commitment is to strategically invest in our district’s infrastructure and services.
- Community Engagement: I’ll establish regular neighborhood meetings throughout District 5, including dedicated forums for business owners and residential neighborhoods, ensuring all residents’ voices directly inform city decisions. District 5 encompasses diverse communities, each contributing to our area’s unique character and economic strength. As commissioner, I’ll create intentional pathways for residents, business owners, and community leaders to collaborate on a shared vision that honors our district’s diversity while building our collective future.
