Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — Standing before city leaders, residents, and regional partners, Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño delivered a forward-looking State of the City address that underscored Laredo’s momentum, resilience, and ambitious vision for the future, anchored by a $1.10 billion city budget and a renewed focus on public safety, infrastructure, and economic growth.
In his first State of the City address as Laredo’s 85th mayor, Treviño emphasized what he called the “Laredo Formula” — a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and long-term planning that continues to position the city as a national leader in trade, safety, and quality of life.
“We are defined by how we work together, how we solve problems, and how we move our city forward,” Treviño said. “That is the Laredo Formula.”
A City on Strong Financial Footing
Mayor Treviño announced the adoption of a $1.10 billion budget, noting that Laredo has not raised its property tax rate in 22 consecutive years and lowered it again this year — despite rising property values and expanding services. The budget prioritizes public safety, infrastructure, and long-term financial stability.
In 2025 alone, the city invested $82.7 million in capital improvement projects, including roadway upgrades, utility improvements, and public facilities. Treviño highlighted that Laredo has earned recognition as the safest city in Texas, crediting strategic investments in law enforcement, technology, and coordinated emergency response.
Public safety remained a central theme throughout the address. City officials outlined new technology initiatives, including automated crash-detection systems, gunshot-detection tools, and expanded online reporting, all designed to improve emergency response times and community safety.
The mayor also praised the Laredo Police Department’s focus on officer wellness and mental health support and recognized the department’s SWAT team for its response to an active-shooter incident in March 2025, calling their actions “heroic.”
As the nation’s leading inland port, Laredo’s role in international trade took center stage. Treviño confirmed federal approval for expansion projects at both the World Trade Bridge and the Columbia Solidarity Bridge, projects expected to ease congestion and strengthen the region’s role in global commerce.
“These bridges are not optional — they are essential,” Treviño said, noting that more than 22,000 commercial trucks move through Laredo daily, carrying goods that fuel the U.S. economy.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn echoed that message in recorded remarks, praising Laredo as a cornerstone of U.S.–Mexico trade and highlighting federal investments in infrastructure, water systems, and border efficiency. Nuevo León Governor Samuel García also delivered remarks recognizing the region’s binational economic importance.
Investing in Water, Health, and Quality of Life
Infrastructure improvements extended beyond transportation. City officials reported replacing more than 40,000 feet of water lines, upgrading aging water tanks, and completing a $26 million water system interconnection project. For the first time in years, Laredo experienced zero citywide boil-water notices.
Public health initiatives included expanded preventive care, air-quality monitoring, and steps toward national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Officials noted continued efforts to improve access to care in a medically underserved region.
Mayor Treviño underlined that transportation and recreation projects also took center stage, with the introduction of 19 new compressed natural gas buses, upgrades to city parks, and national recognition for the Laredo Tennis Complex. The opening of the Buena Vista Sports Complex further expanded recreational opportunities for residents.
Mayor Treviño highlighted Laredo’s designation as the most affordable city in Texas, citing a 4 percent reduction in the poverty rate and the completion of a federally supported tiny homes project to expand affordable housing options.
The event concluded with the recognition of veterans, students, and the United High School football team, followed by a closing message from the mayor emphasizing unity and long-term vision.
“We are building a city that honors its past, invests in the present, and prepares for the future,” Treviño said. “That is the Laredo Formula.”
The address reinforced Laredo’s growing role as a national trade hub and a city focused on safety, sustainability, and opportunity — driven by strategic leadership and a clear vision for what lies ahead.
