Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González – Texas Border Business
Newly sworn-in Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa delivered his first official remarks on Wednesday evening at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center, outlining an ambitious vision centered on transparency, accountability, economic growth, infrastructure, and quality of life. Speaking minutes after taking the oath of office, Ochoa described the moment as the beginning of “a new era in Edinburg,” and pledged to operate a city government built on integrity. “I have zero tolerance for corruption in our city government,” he said, promising to “shine a light in every corner of City Hall to ensure that we always move forward with integrity.”
Ochoa emphasized that accountable leadership would guide every aspect of his administration. He committed to taking responsibility when challenges arise and offering credit to city staff when things go well. “When things go wrong, I will be the first one to take the blame. And when things go right, I will be the first one to give you all the credit,” he told city employees. He said modernizing city operations, increasing internal oversight, and setting clear performance expectations would be central to his approach.
During his address, Ochoa outlined several urgent priorities, beginning with long-overdue basic services. He said the city must “identify roads long overdue for repair,” improve neighborhood lighting to increase safety, and continue supporting Edinburg’s first responders. He also placed significant emphasis on addressing the city’s longstanding vulnerability to flooding, calling for “new levels of regional collaboration” and long-term storm mitigation planning to protect residents and property.
Economic development and workforce opportunity also shaped the mayor’s message. Ochoa said Edinburg must “swing for the fences” to attract high-paying jobs in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades. He emphasized the need to reverse the region’s “brain drain” by creating more local opportunities for young people. He also called for downtown revitalization, envisioning a “central community hub” that fosters creativity and attracts residents and visitors. Additionally, he pledged support for major family attractions he said would strengthen tourism and stimulate economic activity across the Rio Grande Valley.
Quality-of-life investments were another key component of his agenda. Ochoa said the city should expand parks, walking trails, and recreational spaces to serve families better. “We believe that a city is only as vibrant as the life that it offers to our residents,” he said, envisioning Edinburg as a more connected, family-centered, and creatively energized community.
Ochoa stressed fiscal responsibility throughout his remarks, noting that the city cannot grow solely “on the backs of our taxpayers.” He urged closer coordination with the school district, county, state, and federal partners to secure resources that amplify the city’s impact. Partnerships, he said, will allow Edinburg to pursue major projects without placing undue financial pressure on residents.
The mayor also issued a strong call to citizen involvement, reminding residents that the city’s future requires active participation from the entire community. “If you are ready to move Edinburg forward, then I invite you to roll up your sleeves with me and work every day to make this vision happen,” he said. He encouraged residents to stay engaged, join local efforts, and collaborate with the city.
Throughout his address, Ochoa spoke with urgency about the responsibility of leadership and the consequences of delay. He warned against “small plans and small thinking,” saying the moment demands boldness, speed, and decisive action. “Every delayed decision means another home at risk of flooding, another pothole that damages a car, and another generation forced to leave town to find their future,” he said.
Ochoa concluded by thanking residents for their trust and pledging to serve all of Edinburg with humility and determination. “I promise I will work every day to make you proud,” he said. “Edinburg, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it together.”
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