Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Mayor Javier Villalobos delivered the City of McAllen’s State of the City address on February 11, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, telling attendees that “the state of McAllen is strong, advancing, and serving residents better than ever.” The event drew more than 1,300 participants, setting a new attendance record and reflecting what the mayor described as continued civic engagement and investment in the city’s future.
Villalobos emphasized momentum across housing, business development, and infrastructure, repeating the city’s guiding message that “Next is Now.” He told the audience that when he walks the city’s streets and sees “the movement, the energy, the success,” he can feel the progress taking place.
Economic data presented during the address pointed to significant growth. The city reported a 27.6 percent increase in gross domestic product, nearly $5 billion in taxable retail sales, and a record $99,982,870.26 in tax revenues. McAllen ranked third in sales tax revenue per capita among Texas cities with populations above 100,000.
Business activity also expanded, with a 13 percent increase in business applications and nearly a 15 percent rise in applications from self-employed business owners. Villalobos summarized the trend by telling the audience, “Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, McAllen means business.”
Construction activity contributed heavily to the city’s economic performance. Officials reported issuing 810 commercial permits totaling more than $265.5 million in construction value. When combined with residential permits, total construction reached approximately $507.1 million, representing a 40 percent year-over-year increase.
Residential development also showed strong gains. The city
The mayor connected construction growth to economic stability, stating that McAllen is “financially secure” and positioned to support families and businesses. He noted that consumer and investor confidence helped drive local growth even as many families nationwide entered 2026 “feeling the weight of uncertainty.”
Villalobos also framed the city’s progress as the result of community participation. “Your participation makes this event possible,” he told attendees earlier in the program. “None of this would happen without your generosity and continued support.”
Throughout the address, the mayor returned to the theme of forward momentum, saying the city is investing in projects designed to sustain long-term prosperity. “Last year, McAllen showed the world that next is now,” he said, pointing to strong retail activity, expanding housing opportunities, and ongoing development.
Closing his remarks, Villalobos reinforced the city’s outlook by repeating a familiar phrase used during the presentation: “Aquí se vive mejor,” translated as “Here, life is better.”
