- McAllen Lowers Tax Rate as Property Values Rise: City Commission’s Strategic Budget Approach
- McAllen Among the Safest Cities in the U.S.: Inside the City’s Public Safety Strategy
- Building the Workforce of the Future: McAllen Partners with UTRGV and Local Businesses
- $60 Million in 33 Days: Cross-Border Shoppers Drive McAllen’s Economy
- Boeye Reservoir: McAllen’s Next Big Mixed-Use Destination
- McAllen Rising: How a Visionary City is Redefining Growth, Innovation, and Leadership in South Texas
- City Manager Isaac “Ike” Tawil Outlines a Bold Vision for McAllen’s Future
- McAllen Invests $300 Million in Water Desalination to Secure Its Future
- McAllen Doubles Down on Recreation: Sports, Nature, and Culture as Economic Engines
- McAllen’s New Development Code Paves the Way for Smart Growth and Urban Renewal
By Roberto Hugo González | Texas Border Business
You’re reading one of 12 exclusive stories from the McAllen City Manager’s Update—brought to you by Texas Border Business. Discover the projects, people, and progress shaping McAllen’s future. Subscribe for FREE today and enjoy the complete series!
McAllen continues to earn recognition as one of the safest cities in the United States, a distinction that City Manager Isaac J. “Ike” Tawil attributes to strong leadership within the police and fire departments, steady investment in public safety, and a community that values partnership and accountability.
“It’s not an accident that McAllen touts itself as one of the three safest cities in the United States—not just in Texas,” Tawil said during his presentation at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Series. “That happens only because of the level of expertise that is executed in the police department and fire department.”
According to Tawil, a significant portion of the city’s annual budget is dedicated to public safety—funding that supports personnel, equipment, and technology for both departments. “Public safety is first and foremost in this community,” he emphasized. “A large portion of the dollars that we are blessed to be able to use go to that.”
The City of McAllen’s Police Department, led by Chief Victor Rodriguez, and the Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Juan Gloria, have received statewide and national attention for their professional standards and innovation in emergency response. Tawil credited their leadership teams for maintaining what he called a “culture of excellence.”
“Our chiefs lead by example,” he said. “They set high standards, they train relentlessly, and they execute with precision. That’s why McAllen consistently ranks among the safest cities in the nation.”
The city’s commitment to safety extends beyond emergency response to proactive community engagement. Both departments work closely with residents, schools, and neighborhood associations to promote safety awareness and preparedness. Programs such as the McAllen Police Department’s Citizens Academy and Fire Department outreach initiatives are designed to strengthen relationships between first responders and the public.
Mayor Javier Villalobos has also acknowledged that collaboration is central to the city’s safety record. “Our police officers and firefighters are dedicated professionals who serve with integrity and heart,” Villalobos said in a previous statement. “Their partnership with the community is what makes McAllen truly safe.”
City officials have emphasized that maintaining this high level of safety requires consistent reinvestment. In recent years, McAllen has expanded its emergency communications infrastructure, upgraded fire apparatus, and modernized police equipment. The city also continues to invest in officer recruitment and training to ensure departments remain fully staffed and ready to respond to growth.
“We don’t take these rankings for granted,” Tawil said. “They’re the result of deliberate choices—investing in leadership, technology, and training that protect our citizens every day.”
McAllen’s focus on safety has also been an essential factor in its economic development. Business leaders cite low crime rates and reliable emergency services as key reasons for the city’s attractiveness to investors and families. “When companies look at McAllen, they see a community where their employees will feel safe and supported,” said Elizabeth Suarez, President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
As McAllen continues to grow, Tawil said the city will maintain public safety as its top priority. “Safety is the foundation of everything else,” he said. “It allows our families to thrive, our businesses to grow, and our community to stay strong. It’s what makes McAllen not just prosperous, but livable.”
See related stories:
