Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas — Newly elected McAllen Citizens League President Elva M. Cerda said her election is an opportunity to continue serving an organization she has supported for nearly four decades.
“As a long-term member of the McAllen Citizens’ League (MCL) and now serving as President, I am honored because I have been a supporter and believer in the MCL mission,” Cerda said. “Continuing to serve my community through MCL is extremely meaningful because we have been true to our mission of keeping our members and the community at large informed about many issues that affect us.”
Cerda said the organization’s immediate priorities include increasing membership and attendance at meetings. She said expanding the league’s reach will help inform more residents about issues affecting the community.
Among the concerns identified by the organization are poverty, healthcare access, food insecurity, housing affordability, rising costs, water resources, and low voter turnout. Cerda said the league plans to remain engaged with local efforts addressing poverty and to continue informing residents about water-related issues.
The organization also plans to continue promoting civic participation through educational programs and candidate forums, with a focus on encouraging greater voter engagement, particularly among younger residents.
A membership drive is being planned to reconnect with former members and attract new participants through partnerships with other organizations. The league also surveys members annually to gather input on programs and organizational improvements.
Founded in 1952, the McAllen Citizens League’s mission is to foster civic engagement by providing nonpartisan, objective, and factual information on community affairs, government policies, and regional issues. Its programs regularly address arts and culture, healthcare, environmental issues, education, and public affairs.
“By carrying out our mission through our informative programs, we make an impact on local civic life on quality-of-life issues, and by engaging candidates to participate in our forums, members are able to hear from and meet with them at meetings,” Cerda said. “Informed citizens spur involvement, and we hope it impacts voter turnout.”
The league will continue hosting meetings and forums during its fall and spring schedules, with details announced through social media and email communications. Planning for future programming will begin during the board’s annual retreat in August.
The organization is also preparing to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027.
Cerda said one of her goals is to ensure the board remains active and committed to advancing the league’s longstanding mission.
“My goals are to ensure our board is active in promoting our organization with commitment and dedication so as to continue to carry forth our long-standing mission,” she said.
The league currently has more than 350 registered members and holds regular sessions during the fall, winter, and spring. Meetings are conducted in a luncheon setting and are open to nonmembers with reservations.
League leaders cited growth in attendance, paid membership, and program development among the organization’s recent accomplishments. Program planning is led by Program Chair Ernie Aliseda, with member feedback collected through annual surveys.
“Having served with the McAllen Citizens League for 28 years, I have seen firsthand the important role MCL plays in developing informed and engaged community leaders,” Aliseda said. “It continues to be a meaningful way for residents to better understand McAllen, connect with key issues, and help shape the future of our city.”
Board member Irma Murray said the organization continues to focus on delivering relevant programming.
“It has been a great experience being on the board of MCL for the past three years,” Murray said. “The future promises to be even better because our board is diligently working on presentations that are informative, interesting, and applicable in today’s world.”
Cerda encouraged residents to take an active role in community affairs.
“Get informed and stay informed,” she said. “Share what you know about pertinent issues with others and get involved in any way possible.”
