Texas Border Business
During the 2024 Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Houston, the City of McAllen received a 2024 Municipal Excellence Award in public works for cities over 25,000 in population. The award recognized the City for its water reuse system expansion.
The McAllen Public Utility expanded its water reuse system to include a 2,600-acre community and sports complex in North McAllen. This project provides a drought-proof, non-potable water source, and consists of facility improvements, a pipeline distribution system, and advance metering, all ensuring long-term water security and lower water costs for the community.
On hand at the Conference to accept the award were McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and members of the McAllen City Commissioners, including Tony Aguirre, Jr.; Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora; Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo; Victor “Seby” Haddad; and Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, as well as McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil and McAllen Public Utility Board Trustee Albert Cardenas and General Manager Mark Vega.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this Municipal Excellence Award from TML, which recognizes our commitment to sustainable water management,” said Vega. “Expanding our water reuse system has been a key initiative in ensuring McAllen’s water security, especially in light of drought conditions. By providing a reliable, cost-effective, non-potable water source for North McAllen, we’re not only addressing immediate water needs but also investing in the long-term environmental and economic health of our community.”
TML’s Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenge of municipal governance. Innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, increasing citizen participation, and reaching higher service levels are all daily occurrences in Texas cities, and they deserve recognition. This awards program seeks out the best of these programs to honor. Awards are given in two population categories (under 25,000 and over 25,000) and five areas (management innovations, communication programs, city spirit, public safety, and public works).
The 2024 TML Annual Conference and Exhibition was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston on October 9-11 and attracted more than 3,000 city officials, who learned ways to govern more effectively, discussed critical issues, and shared best practices and solutions.
TML is a voluntary association of 1,175 Texas cities. Guided by its purpose statement—Empowering Texas cities to serve their cities—the League provides support and services to city governments. The City of McAllen is a member of TML.
