Photo by Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
McAllen, TX, November 7, 2025- Texas Water Foundation CEO Sarah Schlessinger warmly welcomed McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos during the 2025 Rio Grande / Río Bravo Binational River Symposium, held November 5–7 at the Embassy Suites in McAllen, Texas. The event brought together more than 200 stakeholders from the United States and Mexico to address shared challenges facing one of North America’s most vital and vulnerable river systems.
Schlessinger introduced the mayor with enthusiasm, thanking him for hosting the symposium in McAllen and for his city’s leadership on regional water issues. “We’re very lucky to have a special guest with us today,” she said. “Thank you again for being here at this beautiful location. Last night, we had the pleasure of enjoying the Delgado Collective at Quinta Mazatlán, and it was wonderful. I’m very pleased to welcome Javier Villalobos, Mayor of McAllen.”
Mayor Villalobos expressed his appreciation to the Texas Water Foundation and to the many attendees representing agencies, organizations, and communities from both sides of the border. “As I was driving over here, I thought to myself, ‘better late than never,’” he said with a smile. “If you’ve never been here before, welcome. We have a great city. And if you have been here before, welcome back—you already know what makes this place special.”
The mayor highlighted McAllen’s national and state recognitions, describing it as one of the safest and most dynamic cities in the United States. “We’re ranked as the third safest city in the country, the second safest in Texas, the ninth best in the country for small businesses, and second for quality of life,” he said. “We’re proud of these recognitions—they reflect the strength and growth of our community.”
Villalobos also acknowledged that, despite McAllen’s achievements, water management remains one of its most pressing issues. “Even with all these accolades, we still face challenges. Yes, we have water problems too,” he said. “That’s why I want to thank all of you for being here today and helping us address some of the issues we’re facing. Right now, we’re investing over $200 million to improve our water infrastructure and ensure long-term sustainability for our residents.”
In his remarks, the mayor spoke about the region’s plans to develop desalination projects to meet future demand and strengthen drought resilience. “Desalination is exactly what we’re talking about today, and we thank you for being here and for allowing us to learn from you,” Villalobos said. “I have to admit, I don’t always feel very intelligent when I listen to experts like you,” he added with a laugh. “But I do know that what you all do, combined with what we do at the local level, truly benefits our community.”
He explained that McAllen’s proposed desalination facility would serve not only the city but also neighboring communities. “The desalination project we’re exploring isn’t just for McAllen,” he said. “We have connections that extend to Edinburg, Pharr, and Alamo. It’s a regional effort — and that’s exactly how we see it.”
Villalobos emphasized the importance of thinking beyond borders and collaborating across jurisdictions. “We understand that water issues don’t stop at city limits, and neither should our solutions,” he said. “What you do helps all of us, and together we can make a real difference for our region — and even for our neighbors across the border in Mexico.”
Speaking with Texas Border Business after the event, Mayor Villalobos said he was “very satisfied and proud” that McAllen had been chosen as the host city for the symposium. He also praised Sarah Schlessinger and the Texas Water Foundation for their leadership in organizing a forum that promotes cooperation and innovation on shared water challenges. “The work that Sarah and her team are doing is vital,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with the Texas Water Foundation in the near future to continue building partnerships that benefit our entire region.”
The 2025 Rio Grande / Río Bravo Binational River Symposium, organized by the Texas Water Foundation, focused on advancing collaboration, trust, and science-driven strategies to secure a sustainable future for the Rio Grande / Río Bravo watershed through 2050. The event included expert panels, field engagements, and policy discussions addressing drought, rising water demand, and aging infrastructure.
A major outcome of the symposium was the announcement by the North American Development Bank (NADBank) of new infrastructure funding to support cross-border water resilience initiatives. The Foundation also announced a forthcoming publication, The State of the Rio Grande: 2050, which will summarize insights and recommendations from participants across the U.S.-Mexico border region.
The symposium concluded with renewed collaboration among participants. “We understand that water connects us all,” Villalobos said. “And it’s only by working together that we can secure the future of our communities and the Rio Grande itself.”
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