Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Harlingen Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Orlando Campos said the recent Rio Grande Valley-to-Washington, D.C. delegation trip reinforced the importance of regional collaboration in advancing shared priorities and securing federal support.
“As a community, we understand that we are part of a much larger region,” Campos said. “Therefore, it is important that we support efforts that will impact the entire region.” He said the trip allowed Valley leaders to demonstrate regional collaboration and present a unified voice to federal officials.
Campos said the delegation promoted priorities developed by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, including strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations, supporting small businesses, addressing tariffs, improving transportation infrastructure, and securing water resources. “Our priorities are very similar to the issues faced by all Valley cities,” he said. “Addressing them as a unified region makes us all stronger.”
Transportation and logistics were key topics during the mission. Campos said Harlingen’s location at the crossroads of two interstate highways makes continued infrastructure investment critical to future growth. He identified federal funding for highways, improved connections to international bridges, expanded roadway capacity, and an alternate route to South Padre Island as priorities for the region.
Campos also emphasized the role of Valley International Airport in supporting regional growth and international trade. “Valley International Airport is a major transportation hub for both passengers and cargo and is a vital asset for regional growth and international trade,” he said. Campos noted that runway expansion and a new control tower were made possible by federal support and said local leaders will continue to advocate for airport funding.
Water security remained a central issue during meetings in Washington. Campos said federal officials recognized the impact of Mexico’s water debt to the United States on the region and expressed support for addressing the issue while exploring alternative water sources to meet future demand.
Discussing the Valley’s growing economic significance, Campos pointed to investments by SpaceX, LNG projects, and Saronic Tecnologies. “Policymakers view the Rio Grande Valley as an emerging investment hotspot that will help ensure the United States remains globally competitive,” he said.
Campos said a unified regional approach is essential when competing for federal resources. “The United States is a large country, and we are often competing with major metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles for limited federal funding,” he said. “When Rio Grande Valley cities come together on shared priorities, our collective voice becomes equally strong.”
The trip also created opportunities to build new relationships and explore future economic development prospects. Campos said Harlingen plans to follow up with several speakers and stakeholders who participated in the mission to strengthen connections and pursue future opportunities.
Looking ahead, Campos said he is confident the Rio Grande Valley is moving toward becoming a major economic force in Texas. He cited the results of long-term investments in education, workforce development, and infrastructure, as well as increased private-sector investment.
“What gives me confidence is that long-term investments made in the past are now beginning to bear fruit, attracting new private investment and creating opportunities that did not previously exist,” Campos said.
He added that more residents are choosing to stay in the Valley while others are returning after pursuing careers elsewhere. Combined with a lower cost of living, a competitive business climate, a young workforce, and a strategic location for international trade, Campos said the region is positioned for continued growth.
“All of these factors support the next wave of advanced manufacturing and investment,” he said. “That is what gives me confidence that we are moving in the right direction and becoming a stronger national economic powerhouse.”
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