Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The Rio Grande Valley Partnership concluded its June 10–12, 2026, delegation visit to Washington, D.C., with regional leaders advancing priorities related to transportation, economic development, healthcare, education, workforce development, energy, water, and infrastructure. The delegation, which included approximately 70 representatives from government, business, education, healthcare, and economic development organizations, was among the largest organized by the Partnership and was designed to strengthen the Rio Grande Valley’s presence in federal policy discussions and funding opportunities.
According to the RGV Partnership, the delegation met with federal policymakers and agency officials to discuss issues affecting the region’s growth and competitiveness. The Partnership has identified transportation infrastructure, water resources, workforce development, and economic growth as key priorities for the region. The organization has promoted a unified regional approach through its “one region, one voice” advocacy strategy.
On the delegation’s final day in Washington, RGV Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Paco Sanchez reported that regional mayors and delegation members met with Jennifer Shepard, Executive Director of the Alliance for I-69 Texas, to discuss Interstate 69, the Alliance’s transportation initiatives, and the BUILD America 250 Act, a proposed surface transportation bill. Sanchez stated, “Mayors and I are discussing I-69, the Alliance for I-69 Texas, and the BUILD America 250 Act (surface transportation bill) with Jennifer Shepard (Executive Director of Alliance for I-69 Texas).”
Sanchez also reported that Shepard participated in a panel discussion with William Garrison, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Acting Director for the Office of Airport Planning and Programming. According to Sanchez, Garrison “discussed ways that airports can partner with his office to help develop their direction and economic development.” The discussion focused on opportunities for airports to work with federal officials on planning and economic development initiatives.
In another update from Washington, Sanchez reported that U.S. Senator Ted Cruz discussed several federal policy issues with delegation members, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Trump Accounts, border security, water issues, and the 1944 Water Treaty. The discussions reflected the delegation’s focus on federal policies that could affect economic development, infrastructure investment, and resource management in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Washington mission highlighted the region’s continued effort to engage federal officials on priorities that local leaders believe are critical to long-term growth. Through meetings, panel discussions, and policy briefings, delegation members sought to strengthen relationships in Washington while advocating for projects and policies that support the Rio Grande Valley’s economic future.
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