Texas Border Business
By Texas Border Business
Leaders from banking, government, business, and economic development gathered for the RioPlex Deal Structuring Forum on March 11, 2026, at the historic Post Office Building at 221 E. Van Buren Ave. in downtown Harlingen, Texas. The event brought together regional officials and financial experts to explain tools and strategies that can support investment and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley.
Morgan Lamantia, a RioPlex board member, opened the forum with introductions and welcoming remarks. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda followed by welcoming participants to the city and the downtown venue.
Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez delivered remarks under the theme “United We Can Accomplish Anything,” focusing on the importance of regional collaboration through the RioPlex initiative. Cortez said cooperation among government leaders, educators, and business owners strengthens the Rio Grande Valley’s ability to compete for industry and investment. Cortez said, “That unity gives us a very strong competitive advantage. Government leaders, educators, and business owners, we create an environment where industries want to invest. Where companies can grow, and our workforce can build careers right here in our home.”
Cortez said the region already has the key ingredients needed for economic growth. He pointed to the Valley’s young and growing workforce, its strategic access to international trade, and the presence of universities, colleges, and training programs that are preparing the next generation of workers. Cortez said these assets position the region to attract new industries and support long-term economic development.
He said the goal of the RioPlex effort is to strengthen cooperation across the region, so communities work together to promote investment and opportunity. Cortez said, “The good news is that our region has all those ingredients for our success. We do have a young and growing workforce. We have strategic access to international trade. We have universities, colleges, and training programs that are ready to adapt and prepare the next generation.”
Cortez said the work being done through RioPlex is focused on creating opportunities for residents across South Texas. Cortez said, “That is the future that we’re working towards through RioPlex. That is what today is all about.” He also thanked participants for their involvement in the regional effort. Cortez said, “Your leadership, your cooperation, and your commitment to this region are essential for us to succeed in this mission.”
Ron Garza of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Workforce and Economic Development Office was also invited to share brief remarks during the forum. Garza said, “The Rio Grande Valley is receiving more attention than it has ever had before, and while that brings new challenges, it also creates opportunities. To move forward, our region must strengthen its strategy and turn regional collaboration into operational collaboration, because government and higher education cannot advance economic development without private investment.”
Joaquin Spamer, president of CIL Group and chairman of the RioPlex board, spoke on the topic “We Have the Talent and Capital to Do Anything in RioPlex.” Rey Garcia of Texas National Bank presented information on New Market Tax Credits, a federal program designed to encourage private investment in economically distressed communities. Randy Perez, economic development director for Hidalgo County, discussed property tax abatements and how local governments can use them to support new projects.
Albert Perez, city manager for Mercedes, Texas, explained how Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones, commonly known as TIRZ, can finance redevelopment and infrastructure by reinvesting increases in property tax revenue within designated areas. Eric Naranjo, associate director of environmental infrastructure finance at the North American Development Bank, described financing options available through NADBank for infrastructure projects in the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Mario Reyna, executive director of RioPlex, delivered closing remarks at the forum. Presenters explained how tools such as New Market Tax Credits, property tax abatements, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones can be used together with other financing sources to help structure development projects and attract investment to the Rio Grande Valley.
