Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Hidalgo County in Texas is carving out an ambitious path towards prosperity, driven by the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force, an initiative directed by Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. This multi-faceted consortium focuses on community development and socio-economic upliftment, primarily aiming to mitigate poverty.
An inaugural gathering at the South Texas College Ballroom marked the convergence of key figures from various sectors, including media, technology, education, and economic growth. Organized by Futuro RGV in association with South Texas College, Rio Grande Valley Partnership, and Atlas, Hall & Rodríguez, this unique forum fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing to envision an economically prosperous future for Hidalgo County.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, Dr. Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, and Mario Reyna, a member of the Prosperity Task Force, offered their insights at the forum. They emphasized unity and collaborative efforts as pivotal elements in fostering community prosperity.
The head of Aldrete Strategic Partners, Eddie Aldrete, outlined the Rio Grande Valley’s transformation, growth, and adaptability journey. He narrated the region’s evolution from an agriculture-focused economy to a vital hub for healthcare, education, manufacturing, and international trade. Aldrete stressed the importance of education, strategic initiatives like the Prosperity Task Force, and the role of strategic partners in shaping the region’s future while addressing significant challenges like underemployment and poverty.
The Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force operates through thirteen dedicated groups focusing on essential areas such as housing, food insecurity, transportation, medical services, and education. This holistic approach to poverty alleviation aims to spotlight Hidalgo County as an attractive investment destination on the national stage.
Judge Cortéz has underscored the role of creating “human capital” to boost the local economy by addressing high levels of underemployment and poverty. Despite significant challenges, such as a 46% outmigration rate, he remains hopeful about the transformative potential of the Task Force.
South Texas College, under the leadership of President Dr. Ricardo Solis, has proposed an innovative strategy for launching short-term training programs and certifications. These programs aim to equip students with the necessary skills demanded by local industries, thus contributing to the fight against poverty in the region.
Economist Dr. Kevin Peak highlighted the transition of Hidalgo County from an agriculture-based economy to one driven by technology and innovation. Despite alarming poverty statistics, he asserted the potential for further growth through high-quality job creation, increased educational attainment, and leveraging the county’s strategic geographical location.
In conclusion, the Prosperity Task Force embodies the power of collective action and strategic partnership. Its ambitious efforts are shaping the narrative of Hidalgo County’s economic development, setting it on a path of resilience and prosperity.
Judge Cortéz’s initiative has ignited a wave of engagement, with stakeholders participating in significant numbers. Texas Border Business, being at the forefront, is offering comprehensive coverage of the efforts of the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. This publication leads the media landscape as the only source dedicating more time and articles to such coverage. In the end, we are writing the unfolding story!
