Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen’s city-wide initiative McAllen SHINES recognized Windfern Neighborhood on September 12, 2025, as the first-ever neighborhood to be given a McAllen SHINES Community Champion award.
Windfern Neighborhood’s commitment to beautification, improvement, and collaboration set a new gold standard, earning them this recognition, and a McAllen sized celebration brought directly to them. City officials congratulated the residents, unveiled their award, and allowed the HOA President, Eugene Desutter to speak on behalf of the neighborhood. There was a moment of sadness and joy when one resident mentioned past and fallen founder Rebecca Saenz Garza, who would continually call upon her neighbors to ensure their neighborhood always looked polished. A friend to all, she encouraged everyone to be a part of something bigger.
McAllen SHINES was created after Mayor Javier Villalobos, took a trip to Tampico, Mexico and was inspired by the cleanliness and superb attention to detail in their neighborhoods. He returned with vigor and met with the McAllen Public Works team to create this campaign. One where citizens can get involved in improving their community.
The Community Champion award is given to people, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods who work hard to make the city a better place to love by “doing the right thing.” If you have a nomination for the city, send them to apaz@mcallen.net.
“This recognition is about honoring our citizens, not businesses or even our own efforts, but about seeing the Mayor’s campaign take root in the community and exemplifying the kind of citizenship we hope to inspire,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil.
