Gabriel Ozuna likens local preservation and historical committees to the planning and zoning boards found in many cities. The members of both types of commissions are usually appointed by local City Commissions. Each board sets forth rules and guidelines on development. The goal is to ensure orderly growth and development in the local community. The P&Z boards have long been essential components of local governments, but the same cannot be…
The City of Pharr’s Office of City Communications recently announced two teams members, Yuri Gonzalez and Kenia Gomez, rising into new leadership roles. Gonzalez, who led the Office of City Communications since 2021, is taking on a new role as director of International Commercial Development. Having already collaborated with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr International Bridge on multiple projects, Gonzalez will continue to strengthen international partnerships and…
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos gave his fifth State of The City Address in February and described his community as having “movement, energy and success.” Villalobos was exuberant in giving the address before a crowd of 1,300 at the McAllen Convention Center. The mayor walked around a large stage with a wireless headset microphone and enthusiastically ran down a list of accomplishments and projects achieved in 2025. Villalobos often cited the…
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is accepting public comment until March 26 for proposed changes to the 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations. Migratory Game Bird Regulations Change the South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment to include an earlier regular season opening date (Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, 2026), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits across all days in…
The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving $12.6 million in February’s allocation for December collections, (2025 vs 2024) a 5.31-percent increase over the same period last year. This milestone surpasses the previous high of $11.9 million. “McAllen is no longer simply participating in regional growth. We are defining it,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “As more people choose to visit, invest and shop here, the numbers…
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has returned to South Texas College, offering free tax preparation services to qualifying residents across the Rio Grande Valley ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. VITA offices are available at both STC’s Pecan Campus and Mid-Valley Campus, concluding March 12 at Mid-Valley and March 14 at Pecan. Services at the Pecan Campus will be offered Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.…
Cory Carswell, director of Power Supply and Market Operations for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, has been elected to represent municipally owned utilities on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Wholesale Market Subcommittee. The Wholesale Market Subcommittee is a voting body that reports to ERCOT’s Technical Advisory Committee, which in turn advises the ERCOT board of directors. WMS plays a critical role in shaping market rules and reviewing key issues…
The City of McAllen Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Individuals who are ready to serve their community with courage, integrity and pride are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward a career in law enforcement. “This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to serve their community,” said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. “When our community calls, police officers answer…
The Brownsville Public Utilities Board received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. This report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and…
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Edinburg, will host the 2026 State of the 956 Legislative Luncheon on Jan. 21. The annual State of the 956 luncheon brings together regional leaders, policymakers, business owners and community stakeholders to discuss public affairs and issues affecting the Rio Grande Valley. Attendees will hear from elected officials representing the region on legislative priorities, economic development initiatives and…