Category Archives: Government

McAllen Appoints New Assistant City Manager

Government News Comments
Juan Olaguibel

The City of McAllen has appointed of Juan Olaguibel as assistant city manager, overseeing McAllen’s EB-5 and foreign investor programs, international relations, intergovernmental relations and special projects. In addition, Olaguibel will continue to remain in his position as superintendent of bridges for the McAllen International Bridge System. “Juan’s extensive experience in international affairs and his proven leadership at McAllen’s international bridges make him uniquely qualified to excel in this new…

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McAllen Launches Website to Attract Developers

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
McAllenMeansBusiness.com

The City of McAllen leadership recently launched McAllenMeansBusiness.com, an online resource specifically for local, state and international developers seeking to expand in McAllen. The platform showcases McAllen’s position as an international gateway, supplying current data, analytics and other useful information to support informed decision making as McAllen’s economy continues to attract interest in investment opportunities. “We are thrilled to unveil our new website to the public and provide an enhanced…

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Alliance Gives South Texas Higher Profile

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Palmview Mayor Ricardo Villarreal says he is picking up ideas from larger cities in attending meetings of the South Texas Alliance of Cities. (Courtesy)

The South Texas Alliance of Cities launched in 2023 with the goal of fostering greater cooperation and collaboration among communities in addressing key issues. The partnership appears to be off to a good start. The majority of the communities in the pact are in the Rio Grande Valley although it does extend to San Antonio. That city’s mayor, Ron Nirenberg, has attended some of the alliance’s quarterly meetings. The focus…

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McAllen Lauded In Top Business Listing

Community Government News Comments
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos says his city’s pro-business policies are benefitting small businesses in the community. (Courtesy)

McAllen’s inclusion on a national top-20 list for small businesses reaffirms the city’s long-standing support for entrepreneurship and development. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos made that assessment after learning of CoworkingCafe listing his city as the ninth best place for small businesses among 136 southern U.S. cities surveyed. Coworking Café is a listing service for flex workplace solutions in supporting remote workers, freelancers and employees from all fields seeking user-friendly platforms.…

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McAllen Reschedules City Manager Public Reception

Community Government News Comments
Isaac Tawil

Originally planned for Aug. 26, the City of McAllen will host a public welcome reception for its new City Manager Isaac Tawil on Oct. 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The location has also changed from McAllen City Hall to the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at 1200 Ash Ave. Those wishing to attend the event are asked to RSVP to Anabel Aranda at the chamber via membership@mcallenchamber.com or 956-682-2871. Tawil has more…

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McAllen Police Department Seeks Officers

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
McAllen Police Department

The McAllen Police Department is looking to hire motivated individuals who desire a career in public safety and want to make a difference in their community as police officers. Individuals looking for an opportunity to earn a competitive salary with benefits and are able to perform at a professional level should apply at the City of McAllen website. Benefits include a retirement system, paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave,…

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McAllen Hires New Finance Director

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
David R. Vasquez

The City of McAllen has hired David R. Vasquez as its new director of finance. The Rio Grande Valley native has 13 years of experience in municipal work, serving most recently as the finance director for the City of Donna. Vasquez has a broad range of expertise in finance, including both serving as a senior finance analyst for Valley Baptist Health System and an accounting supervisor for Amigos del Valle…

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SBA Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments
2025 Small Business Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for its highly celebrated National and District Small Business Week Awards, including Small Business Person of the Year. To help nominators prepare a successful package, the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office will present two September webinars explaining the nomination guidelines. “The SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is ready to accept nominations,” Angela Burton, district director, said. “I encourage…

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Tawil Named New McAllen City Manager

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Isaac Tawil

McAllen Mayor Javer Villalobos and the McAllen City Commission have selected Isaac Tawil as McAllen’s next city manager, following a comprehensive and competitive search. Tawil brings experience in public administration, leadership and community engagement to the role, as well as legal expertise. The City of McAllen invites the community to join in welcoming Tawil at an upcoming reception on Aug. 26 at 4:30 p.m. at McAllen City Hall, Commission Chamber…

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McAllen Police to Host Citizens’ Police Academy

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments
McAllen Police Department (photo mcallen.net)

The McAllen Police Department is now accepting applications for its 18th Citizens’ Police Academy. Starting Aug. 15 and running through Oct. 16, the 10-week academy will meet every Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m.  There is no cost to apply and selected applicants must be 21 years of age or older; able to attend all classes; work or reside in McAllen; and turn in a completed application by July 26. “The…

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