Garza: An additional 25,000 people could be living in Edinburg in very near future

EDINBURG, Texas – Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, says an additional 20,000 to 25,000 people could be living in his city in the very near future.

He bases this number on the number of lots currently under development or consideration.

“We have well over 5,800 lots under development, under the planning process or in the planning stages. So, either somebody’s thinking about doing it, somebody’s doing it, or somebody’s about to do it. The average household is about four people. So, you’re talking about a little over 20,000 more people in the near future, once those lots are developed and homes are built on them,” Garza said.

“Some of those lots are actually multifamily lots, so that number even goes up higher. So, you’re looking at a population growth of 20,000 to 25,000 more people in the next few years.”

Garza said if this happens, “Edinburg is going to be unrecognizable,” especially to those who grew up in the city in the 1970s and 1980s.

Garza made his comments in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian following a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new one million gallon water tower in north Edinburg. 

Asked about Edinburg’s current population, Garza said: “Right now, we’re at about 108,000 people. That is the US Census estimate for Edinburg. As we continue to grow, over the next ten years, we will probably be at about 120,000 to 125,000. Within the next 15 years, we’ll probably be at about 130,000 to 135,000. And then it just continues to multiply.”

Garza continued: “So, a lot of growth, a lot of excitement going on, and a lot of making sure that we’re doing the right planning, to make sure the infrastructure is there to handle that growth.”

Garza explained the reasons for optimism. “We’ve got the land for it. Staff is in place, and we’ve got a council, a city government that is very pro-business and very pro-growth. And so we’re excited about that.”

The interview with Garza was on camera. Asked what his pitch would be, should any land developers be watching, Garza said:

“Well, our message is that Edinburg is going continue to grow. Edinburg is the hot spot, not just in the (Rio Grande) Valley, but (we’re) one of the hot spots in the United States. We’re the 24th fastest growing community in the United States. That’s a big number. That’s way up there.”

Garza said developers from far and wide are starting to take note.

“With the (new county) courthouse opening up, with the university (UT-Rio Grande Valley) continuing to grow, with D1 football coming in, and all the other commercial and industrial growth that we’re seeing, we’re going to continue this very rapid pace.”

Asked specifically about the growth on the north side of the Edinburg, where the new water tower has been constructed, Garza said: 

“There’s an incredible amount of development happening here and interest in this part of the city. Edinburg, obviously, is landlocked on the south side of town, because Pharr and McAllen are there. But to the west, north and east, Edinburg can continue to grow our five mile ETJ, which really goes all the way out to the north and northeast of the airport.”

ETJ stands for Extra Territorial Jurisdiction.

“For example, we have a 250-acre industrial park that’s almost fully developed. We have a lot of new commercial development around the Monte Cristo and Closner area. So, Business 281 and then along the expressway… there’s so much opportunity along the expressway in terms of future growth, obviously residential continues to grow. We have seen a lot of new subdivisions on the northwest side of town and on the northeast side of town.”

Garza added: “We’re excited that the council recognizes the need for this infrastructure.”

Here is the video interview:

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