Garza: Unity is key to addressing the challenges of our rapidly growing region

In August, the City of Edinburg collaborated with the Rio Grande Valley Partnership to host the historic Rio Grande Valley Economic Summit here at our Bert Ogden Arena. 

We brought together municipal policymakers and business leaders from all over South Texas to discuss the latest economic trends and developments in our regional economy. 

And though it was our inaugural summit, we wanted to make the experience an unforgettable one. And so we were honored to have Governor Greg Abbott be our keynote speaker. 

And as part of the summit, every community in the RGV along with Governor Abbott signed a compact that calls for us to work together to promote the Rio Grande Valley as one. 

This summit stands as a testament to the driving force of unity and collaboration. As one united voice we amplify our impact, One Region, One Voice.

And earlier you heard from my friend San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Regional collaboration is a cornerstone of my administration. I am honored to be the inaugural chair of the South Texas Alliance of Cities. Last year we built this alliance with San Antonio, Laredo, with our friends from Mission, McAllen, Brownsville, Weslaco and Harlingen, to tackle the common issues we face across our region. 

Bringing South Texas together is our strength and unity is the key to addressing the challenges of our rapidly growing region. And we’ve already started seeing the payoff of working together. Just last week, the President of United States was in Brownsville here in our area as he visited our area to learn about what is happening here. 

And I’d like to say thank my fellow mayors – I see some of them here in the audience, the Brownsville mayor, the McAllen mayor and all the mayors that are here – for joining us with the President to share what is happening and to also share the opportunities that are here for our region. There is strength in numbers, and this push for a unified voice is now bringing us the national attention we deserve to help address our growing needs. 

Regional growth

Regional growth is also a goal of our South Texas International Airport. Thanks to the hard work of our Chairman Terry Canales and Senator Chuy Hinojosa, the airport in Edinburg is poised for a significant transformation with the allocation of $10 million in state funding. This investment will include infrastructure enhancements and a runway expansion, further solidifying the airport’s important role in border security operations and emergency response efforts here in the Valley. 

Ladies and gentlemen, in the spirit of regionalism as we gather here today, and as we continue to take care of our city, I also want to look beyond that. I want to take the opportunity to bring attention to the pressing water shortage crisis. The scarcity of water in the Valley is reaching a critical level. It’s crucial that our federal government revisits his 1944 treaty with Mexico. And with that, there’s decisive action taken on this matter. Tonight, I’m answering Chairman Terry Canales’ call for all of us to come together to find solutions to this water crisis. 

We also need to work together to build up our workforce. We need to give people in our region the tools and chances to succeed in today’s world, whether it’s through learning new skills, for growing on the job, or whether it’s developing our workforce and making sure everyone has a shot at reaching their goals. And we can only make a difference by working together, One Region, One Voice. 

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provided by Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza in his 2024 State of the City Address.

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