Mayor, EDC chief, discuss Weslaco hitting billion-dollar milestone

WESLACO, Texas – According to the Texas State Comptroller’s Office yearly report, businesses within the city limits of Weslaco generated a total of $1,008,810,769 in taxable sales for Fiscal Year 2023-24.

It is the first time in the city has hit the billion-dollar mark in its 105-year history.

The Rio Grande Guardian International News sought the analysis of Mayor Adrian Gonzalez and Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco Executive Director Steve Valdez. In addition to discussing sales tax revenue, the two Weslaco leaders also spoke about growth in the housing, retail and industrial sectors.

Here is the video interview:

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Here is more information on the milestone achievement:

Jerry Gonzalez, EDCW board president, says reaching a billion dollars in sales tax revenues is a key indicator of the city’s expanding economic base and retail influence.

“For a city the size of Weslaco, with just over 42,000 residents, reaching the billion-dollar mark is a sign that we have arrived,” Gonzalez said. “This impressive milestone highlights our city’s continued growth and the thriving retail and service sectors that not only serve Weslaco, but the entire Mid-Valley region.”

Taxable sales are generated when consumers purchase taxable goods and services, with an 8.25% sales tax applied to most purchases (excluding groceries). For instance, when a family spends $100 at a restaurant, $8.25 (8.25%) in sales tax is added to the bill, bringing the total to $108.25. Of that amount, $100 stays with the restaurant, $6.25 (6.5%) goes to the State of Texas, and $2.00 (2%) stays in Weslaco.

By applying these calculations and analyzing the data, the EDCW can break down the taxable sales into the following components:

• State of Texas (6.25%): $63,050,673.06
• City of Weslaco (2%): $20,176,215.38
• Business Owners: $1,008,810,769

“The entire South Texas region is experiencing significant growth,” said Valdez, executive director of EDCW. “As the EDCW continues to attract new businesses—both industrial and commercial—more families are choosing to put down roots in Weslaco. The growth of all three sectors—industrial, commercial, and residential—is vital to creating a balanced, sustainable community that fosters long-term prosperity.”

EDCW said the milestone would not have been possible without the leadership of the Weslaco City Commission, Mayor, and the EDCW Board of Directors for their “steady guidance and thoughtful decision-making” in shaping the city’s growth strategy. 

“Their focus on infrastructure development, governmental stability, and fostering a business-friendly environment has been crucial to Weslaco’s economic success,” an EDCW press release states.

Gonzalez said the residents of Weslaco and surrounding communities have played a vital role – by choosing to shop locally.

“Our community’s residents are the most important contributors to this benchmark,” Gonzalez said. “The hard work and dedication of our local business owners, workers, and citizens make Weslaco a place people are proud to call home.”

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