Reyna: Imagining the RGV with prosperity rates on par with Texas

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We can envision a day when the Rio Grande Valley’s prosperity rates align with those of the state of Texas.

This goal is well within reach, given the region’s unique strategic location—bordered by the world’s largest economy (the United States), the eighth-largest economy (Texas), and the thirteenth-largest economy (Mexico).

By working together to strengthen our educational systems, support small businesses, diversify the economy, and actively promote the region, we can foster greater prosperity for everyone.

Strengthening Human Capital Through Education

Achieving this vision begins with investing in human capital by supporting educational programs that equip residents with the skills needed to succeed in today’s marketplace. According to most recent statistics, only about 69% of residents over the age of 25 have completed high school in the Rio Grande Valley.

Recognizing this challenge, local organizations, such as the Region One Education Service Center, are collaborating with high schools to implement the state-funded Dropout Recovery Program, which enrolls former students up to age 26.

While some high schools have significantly reduced dropout rates, all regional public schools must actively participate in this effort because a significant number of individuals under 26 years old in each school district have not completed their high school education. By collectively focusing on improving high school completion rates, the Rio Grande Valley can broaden its pool of educated citizens and develop a stronger, more competitive workforce.

Small Business Growth as an Economic Driver

Small businesses are the backbone of economic growth. Global powerhouses like Apple and Amazon—once small startups—are prime examples of how entrepreneurial ventures can transform economies. These success stories highlight the transformative power of small businesses in driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable development.

In the Rio Grande Valley, institutions like the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and Texas A&M Prairie View play critical roles in supporting entrepreneurs. These institutions offer a variety of tools to assist small businesses, including:

Business planning assistance
Marketing strategies
Accounting support
Human resources guidance
Training on responding to proposal requests

By championing small businesses and nurturing a culture of innovation, the Rio Grande Valley can unlock new opportunities for job creation and long-term prosperity. We must prioritize “growing our own” enterprises to build a resilient and prosperous local economy.

Diversifying the Local Economy

The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” rings true for the Rio Grande Valley’s economy. Overreliance on government jobs comprising 25% of regional employment compared to the state average of 16% is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Manufacturing as a Key Growth Sector

Manufacturing offers significant opportunities for economic diversification. According to Texas Workforce Solutions, only 2.7% of the population is employed in manufacturing. Local colleges and universities are well-positioned to expand programs that address the growing demand for manufacturing skills.

Manufacturing includes a wide range of activities, from food processing (e.g., tortillas, pan dulce, salsa) to industrial production (e.g., plastics, metals, and chemicals). Instead of exporting raw materials for processing elsewhere, why not process them locally?

Medical Industry Potential

The medical and biomedical industries hold enormous potential for growth in the Rio Grande Valley. Local universities and colleges offer health and science programs capable of producing the skilled workforce needed to attract biomedical industries. Furthermore:

Research into local health challenges (e.g., diabetes, obesity, and infectious diseases) can lead to new treatments and patents.
Developing a healthcare innovation ecosystem would create high-paying jobs while addressing regional healthcare needs.

Both manufacturing and the medical industry offer pathways to a diverse, export-oriented economy capable of delivering higher-paying jobs and sustainable growth.

Promoting the Region to Attract Investment

One of the region’s most pressing needs is effective self-promotion. Outside investors are often unaware of the Rio Grande Valley’s assets and potential. This gap led to the creation of RioPlex, an economic development initiative spanning the Rio Grande Valley and Northern Tamaulipas.

Key Assets of the RioPlex Region

SpaceX Operations
Three Seaports
Five Airports
13 International Ports of Entry
One International Railroad Crossing
A flourishing population of 2.9 million people

The RioPlex initiative highlights the region’s strategic advantages and positions it as a prime candidate for an industrial revolution along the southern border.

Final Thoughts

The Rio Grande Valley is uniquely positioned to become a more prosperous regional economy. By strengthening education, supporting small businesses, diversifying industries, and effectively promoting the region, we can imagine a future where prosperity rates align with the rest of Texas.

The time is now for all stakeholders—government officials, educators, entrepreneurs, and residents—to collaborate and take decisive steps toward realizing this vision. The Rio Grande Valley and RioPlex have the people, resources, and strategic location to thrive. Now, we must come together to seize the opportunities before us.

Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Mario Reyna, a coordinator with the Hidalgo County Prosperity Task Force. The column appears in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Reyna can be reached by email via: prosperitytf@gmail.com.

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