Salinas: Brownsville has become a magnet for innovative companies

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Gilberto Salinas, CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, has welcomed a new report from Area Development that lists the Brownsville-Harlingen MSA as the No. 1 Metro Location for 2024.

MSA stands for Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The report, compiled with data from Chmura Economics & Analytics, is titled: “2024’s Leading Metro Locations: U.S. Cities on the Rise Amid an Economic Reshuffling.” The magazine says its study reveals shifting dynamics in America’s cities.

“America’s metropolitan areas are resilient, and adaptable, but the economic power of the United States has been shifting to some new and surprising cities,” the report starts off.

With regard to Brownsville-Harlingen being ranked No. 1, Area Development gives most of the credit to SpaceX, both for investment in infrastructure and job creation. It describes Brownsville-Harlingen MSA as “an emerging hotspot.”

Salinas said the report cements Brownsville’s place as a rising star in the country’s economic landscape. For businesses, site selectors, and economic development professionals, the 2024 rankings highlight Brownsville as a model for how targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and industry-specific growth can lead to remarkable economic outcomes, Salinas states.

“This ranking reflects the incredible strides Brownsville has made in recent years,” Salinas said. “Our region is benefiting from strategic investments, a skilled workforce, and an environment conducive to long-term growth. Brownsville has become a magnet for innovative companies, and we’re proud to see that success recognized on a national stage.”

A GBIC press release acknowledges that Brownsville’s “ascension to the top of the rankings” is largely attributed to the “monumental presence of SpaceX.” It says the company has turned the region into “a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse.”

The press release states: “The company’s investments in its Boca Chica facility—nearly $3 billion—have had a profound impact on the local economy, supporting over 21,000 indirect jobs and creating a ripple effect that fuels continued growth. With SpaceX’s focus on commercial launches and advanced manufacturing, the city is positioned to continue its upward trajectory.”

Salinas said that for businesses, site selectors, and economic development professionals, the 2024 rankings highlight Brownsville as a model for how targeted investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and industry-specific growth can lead to remarkable economic outcomes. He said the city’s strategic position along the U.S.-Mexico border and its proximity to major trade routes further strengthen its appeal for companies in logistics and manufacturing.

“We’re not just rising to the top of the rankings; we’re shaping the future of economic growth in the region,” Salinas said. “Brownsville’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration, strategic investment, and forward-thinking leadership. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started.”

As first reported in the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, GBIC currently has $500 million in combined capital investment in its economic development pipeline. Salinas said the group is also getting ready to break ground on a tech business park to further facilitate corporate recruitment and expand the local supplier base.

About the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation

The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) seeks to promote economic growth in the southernmost region of Texas by empowering a young and skilled workforce and driving innovation to the area. It promotes economic growth by working with regional and international partners in the areas of job creation, training, innovation, and manufacturing.

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