South Texas Alliance of Cities taps Brownsville mayor as chairman

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. was named chairman of the South Texas Alliance of Cities in a unanimous vote during the organization’s quarterly meeting on April 25 in San Antonio.

STAC, established in 2023 and dedicated to addressing issues facing the region, furthering regional cooperation and advancing the region’s shared priorities, is made up of mayors from the cities of Harlingen, Weslaco, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Laredo, Corpus Christi and San Antonio in addition to Brownsville.

Cowen, who previously served as STAC vice chairman, “brings a forward-thinking approach and a deep commitment to regional growth, infrastructure, innovation and quality of life,” according to the organization, noting that the mayor is “focused on economic development, sustainability and improving the quality of life for residents, positioning him as a key voice in shaping the future of South Texas.”

STAC identified Cowen’s focus areas as cross-border collaboration and bi-national relations, economic development and infrastructure investment, regional collaboration, sustainable transportation and active living, and state and federal advocacy for local priorities.

The organization further recognized Cowen, who became mayor in 2023, for being committed to “fiscal responsibility, innovation in governance, and strategic investment in community infrastructure.”

“Under his leadership, Brownsville has become a regional hub for emerging industries and cross-border collaboration,” according to STAC.

Cowen hosted STAC’s July 9, 2024, quarterly meeting in Brownsville. The meeting showcased growth and economic development, also focusing largely on drought and immigration issues. Cowen said hosting STAC in Brownsville is an opportunity showcase the city’s initiatives and “learn from one another,” adding that the meetings are a way to share insights, address challenges and celebrate successes among the various cities.

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said last year that it’s vital for the mayors to “come together to learn from and grow with the developments in each of our cities.”

“What happens here in one city can and often does impact all member cities of our alliance, so if we can learn from one successful program in one city, other city leaders can take that back to their community,” he said.

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