McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos detailed the city's economic resilience and strategic border advantages during a recent interview on The Building Texas Show. The mayor, now serving his second term, described his role as a full-time commitment focused on stewardship and economic diplomacy, particularly across the U.S.–Mexico border.
Villalobos challenged national narratives about border cities by presenting data showing McAllen ranks among the safest cities in the United States while maintaining one of Texas' lowest costs of living. The city has become a top destination for small business growth, conventions, and cross-border commerce, functioning as the economic engine of the Rio Grande Valley with a regional workforce that transcends city boundaries.
A central theme of the discussion was regional collaboration. Villalobos explained how cities across the Rio Grande Valley—including McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mission, Brownsville, and Harlingen—have shifted from competition to coordination. This regional mindset, combined with strong partnerships with Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties, has positioned South Texas to capitalize on major investments in sectors such as SpaceX operations, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and international trade.
Education and workforce development emerged as critical components of McAllen's strategy. Villalobos pointed to institutions like UTRGV, Texas A&M–RGV, and South Texas College as essential pipelines for skilled talent in welding, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technical trades. With one of Texas' youngest populations, McAllen is investing deliberately in human capital to support long-term economic growth.
The mayor outlined McAllen's disciplined financial approach, noting the city maintains more than 130 days of working capital in reserves while implementing consecutive property tax rate reductions. Major development projects include transforming a 70-acre reservoir into a mixed-use destination, expanding the McAllen Convention Center, and opening a full cargo facility at the international bridge—all designed to increase sales tax revenue, tourism, and global connectivity.
Looking toward 2026, Villalobos expressed optimism about McAllen's future, citing fiscal strength, strategic incentives for value-add manufacturing, and the city's unique position between two of the world's most powerful economies. "McAllen sits at the center of a fluid, working border," Villalobos explained during the interview. "That collaboration—locally, regionally, and internationally—is what makes this city strong."
The episode also highlighted McAllen's community-driven quality of life, featuring large-scale events like the South Pole of Texas and the McAllen Holiday Parade alongside year-round tourism and convention activities that continue to attract first-time visitors. The full interview with Mayor Villalobos is available on The Building Texas Show, a statewide multimedia platform focused on Texas communities and economic development.
