McAllen’s Mayor Javier Villalobos on Building a Border City’s Future

The Heart of McAllen’s Success: A Conversation with Mayor Javier Villalobos

Imagine a city that thrives on collaboration, where economic resilience and community spirit paint the picture of its streets. This is McAllen, Texas, as Mayor Javier Villalobos recently shared with us on The Building Texas Show. In our latest episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mayor Villalobos, now in his second term, to delve into the fabric of McAllen’s success. From his journey in municipal law to leading a city that stands as a testament to economic diplomacy and stewardship, Villalobos’ narrative is not just inspiring but a blueprint for cities nationwide.

Challenging Narratives and Embracing Collaboration

One of the most compelling aspects of our discussion was how McAllen is challenging the national narratives about border cities. With Villalobos at the helm, McAllen has proven itself as one of the safest cities in the United States, boasting one of the lowest costs of living in Texas, and a beacon for small business growth, conventions, and cross-border commerce. It’s a city that not only serves as the economic engine of the Rio Grande Valley but also a hub of regional workforce collaboration that transcends city boundaries. Villalobos credits this to a shift from competition to coordination among cities in the Rio Grande Valley, including Edinburg, Pharr, Mission, and beyond. This regional mindset, bolstered by strong partnerships with neighboring counties, has poised South Texas as a fertile ground for investments in sectors like SpaceX, advanced manufacturing, and international trade.

Another cornerstone of McAllen’s strategy is its focus on education and workforce development. Villalobos highlighted the role of institutions like UTRGV, Texas A&M–RGV, and South Texas College in building a skilled talent pipeline essential for the city’s sectors like welding, healthcare, and technical trades. With one of the youngest populations in Texas, this deliberate investment in human capital is a beacon of McAllen’s long-term economic vision.

Building for the Future

Mayor Villalobos didn’t just reflect on McAllen’s current achievements; he also shared insights into the city’s future-oriented projects and financial strategies. The redevelopment of a 70-acre reservoir into a mixed-use destination, expansion of the McAllen Convention Center, and the opening of a full cargo facility at the international bridge are just a few initiatives aimed at boosting sales tax revenue, tourism, and global connectivity. These projects, coupled with McAllen’s disciplined financial strategy—including more than 130 days of working capital in reserves and consecutive property tax rate reductions—underscore the city’s commitment to sustainable growth. Looking forward, Villalobos expressed optimism about McAllen’s future, pointing to its fiscal strength, strategic incentives for manufacturing, and its unique position as a nexus between two of the world’s most powerful economies.

Our conversation also touched on the vibrant quality of life in McAllen, from the South Pole of Texas and the McAllen Holiday Parade to year-round tourism that attracts first-time visitors. It’s clear that McAllen’s strength lies not just in its economic strategies or geographical location but in its community and the collaborative spirit that Villalobos champions.

As we wrapped up our discussion, it was evident that McAllen’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the power of community. Mayor Javier Villalobos’ leadership and vision for McAllen as a dynamic, safe, and thriving border city are a testament to what’s possible when cities lean into their unique strengths and work collaboratively towards a shared future. In McAllen, Texas, that future looks bright indeed.