SOCIALIFE Q&A WITH Javier Villalobos

Mayor of McAllen since 2021 Attorney

What is your biggest challenge as the mayor of mcallen?

My biggest challenge is really a personal one. I can’t spend as much time with my family as I’d like. I can’t tend to my business as much because I need to be out there as the Mayor of McAllen. And I’m out there.

What project or initiative are you most proud of?

The last few years have been tough—COVID, immigration issues, sales tax—and we came out smelling like a rose. We were efficient and effective. We managed the city well and reduced our tax rate to the 2014 rate.

What are the top issues facing McAllen?

Javier Villalobos served as a member of the McAllen City Commission, the Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board (appointed by Gov. Abbott), McAllenHidalgo International Bridge Board, Anzaldúas International Bridge Board, Border Trade Alliance, and the Texas Border Coalition before being elected mayor of McAllen. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) and his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston.

Traffic congestion. Our roads were not built to account for our growth. We’d like to see a loop constructed around the city, not through it. This would reduce congestion tremendously. Parks. People want more green space, and we need the property to develop parks. We are currently looking for new areas to create park space.

Perception. Because of the news and our proximity to the border, there is a distorted perception of McAllen outside the RGV. For example, in 2022, we were ranked the sixth safest city in America, and our crime rate has decreased for thirteen consecutive years

What do you love the most about McAllen?

The people are so positive. It is an honor to be the mayor. I appreciate the honesty, integrity, and transparency of our city government.

What do you want McAllen to be known for?

As the hub of South Texas, as a destination city. Come and enjoy McAllen with your family! But truly, it isn’t just McAllen. It is the whole area.