SOCIALIFE Q&A WITH Ramiro Garza Jr.

Mayor of Edinburg since Dec 2021 President, RG Economic Advisors

What is your biggest challenge as mayor of Edinburg?

Addressing all of the challenges of a growing community. For example, in 2022, there were 60 new subdivisions in our city—2640 new lots. In 2023 we already have 75 new subdivisions and 3,300 new lots planned. We welcome the growth, but we need to ensure that we have all the necessary services across the city - roads, power, water, police, and fire, for example.

Since taking office, what project or initiative are you most proud of?

I’ll have to say the Edinburg 2040 plan. It brings people together, and I appreciate our community's involvement. Cities aren’t set up to easily take in feedback. The eight 2040 committees that we established are already bringing us ideas—good ideas— to implement. For example, one committee noticed that our comprehensive plan hadn’t been updated since 2005, when we only had a population of 50,000. Now we have over 100,000. We’re working on that update now!

Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg mayor Ramir Garza Jr. was no stranger to City Hall. When he took office in 2021, he had already spent fifteen years as the Executive Director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and then as Edinburg City Manager. Mayor Garza received his bachelors degree in Business Administration from UT Brownsville, now UTRGV.

What are the top issues facing Edinburg?

First off would be infrastructure and keeping up with mindful growth. Second, we must address basic needs and ensure we have sufficient fire and police coverage and a large enough service center. Third, I’d say positioning our city to compete for opportunities. We welcome new growth as a city with two hospital systems, a major university, and the county seat; we need to capitalize on these assets.

What do you love most about Edinburg?

Even though we have a population of over 100,000, Edinburg still feels like a small community. People look out for one another, and you’re made to feel like family.

What do you want Edinburg to be known for ?

That Edinburg is a family-friendly, innovative community that cares about its people.