WESLACO: A City on the Grow

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

A tapestry of earth and green that stretches out like an artist’s canvas, fields stretch vast and endless, a sea of verdant waves caressed by the Texan sun making the delicate tops shimmer, dancing like ballerinas in the breeze. The air is rich with the unmistakable scent of onions, an aroma that marries earth to sky. It’s a fragrance that speaks of history and growth. This is Weslaco.

Like many cities in the Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco has its roots in agriculture, mainly cultivating onions and citrus. The city’s name is derived from the W.E. Stewart Land Company. In 1919, the company’s founder purchased 5,000 acres of the lush Rio Grande Valley land, envisioning a prospering community. By 1921, the city was incorporated and wellknown for its significant citrus contributions. By the early ‘30s, 17 Valley citrus associations united in Weslaco to form

TexSun for boxing, juicing, and canning RGV oranges and grapefruits. So popular were Texsun products worldwide the city earned the title of “Citrus Capital.”

But this is just the beginning of a small town with big dreams, and today, people across the region and state are taking notice of this mid-valley gem’s unprecedented growth and value.

Economic Momentum

Now in its 102nd year, Weslaco is undergoing an unprecedented economic revitalization with an overall market value growth of 10.8% over the past year, with the development of 506 acres of new commercial, residential, and multi-family lots. Factors like unity between the City, the EDC, and the Chamber, enticing incentive packages for new businesses, and booming housing development with new homes and apartments have propelled the city’s economic success. In the past two years alone, Weslaco has added 13 new subdivisions and 872 apartment and duplex units.

A notable business development is the construction of the Second International Industrial Park. This 145-acre complex is set to generate over 533 employment opportunities and introduce 21 new businesses to the Mid-Valley region. Further, this project will bring an investment of over $31 million in infrastructure improvements to Weslaco.

The move of Glazer’s Beer and Beverage to Weslaco is a boon for the town of more than 44,000. With a new 253,000-square-foot building—that’s five football fields—and 200 new jobs,

opportunities to live, work, and play in Weslaco abound. Further, UPS is building a new 10-acre facility, and retailers such as Texas Roadhouse, James Avery, Paris Bakery, Benjamin Moor, Dutch Brothers, Hobby Lobby, and others are now calling Weslaco home.

Century-old Legacy Continues

Weslaco continues its legacy of growth, community, and quality of living with its native son, Mayor David Suarez, leading the way. Born and raised in Weslaco, the mayor offers a perspective rooted in deep connection and history. “Our greatest asset is our people. Weslaco thrives because we’re a tight-knit community, always ready to lend a hand and elevate our collective quality of life,” he shares with palpable pride. Ten years ago, when first elected, the now seasoned mayor believed he could inject value into the city and transform its culture. “People from across the valley are now taking note

of Weslaco’s growth, transparency, and accountability,” he remarks. “We have made strides in elevating the quality of life in Weslaco, but I’m not finished. There’s still more to do.”

Asked what he is most proud of as Weslaco’s mayor, he points to the city’s impressive AA- financial rating – the highest Weslaco has ever enjoyed. But the mayor’s ambition doesn’t stop with numbers on a balance sheet. He beams with pride, discussing the tremendous growth of the city and the improved quality of life for the city’s residents.

Top Priorities: Infrastructure, Safety, and Continued Growth

As the city plans for more growth, infrastructure enhancements become essential. Highlighting safety’s significance, the mayor points out that 55% of the budget is designated to safety measures, which include the recent construction of a new, modernized, centrally located fire station and a state-of-the-art police department with a municipal court.

Expanding the Mid-Valley Airport is a further effort to enhance safety regionally. Described as a “diamond in the rough,” the Mid-Valley Airport’s significance to Weslaco and the larger RGV community is palpable. With a recent $5 million upgrade and expansion plan, the airport is poised to better support our state law enforcement agencies and emergency management personnel, allowing for a more rapid response to emergencies and disasters. In addition, the airport will be able to handle larger cargo planes, offering a strategic location for corporate travelers and cargo distribution. “Mid-Valley means convenience for many executives traveling via corporate jet; it is central for cargo distribution, and these are cost-saving measures for businesses considering relocation to the Valley,” stated Suarez.

Further, $750,000 from ARPA funding has been allocated for drainage enhancements. This is anticipated to bolster the airport’s ability to withstand severe weather, strengthening its emergency response potential for the whole region.

Drainage issues transcend city borders, and Weslaco is working closely with neighboring cities such as Donna and Mercedes and partnering with Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes in the battle against flood risks. “Water doesn’t recognize city boundaries. Working together is essential,” the mayor emphasizes. Addressing drainage remains a critical issue, with half of the work completed and more plans on the horizon.

Downtown Renaissance

Most recently, the Economic Development Corporation of Weslaco (EDCW) boasted a 90% occupancy rate in the historic downtown area. Against the odds, these downtown businesses crafted a unique cultural atmosphere. The district offers a blend of shopping experiences — from luxury apparel and exquisite jewelry to antiques, quirky collectibles, and affordable commodities. Moreover, a lively nighttime scene has emerged, featuring bars, restaurants, and food trucks, ensuring the district remains vibrant around the clock. Further, the Alfresco Weslaco: Music & Art on the Street Festival, which runs from August to February, attracts over 2,000 visitors every third Thursday and showcases over 100 unique vendors.

In the near future, families can also look forward to a new library in downtown Weslaco. This 17,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will have innovative floor space, technology centers, beautiful green spaces, and a Young Chef’s Café opened in partnership with WISD that students will run to gain valuable work experience.

A Haven of Nature, Recreation, and Celebration

While the local community is taking renewed notice in Weslaco, Winter Texans—Midwesterners escaping their frigid winters—have had a long history with the city, dating back to the 1920s. Today’s snowbirds, though, are more likely to reside in one of many RV communities instead of a tent as their counterparts of 100 years ago. Along with the more appealing weather is the proliferation of migratory winter birds that travel through Weslaco, making the city a birder’s dream.

The city is setting the bar high when it comes to preserving and promoting green spaces, touting three beautiful nature parks, Frontera Audobon, Estero Llano Grande State Park, and the Valley Nature Center nestled in the heart of Gibson Park, a six-acre hidden gem. As the Rio Grande Valley’s oldest nature center, it stands as a guardian for the region’s diverse plant species. Beyond this sanctuary, the city boasts six parks that cater to every leisure enthusiast.

Whether you’re a pet lover seeking dog parks, a fitness enthusiast looking for walking trails, an athlete keen on sports complexes, a skater eyeing the skate park, a child eager for playgrounds, or a family yearning for spacious expanses for a memorable day out, Weslaco has got it all covered.

Not just the natural beauty and recreational activities attract visitors and residents to Weslaco. The city also takes pride in its rich agricultural heritage and vibrant local festivals, some at the same time.

One cannot discuss Weslaco without mentioning Onion Fest. In the 1980s, the city was pivotal in introducing the Texas 1015 sweet onion—named for its mid-October planting season—a variety that revolutionized onion farming in the state and remains popular to this day. The city celebrates this favored veggie with an annual festival aptly named Onion Fest, with live music, rides, pig races, horse shows, and, of course, an onion-eating contest. Weslaco sees the streets thronged by over 15,000 attendees for the city’s crown jewel event. Hosted by the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce with over 120 vendors, this celebration is one of Texas’s most significant single-day festivals.

From its humble beginnings as a rich agricultural community to a pivotal player in the Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco is, as its motto states, A City on the Grow. “We are growing, but we still have that small-town charm,” stated Mayor Suarez. “We don’t want to lose that.”