9 minute read
The Spirit of McAllen
THE SPIRIT OF MCALLEN:They Can, and They Do.
By Dr. Kimberly Selber
McAllen embodies the motto, “If we can, we will.” This spirit of determination has propelled the city into a vibrant destination renowned for world-class events and a strong sense of community pride. “McAllen feels like the best of America’s past, and by working together, McAllen will look like America’s future,” said Mayor Villalobos during the March McAllen State of the City address.
Ranked by SmartAssets.com as the third-best city in the U.S. for first-time homebuyers and listed by U.S. News & World Report among the top 50 Best Places to Live in the U.S. and second-best in Texas for 2024-25, McAllen has navigated national economic trends to become a model of affordability, safety, and community engagement.
Economic Resilience and Fiscal Prudence
Fiscal stability is the foundation for any flourishing city, and McAllen’s economic landscape is flourishing. The city’s $661 million 2024 budget, crafted by City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez and the city commissioners, underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility and community reinvestment. Supported by a $144 million general fund, McAllen boasts over 202 days of working capital, far surpassing the required 140-day reserve. This financial stability ensures the city’s preparedness for future challenges. “Our fiscal health is the best it’s ever been,” Rodriguez stated proudly.
Retail is a cornerstone of McAllen’s economic vitality. In 2023, the city achieved a 3% year-over-year increase in sales tax revenue, reaching $93.7 million—35% above pre-pandemic levels. McAllen now ranks third in Texas for total sales tax revenue per capita among cities with populations exceeding 100,000, cementing its status as a prime location for business. This economic success has enabled three consecutive years of tax rate reductions and enhanced the city’s affordability while maintaining high-quality public services.
McAllen also bucked national trends on housing after being named the third-most affordable city for homebuyers, the mayor said. In 2023, as property tax valuations skyrocketed, city leaders approved a third consecutive decrease in the property tax rate. “McAllen’s low property tax rate is part of a blueprint and a plan for a fiscally responsible municipal government. And we are proud of our actions,” Villalobos proclaimed.
Safety and Community Well-Being
Safety remains a hallmark of McAllen’s appeal. The city has earned its place on Forbes magazine’s list of the top 15 safest places to live in the United States. Further, according to Safeasset.com, McAllen is the third safest city in Texas, experiencing the lowest crime rate the city has seen in 38 years. This recognition reflects a strategic focus on creating a secure environment that enhances the quality of life for all inhabitants. Chief of Police Victor Rodriguez attributed the impressive safety record to the department’s growth and efficiency. The police force, benefiting from a historic collective bargaining agreement, will see a cumulative 16% pay raise over the next four years. These measures ensure McAllen retains a motivated workforce that maintains the city’s high standards.
Cultural Richness and Community Spirit
McAllen’s cultural vibrancy is a defining feature of its identity. The city has twice been honored with the prestigious IFEA World Festival and Event City Award, recognizing its successful hosting of over 800 events that generated more than $100 million in economic impact. These events, such as the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Fiesta de Palmas, the McAllen Holiday Parade, and MXLAN, have solidified McAllen’s reputation as a cultural and tourist destination, fostering community pride and connectivity. Mayor Villalobos emphasized the significance of these cultural events in his State of the City address, noting that they enhance the city’s social fabric and economic vitality. “These events reflect McAllen’s commitment to inclusivity and civic engagement,” Villalobos remarked.
All part of the plan
Education is a priority for McAllen’s strategic vision. Partnerships with local educational institutions like South Texas College and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley create a skilled workforce poised to meet future challenges. These initiatives ensure McAllen remains a hub of innovation and opportunity, preparing its residents for success in an evolving global landscape. The city’s strategic plan for 2024-2027 continues to emphasize growth and community development.
“Our partnerships with educational institutions are key to our city’s future,” Rodriguez stated.
The city’s ongoing commitment to affordability, public safety, and cultural and educational enrichment positions it as a model for other mid-sized cities nationwide. Further, the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized McAllen’s 2023 comprehensive plan as the best comprehensive plan.
Enhancing Global Trade
Incorporated in 1911, McAllen is the largest city in Hidalgo County, strategically located between U.S. Highway 83 and State Highway 336. It is approximately 230 miles south of San Antonio, 150 miles north of Monterrey, Mexico, and 7 miles north of Reynosa, Mexico. McAllen’s trade area encompasses around 10 million people within a 150-mile radius.
For over 95 years, the McAllen International Bridge System has connected Mexico and the United States, facilitating international commerce. In 2022, over 1 million pedestrians and 3.7 million vehicles used the McAllen-Hidalgo and Anzalduas International Bridges. To meet increasing demand, the Anzalduas International Bridge, supported by the Anzalduas Bridge Board and McAllen City Commission, is constructing full cargo facilities at the Port of Entry. Opening in 2025, the Azalduas Cargo Port will reduce wait times, save over $363 million in vehicle operating costs, and provide $270 million in time savings over 32 years, significantly enhancing global trade. “The bridge project will set us up for the next decade,” Mayor Villalobos stated.
What’s Next
Traffic and road infrastructure, drainage, and revitalization are all significant priorities for the city commissioners.
“Traffic is a huge priority,” said District 3 Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Omar Quintanilla. He plans to stay focused on completing road projects and improving mobility.
“We see approximately 30-40 thousand visiting vehicles through our community daily,” District 1 Commissioner Tony Aguirre stressed. “A strong infrastructure, well-maintained roads, more through traffic,” Aguirre said, “isn’t just for the residents of McAllen. It’s for everyone who visits, shops, and stays in McAllen.”
Aguirre also stated that new developments in McAllen, including the nature park off North 23rd, will accommodate camping, and the long-awaited 80-acre Morris Park will be
extremely important. “We are connecting the walking trails from Bicentennial to 2nd Street and Edinburg via Wisconsin,” Aguirre said. Additionally, the boutique restaurants, office space, and residential developments at 10th and Wisconsin bring a lifestyle to McAllen that many younger residents crave. “We fight hard for people and businesses to choose McAllen,” Aguirre emphasized.” We have to continue to deliver.”
District 6 Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca is proud of the new Center for Urban Ecology “CUE” at Quinta Mazatlán. “The $52 million facility was made possible by great partners,” Cabeza de Vaca said. “Our partners are heavily vested.” Quality of life, green space, public art, and improved drainage keep Cabeza de Vaca’s attention. “We are elected by district, but we make decisions for the city together,” Cabeza de Vaca emphasized.
District 4 Commissioner Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo stressed the need for new development on the south side of his district. “Warehouses, business parks, and new projects with shopping and restaurants will bring new jobs to McAllen,” said Castillo. Castillo believes the southside will be at its best in about three years as McAllen continues to bring in engineering and tech companies like Zoho.
District 5 Commissioner Sebby Haddad has focused on revitalizing McAllen’s urban parks with improvements to trails, lighting, and sports facilities. “Upgrading our urban parks revitalizes home values and neighborhoods and makes them more attractive to new homebuyers,” said Haddad.
(PVAS) facility. “With the critical upgrade of PVAS, we will be better able to attract more vets to move to the Valley and to expand our ongoing spay and neutering outreach,” Haddad emphasized.
Commissioner for District 2, Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora, is exceptionally proud of the expansion of aviation at the McAllen International Airport. “The airport is the front door to the Valley,” Zamora stated. “Good transportation in and out of the Valley is critical for the area’s economic growth.” Zamora also stressed that smart city growth was intentional and part of the city’s strategic plan. “When we keep our population growth to about 1.5% a year,” Zamora said, “it doesn’t seem like much, but it keeps our cost of living from skyrocketing.”
Looking Ahead
The future of McAllen is bright, and the city’s commitment to continuous improvement and growth is steadfast. Mayor Villalobos stresses the key to future success is to think regionally, to continue to work closely with their partners, and to remain financially strong.
City manager Rodriguez is extremely proud of the accomplishments and the accolades the city
has amassed but remains focused on the goals. “We don’t set out to win awards,” Rodriguez said. “Everything we do is tied to the strategic plan. The awards are just the byproduct of staying true to the plan.”
“Lots of cities will say the same things we do, but if you put them side by side, there’s no other city in Texas like McAllen,” said Rodriguez.
