The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

Eddie Martinez Honored as November 2025 Pharr Trailblazer of the Month

The Pharr City Commission, alongside Roland Gomez, Director of Development Services, proudly recognized Eddie Martinez, Planner for the Development Services Department, as the November 2025 Pharr Trailblazer of the Month. The Pharr Trailblazer Award celebrates employees who lead by example and make a meaningful, lasting impact on the organization and the community they serve. “Today we are recognizing an employee who truly exemplifies leadership, professionalism, and dedication to the City of Pharr,” said Gomez. “Eddie consistently demonstrates technical expertise, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to thoughtful planning that supports the City’s continued growth and development.” Gomez added that Martinez’s work has a positive impact not only on internal teams, but also on the residents of Pharr. With 18 years of service to the City of Pharr, Martinez expressed his gratitude for the recognition and his pride in serving the community. “I love what I do and the impact we are making together for our residents,” said Martinez. “Thank you to the City and my colleagues for making this a great place to work.” Congratulations, Eddie!

Pharr Announces Launch of Pharr Connect U and $4.8 Million Grant to Expand Broadband Careers in the Region

The Pharr City Commission proudly announced that the City of Pharr has been awarded $4,367,136 through the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program, a highly competitive statewide initiative focused on growing the skilled workforce needed to expand high-speed internet access across Texas. With a $500,000 local match, the total investment reaches $4,867,136, positioning Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley as leaders in broadband workforce development. Using this funding, the City of Pharr will launch Pharr Connect U, a tuition-free, city-led broadband workforce development program designed to prepare local residents for high-demand careers in fiber broadband and digital infrastructure. The program will equip participants with the skills needed to support modern connectivity and strengthen the region’s digital economy. This grant is part of Texas’ historic broadband investments, which include more than $5 billion in federal funding and $1.5 billion allocated by the Texas Legislature through the 2023 Broadband Infrastructure Fund. In partnership with the PossAble Dream Foundation, the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), Connect Humanity–RGV Broadband Coalition, and regional workforce partners, including Workforce Solutions Cameron and Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande, the City of Pharr will implement a comprehensive and collaborative training program using the Fiber Broadband Association’s OpTIC Path™ curriculum. Participants will receive classroom instruction, hands-on training, and paid internship opportunities with broadband employers. Jose Peña, Pharr IT Director, proudly mentioned that the City of Pharr is one of only three agencies in the entire State of Texas approved to offer this specialized program, reinforcing its role as a regional leader in workforce development, digital innovation, and broadband connectivity.

City of Pharr Recognizes Graduates of Leadership Development Program

The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores proudly recognized twenty employees from various departments who recently completed the Pharr Leadership Development Program. The program was created to support employees who aspire to leadership roles or who are currently serving in leadership positions by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to grow professionally within municipal government. “This program reflects the City of Pharr’s commitment to investing in our employees and developing future leaders from within,” said Dr. Flores. “We are incredibly proud of each participant and look forward to seeing their continued growth and impact across our organization.” The Leadership Development Program focuses on strengthening professional skills, enhancing collaboration, and building a deeper understanding of local government operations. By empowering employees to grow as leaders, the City of Pharr continues to strengthen its workforce and ensure high-quality service for the community.

City Commission Recognizes First Graduating Class of P.H.A.R.R. Academy

The Pharr City Commission, alongside Pharr Human Resources Director Veronica Ramirez, proudly recognized four employees who completed the first graduating cohort of the Public Hazards Alert Ready Response (P.H.A.R.R.) Academy. The seven-month program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the City’s emergency response operations and the critical roles played by first responder departments during emergencies. “This is a seven-month program that allows employees to learn firsthand how our first responder departments operate and work together during emergency situations,” said Ramirez. “We partnered with Pharr EMS, Public Safety Communications, Pharr Police Department, Pharr Fire Department, and Emergency Management to give participants a meaningful, hands-on learning experience,” she added. Through the academy, participants demonstrated strong commitment, teamwork, and collaboration while gaining valuable insight into emergency preparedness, coordination, and response efforts. The program strengthens internal knowledge across departments and reinforces the City of Pharr’s commitment to readiness, safety, and professional development.

City of Pharr Launches New Farm-to-Table Partnership with Hidalgo County 4-H 

The Pharr City Commission, alongside Victoria Brewster, Director of External Relations for the City of Pharr, welcomed Brianna Gutierrez, Hidalgo County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development, to announce a new educational partnership focused on agriculture and student engagement. Through this collaboration with Hidalgo County 4-H, the City of Pharr is launching a Farm-to-Table initiative designed to teach students about the local agriculture industry and its vital role in the region’s economy. “Hidalgo County 4-H thanks the City of Pharr for this meaningful and hands-on learning experience that teaches our students the importance of the role of agriculture, transportation, and trade industries while informing and engaging our youth,” stated Gutierrez. The program provides hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real-world careers and opportunities in agriculture, logistics, and trade. During a recent event, 4-H students toured Rio Farms, explored operations at Keystone Cold Storage, and learned about produce inspections at the Pharr International Bridge with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These experiences provided students with a firsthand look at how locally grown produce is transported from the field to markets across the country and the world. The City of Pharr is proud to support educational initiatives that promote agriculture awareness, community service, and healthy living while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Commission Adopts “Our Pharr Our Future” Comprehensive Plan

The Pharr City Commission approved, on first reading, an ordinance adopting the “Our Pharr Our Future 2035” Comprehensive Plan as the official Comprehensive Master Plan of the City of Pharr. The plan will serve as a long-term guide for growth, land use, transportation, and development throughout the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The “Our Pharr Our Future” plan includes future land use maps, a thoroughfare plan, and policy guidance that will help shape zoning decisions and development regulations moving forward. The Plan will serve as a framework to promote public health, safety, and overall quality of life for Pharr residents.

City of Pharr Appoints Representatives to RGVMPO

The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution appointing representatives to the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO). Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., was named as the City of Pharr’s designee, with Commissioner Daniel Chavez serving as the alternate. The RGVMPO coordinates regional transportation planning and helps guide state and federal funding for roadway, transit, and mobility projects across the Rio Grande Valley.

Featured Events: 

Blue Santa Toy Giveaway – Friday, December 19, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM 

The Pharr Police Department invites you to our Blue Santa Toy Giveaway! 
Join us on December 19th from 6 PM to 9 PM at the Pharr ONE Amphitheater for an evening filled with holiday cheer as Blue Santa spreads joy to families in our community.

 Date: Friday, December 19, 2025
 Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
 Location: Pharr ONE Amphitheater (1121 E. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)

This event is open to the public, and toys will be available while supplies last. Bring the kids, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and help us celebrate the spirit of giving! 

2026 City of Pharr Ball Drop – Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 8:30 PM to 12 AM 

 Ring in 2026 with us in Downtown Pharr! Join the City of Pharr for our New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on December 31st at 8:30 PM.

 Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
 Time: 8:30 PM – 12 AM
 Location: Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)

Live music by The Spazmatics, food, drone & light show, and free admission!