PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Invites Community to Pharr Night Out 2026 – FREE School Supplies, Activities & More
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department, in partnership with the City of Pharr, invites members of the media and the community to attend Pharr Night Out 2026, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community while promoting neighborhood unity and public safety.
Pharr Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot ( 500 N. Jackson Rd.) in Pharr.
This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food, market vendors, FREE school supplies while they last, children’s activities, and opportunities for residents to meet and interact with members of the Pharr Police Department and other City departments.
Pharr Night Out serves as a celebration of community partnerships and encourages residents to work together in creating safer, stronger neighborhoods.
The media and public are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Pharr Night Out 2026
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WHERE: Pharr Town Center – Main Event Parking Lot (500 N. Jackson Rd., Pharr, Texas)
Pharr EDC to Host Groundbreaking for New Commercial Development on Nolana Loop
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Impulso Developments and NAI STX, will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for a new commercial retail development that will add to the continued growth and expansion taking place across Pharr.
The groundbreaking will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM at 705 W. Nolana Loop in Pharr.
Strategically located adjacent to Highway 69C within an established retail corridor, the new development will be situated next to Dollar Tree and directly across from the newly built Monarch Apartments, providing immediate access to a growing customer base and strong daily traffic in one of the City’s most active commercial areas.
“This project is another exciting investment in the future of Pharr and reflects the continued confidence developers and businesses have in our community,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. “As our city continues to grow, developments like this help create new opportunities, expand services for residents, and strengthen our local economy,” he added.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking for New Commercial Development on Nolana Loop
WHEN: Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:30 AM
WHERE: 705 W. Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577
NEWS – City of Pharr Receives Inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 27, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has been recognized with the inaugural Balanoff Good Government Award, a statewide honor presented by the Texas Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program and the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University. The award recognizes Texas municipalities that demonstrate exceptional governance and a steadfast commitment to serving their communities with integrity, innovation, and accountability.
The award was presented during the CENTEX ASPA Public Service Recognition Awards Luncheon on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in San Marcos, Texas. Hilda Pedraza, Assistant City Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the City of Pharr.
The City of Pharr was one of only two Texas municipalities selected to receive the inaugural award, joining the Town of Ransom Canyon. Recipients were evaluated based on the Ten Texas Traits of Good Government, which recognize municipalities that are Respectful, Responsive, Effective, Transparent, Competent, Ethical, Lawful, Innovative, Economical, and Accountable.
The Balanoff Good Government Award was established to recognize municipalities that make good government more than an aspiration—it is a daily practice. Named in honor of Dr. Howard Balanoff and Marilyn Balanoff, the award celebrates organizations that strengthen public trust through ethical leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to excellence in public service.
“We are so honored to receive this award because it reflects the values we work hard to demonstrate every day at the City of Pharr,” said City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores. “Good government is built through the everyday decisions we make, the way we serve our community, and our willingness to continuously improve,” he continued. “I am incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their dedication,” added Dr. Flores.
The Texas Certified Public Manager Program, housed at the Hobby Center for Public Service at Texas State University, is a nationally accredited management development program dedicated to improving organizational performance in government and nonprofit organizations.
This recognition further reflects the City of Pharr’s ongoing commitment to delivering transparent, innovative, and citizen-focused government while setting a high standard for public service across Texas.
City of Pharr Named National Finalist for 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award®
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr has been named a finalist for the 2026 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor recognizing organizational performance excellence. As one of only 13 organizations nationwide selected as finalists this year, the City of Pharr is the only city in the United States to earn finalist status in the 2026 award cycle.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is the nation’s highest recognition for organizational performance excellence, honoring organizations that serve as national role models. Presented on behalf of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the award is overseen by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and administered by the Alliance for Performance Excellence.
The 2026 finalists represent some of the nation’s highest-performing organizations across the healthcare, nonprofit, service, small business, and community sectors. This selection places the City of Pharr among an elite group of organizations recognized for achieving exceptional performance.
“Being selected as a national finalist places the City of Pharr among the nation’s highest-performing organizations and is a tremendous honor for our entire community,” said Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Mayor of the City of Pharr. “As the only city in the nation selected to receive a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award site visit this year, this recognition reflects our commitment to Excellence Every Dayand is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of every City employee who strives to serve our residents with the highest quality care and service. We are incredibly proud of this milestone and remain committed to continuously improving the quality of life for everyone who calls Pharr home,” he added.
The Baldrige evaluation is one of the most rigorous organizational assessments in the country. Finalists are evaluated in key areas including leadership, strategy, customer focus, organizational intelligence, workforce, and operations. Organizations must demonstrate not only that effective systems are in place, but that those systems consistently produce measurable outcomes and sustained excellence.
Led by the Office of Strategic Excellence, the City’s Baldrige journey is a collaborative effort involving every department and employee. Together, City staff use data to measure performance, evaluate results, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the highest level of service for Pharr residents. This recognition builds on the City’s previous national finalist designation for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2024, marking another milestone in the City’s pursuit of performance excellence.
This is the result of years of intentional work to build a high-performing organization,” said Dr. Jonathan Flores, City Manager. “We don’t simply say we provide outstanding service; we prove it through performance data, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This national recognition belongs to every employee whose dedication to serving our community has helped make this achievement possible,” continued Dr. Flores.
As part of the finalist process, the City will welcome a team of national Baldrige examiners for an extensive on-site evaluation later this fall. During the visit, examiners will meet with employees, observe operations, and validate the City’s application through a comprehensive review. In addition to determining award recipients, the site visit provides valuable feedback that will help the City continue its journey toward organizational excellence.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is widely regarded as the gold standard for performance excellence. Only one Texas city has previously earned this prestigious honor, and as a 2026 national finalist, the City of Pharr now looks ahead to the next phase of the evaluation process.
City of Pharr and Vail to Host 36th ADA Anniversary Celebration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in partnership with the Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL), invites the community to join us in celebrating the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and honoring the achievements, contributions, and impact of individuals with disabilities throughout our community.
The celebration will take place TOMORROW, Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr.
The free community event will feature local resources, market vendors, and community partners while highlighting the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
For accommodations or additional information, please contact the Pharr Public Health Department at (956) 402-4652.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
WHEN: Friday, July 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WHERE: Jose “Pepe” Salinas Recreation Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
