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Hidalgo County Drainage District – 2018 Bond Referendum Project #31 – Pharr-McAllen Drain

Hidalgo County Drainage District – 2018 Bond Referendum Project #31 – Pharr-McAllen Drain

  • Project: 2018 Bond Referendum Project #31 – Pharr-McAllen Drain
  • Owner: Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1
  • Contractor: Mor-Wil, LLC
  • Project Start Date: February 17, 2020  
  • Project End Date: March 6, 2020
  • Project Scope: Pharr – Mcallen Drain consists of an installation of an additional storm structure at the Ridge Road crossing. The proposed structure consists of 10’ x 9’ reinforced concrete box along with ditch concrete rip-raps at both ends of the crossing and improvements to the existing roadway storm system.
Mayor Hernandez Appointed to Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

Mayor Hernandez Appointed to Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Oversight Committee by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has appointed Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee. Hernandez is now one of nine Texans who serve on the oversight committee, comprised of appointees by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The oversight committee guides the programs and services for the CPRIT, who awards grants for cancer-related research and the delivery of cancer prevention programs and services.

In an announcement released Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated, “I am proud to appoint Dr. Hernandez to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee. Responsible stewardship of CPRIT will help attract top talent to Texas and investment in our state. Texas has made the fight against cancer a priority and we are a world leader in cancer research as a result.”

The CPRIT was established in 2007 by Texas voters who approved and authorized investing $3 billion in bonds to fund groundbreaking cancer research and prevention programs and services. CPRIT’s mission is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, and it strives to position Texas as a leader in cancer research and prevention by collaborating with a variety of public and private entities, community organizations, universities and academic health institutions, government entities, and others who are committed to fighting cancer and finding a cure. On November 5, 2019, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to reauthorize CPRIT and provide an additional $3 billion for a total $6 billion investment in cancer research and prevention.

“I am truly honored to serve on this prestigious committee that is making great strides to save lives and prevent cancer,” said Mayor Hernandez.

“As a pediatric surgeon serving thousands of children and families throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the pain and suffering caused by cancer, and I am committed to serving with integrity and compassion to support statewide efforts to cure cancer,” Hernandez added. “I thank Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for this appointment, and I look forward to serving on this committee,” Hernandez continued.


Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez is appointed to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee by Lt. Governor Dan Patrick

Upon learning of Hernandez’s appointment, Texas State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa stated, “CPRIT is a key funding source for cancer research, development and treatment provided to our universities, medical schools, and other entities committed to fighting cancer. Dr. Hernandez is a physician with extensive experience in public health, is a dedicated public servant, and understands the needs of our communities. I was pleased to support his appointment to this board and am confident he will serve CPRIT and the citizens of Texas with the same commitment he has demonstrated throughout his professional and public careers.”

State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., remarked, “I want to thank Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for appointing Dr. Hernandez. His appointment is most important for us, as it is one of the most important boards that has been created in the state of Texas overseeing cancer research. He brings a world of expertise in the field of healthcare to the table and knows the needs of the community. Dr. Hernandez is a hardworking, honest man. He is going to be one of the most important board members there because of his background. His approach has always been one to be not only local, but statewide, so I feel we’ll be in great hands with his membership on CPRIT. He will make us all very proud of his service to this great state, as he makes decisions on billions of dollars for cancer research. God Bless him and God bless the great state of Texas.”

CPRIT is the state agency mandated to:
• Create and expedite innovation in the area of cancer research and in the area of cancer research and in enhancing the potential for a medical or scientific breakthrough in the prevention of cancer and cures for cancer;
• Attract, create, or expand research capabilities of public or private institutions of higher education and other public or private entities that will promote a substantial increase in cancer research and in the creation of high-quality new jobs in this state; and
• Develop and implement the Texas Cancer Plan.

Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 102.002

Pharr City Report, February 3, 2020

Pharr City Report, February 3, 2020


The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, February 3, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims March 7th as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day

Pharr City Commission present representatives of the Children’s Advocacy Center with a proclamation declaring March 7, 2020, as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day. Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation designating March 7, 2020, as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day. The center, which was established in 2000, is one of 800 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, and one of 71 certified Children’s Advocacy Centers in Texas and the first child-focused facility and community-based program of its kind in Hidalgo County, servicing child abuse victims age 2 – 17 years of age.

The center works to reduce the emotional trauma to child abuse victims, which supports the prevention of child abuse through community education and promotes the effective prosecution of those who perpetrate crimes against children. Lorena Castillo, President of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Advocacy Center, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization and stated, “We appreciate your continued support of the Children’s Advocacy Center and we are proud to support our communities in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. We are often the first stop for children who have been suspected of abuse, neglect, or those who have experienced a violent crime. Our goal is to restore the lives of children and families affected by abuse and neglect through hope, healing, and justice. We do this by providing victim support, mental health services, forensic medical evaluations and by facilitating investigations of these cases in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, Law Enforcement, and CPS. Last year we saw 1,900 abused children, 150 from the city of Pharr. We are proud of our partnership with the Pharr Police Department and investigators and we thank you for your commitment to helping make a difference in the lives of children,” she said. “We thank you for your support!”

Castillo announced that in order to raise awareness and funds for the organization, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County, is hosting their 10th Annual VINOS event at the Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, featuring delicious food provided by local restaurants, fine wines and amazing entertainment by Satellite and The Renaissance Rockers.

City Hall to Undergo Renovations

Pharr Interim City Manager Ed Wylie announced that Pharr City Hall will soon be undergoing renovations. City Hall will continue to operate and be open to the public with services remaining uninterrupted during the process. 

City Adopts Newly Updated Personnel Policy Manual
The Pharr City Commission approved the third and final reading of Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2017-35 to adopt a new and updated Personnel Policy Manual. The existing Personnel Policy Manual was last updated in September 2017 and needed to be updated, modified, and revised to incorporate changes in the law affecting personnel management in the public sector, as well as to take into account the growing size and abilities of the City’s workforce.

Pharr Incentivizing Residents to Make Water Bill Payments Online with a $3.00 Discount
Commissioners approved Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2019-38 prescribing a discount to residents who make water bill payments online. With the New City Hall remodeling project, Pharr is trying to diminish walk-in payments to reduce traffic as much as possible by incentivizing residents with a discount of $3.00 ($36 a year per customer).

According to city statistics, only an average of 4,000 accounts (out of 20,000) use online payments every month. The city is hoping to increase volume to collect more online payments. The fiscal impact will be approximately 1% or approximately $288,000 out of an estimated $15,718,500 estimated in total collections assuming online payments double.

Residents can make payments through the City of Pharr’s website www.pharr-tx.gov by clicking on the “Quick Access” link on the top right-hand side and then choosing “Online Payments” once selected, they can proceed to click on “Utility Billing” to complete their payment. 

City Approves Purchase of New Police Vehicles
The Pharr City Commission approved the authorization of the purchase of ten 2020 Chevy Tahoes for the Pharr Police Department to replace old units. 

Commissioners Approve MOUs with Valley View ISD and PSJA ISD District Police Departments
Pharr Commissioners approved Memorandum of Understandings with Valley View ISD and PSJA ISD District Police Departments for jurisdiction. The Texas Education Code Section 37.081 requires a school district police department and the law enforcement agencies with which it has overlapping jurisdiction to enter into a memorandum of understanding that outlines reasonable communications and coordination of efforts between the department and the agencies.

Pharr IT Director Recognized 
Pharr city leaders and Interim City Manager Ed Wylie congratulated Pharr Information Technology Director Jose Peña for his completion of a 12-month national program; he is now a Certified Government Chief Information Officer.

Pharr Police Department Headed to UTRGV Basketball Championship Competition
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has invited police departments from throughout the RGV to participate in a friendly basketball tournament during their halftime shows. Most recently, the Pharr Police Department beat the Edinburg Police Department and is now headed to the Championship round. “We invite everyone to join us and cheer on the Pharr PD and UTRGV in two weeks during the Championship round on February 18, 2020, at 12 pm at the UTRGV Fieldhouse,” said Pharr Chief of Police Jose Luengo. “We wish you the best of luck and hope you come home with the trophy,” said Mayor Hernandez. 

Pharr City Commission Report January 20, 2020

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, January 20, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

City Announces January Sales Tax Report
Interim City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the sales tax activity for the city of Pharr as of the month of January continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. The report showed an overall positive trend in the amount of $1,694,381, an increase of 9.92%  compared to last January 2019 for this time period.

 Pharr After School Activity Program Doubles in Size
Sergio Alanis, Pharr Parks and Recreation Director informed the Commission that the city’s After School Activity Program has been so successful that the original 300 slots available when the program first launched has grown to nearly double. The program expects to have over 600 students enrolled for the spring, most of which are students attending PSJA ISD. 

Municipal Court Announces New Self-Paying Kiosks
Municipal Court Judge Marissa Hernandez announced to the Commission that the Pharr Municipal Court now has two self-serving kiosks available to the public. Customers will be able to give payments through the kiosks without having to wait in line, expediting the process. In addition, the kiosk will allow for digital magistrations, providing simultaneous, interactive communication. This new feature will eliminate the travel of a judge and the staffing of a bailiff to an off-site location, saving the court and public money. 

Commission Approves Purchase of Hazmat Equipment through Grant Award
Commissioners approved the purchase of a Hazmat Elite Command Package- Single-Diamond FTIR Identifier for the Fire Department as part of the 2019 State Homeland Security Grant Award in which the City of Pharr was awarded $96,400.00. The Hazmat Identifier was part of the awarded equipment of the application that will be used by the fire department when responding to hazardous materials calls. This equipment will enhance city capabilities when responding to hazardous material calls and will also be used to identify unknown chemicals to make safer responses for Pharr citizens and personnel.

City Approves Agreement with Region One Education Service Center to Participate in ORION Program
The Pharr City Commission approved an agreement with Region One Education Service Center to participate in the ORION (One Regional Interconnected Optical Network) E-Rate Consortium. Currently, the City of Pharr public library’s internet service provider is Smart Com. This new agreement will allow Region 1 Educational Services to be the library’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) at a lower cost of $400 a month. The service will be upgraded to a 10 gig fiber connection versus the current 1 gig fiber connection. Members of the ORION Program will have access to bigger and virtual reality in the classroom, enhanced distance learning opportunities and resource sharing between school districts.

Featured Event: Operation Clean Sweep – Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 8 am to 12 pm 
Join us Saturday, January 25th at Pharr Public Works for Pharr Public Works Operation Clean Sweep. For more information on the event, call our Pharr Public Works Department at 956- 402-4350. Let’s Keep Pharr Beautiful!

Pharr Shines Bright in 2020 State of the City Address

PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Karina Cardoza
Phone: 956-343-0011
Email: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Events Center was packed with hundreds of local leaders, business partners, and community organizations as Pharr Mayor, Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, hosted the fourth annual State of the City Address on January 16, 2020. This year’s theme highlighted the city’s many accomplishments, growth, and progress of the previous year with Mayor Hernandez announcing that the state of the City of Pharr’s future is “brighter than ever!” 

Special guest Valente Rodriguez, a Rio Grande Valley native and renowned actor, producer, and writer who is known for his work on some of Hollywood’s biggest films and television shows including McFarland, George Lopez, The Mentalist, and many other incredible works served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

Following a tradition that began in the inaugural State of the City, Hernandez presented the “Polo Palacios Service Award” to an individual who embodies the legacy of service set forth by the award’s namesake by carrying the torch of service and pride for the Pharr community. This year’s recipient is Texas Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor, Julian Alvarez. According to Hernandez, Commissioner Alvarez was selected for his commitment to improving the quality of life for Pharr residents and families through workforce training, grants, and partnerships.

With excess proceeds from the sponsor-funded event, Pharr city officials also presented three local nonprofit organizations each with a $5,000 donation. Organizations recognized included Su Casa De Esperanza, The PSJA Education Foundation, and The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.
 
The City of Pharr and Mayor Hernandez thank everyone for helping make Pharr’s State of the City Address a success.

Pharr’s future is bright, and will only get better!
 Excerpts from Mayor Hernandez’s speech can be found below:
 
Good afternoon, Buenas tardes! 
Welcome to the 2020 City of Pharr — State of the City Address!

First and foremost, thank you to God for another blessed year. Many thanks to my beautiful and devoted wife, Cristina, our son Joseph, for being my rock and source of strength, and for so graciously allowing me to share my life in public service to our community. Thank you also to our extended network of family and friends for your constant support.
 
To my colleagues on the Pharr City Commission and our city employees – Thank you for your support. Without you, none of the great things we are doing in Pharr would be possible.
 
Gracias, Valente, for leaving the bright lights of Hollywood to return to your South Texas home community and to our great city of Pharr – where it’s really happening!
 
What a year it has been!
 
As I look across this room, each of you is here today because you have made such an impact, either directly or indirectly, on the success and prosperity that our great City of Pharr enjoys.
 
It is because of you that we are here today. You took the time from your busy schedule — a break away from your daily lives in your respective industries — to spend time with us today and listen to what makes Pharr truly a remarkable place to be. You are the educators, business professionals, community partners, mothers, fathers, students, members of the religious community, industry representatives, and more, that have a vested interest in seeing our great city thrive.
 
So, thank you for being here and for your continued support of the great City of Pharr.
 
I am humbled to stand before you today, as Mayor of my hometown – leading the city that raised me into rapid and incredible growth, prosperity, and opportunity for our Pharr citizens.
 
I have been entrusted by you to make a difference in the lives of our residents, families and our children, who are the future.
 
Five years after first taking office, we are here to celebrate our 4th annual State of the City!
 
And let me tell you – no need to adjust your vision – Pharr is a perfect 20/20 and this year we will have several milestones to celebrate, and we have much in store for 2020

Ladies and gentlemen, citizens of Pharr, business leaders, and community partners, on behalf of the Pharr City Commission and as your Mayor, I am proud to report that the state of the City of Pharr is the best it’s ever been, and it’s only getting better!
 
I want to start with our economy because as we all know, our economy will shape the future of the city as it is an indicator of our prosperity and growth.
 
This year, for the first time in Pharr’s history, I am excited to announce that our sales tax figures indicate that Pharr surpassed more than $1 billion dollars in sales!
This profound number represents an approximate $140.6 Million increase in total sales in the City of Pharr from the previous fiscal year.
 
Pharr continues to expand our tax base by recruiting, attracting, and retaining businesses and companies to invest in Pharr.
 
It makes us proud to know that we are significantly contributing to the success of our region, our state, and our nation – so to our governor, our federal, state, and local leaders… on behalf of the city of Pharr and its residents….. you’re welcome!
 
We thank our business community partnerships, at the local, state, national and international levels, for continuing to expand opportunities in the various retail, food, entertainment, and other industries, that allow our Pharr residents and those from the surrounding communities to shop, eat, and stay in Pharr.
 
Our economy would not be nearly as robust if we didn’t have an educated and skilled workforce – this is key, for not just us but for the state and the country.
 
This past year, we welcomed many new businesses in Pharr, such as Carmax, which provided new, high-paying jobs, with a starting average salary of nearly $50,000. As part of our educational partnership commitment, we have a program where high school students in Pharr experience first-hand sales practices, body shop work, and mechanics through internships and practical education opportunities.
 
And, we are excited to announce that we are bringing manufacturing jobs to Pharr!
 
The City of Pharr and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation are proud to announce that a global manufacturing company that has been operating in South Texas for more than 20 years will be relocating their operations to the City of Pharr.
 
The company, Bissell, will be using the facility to support its manufacturing, remanufacturing, and replacement parts operations.
 
With a total investment in Pharr of $14.5 million dollars, the Bissell manufacturing facility will create jobs in advanced manufacturing.
 
We continue to move Pharr forward … and again, it’s only getting better!
 
Our workforce is strengthened by our relationships and one of our strongest is the U.S.-Mexico-Canada partnership.
 
With the new U. S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement, USMCA, we are certain to reap the benefits of this trade deal which continues making our Pharr International port of entry one of the busiest land ports of entry in the state and nation. 
 
In 2015, we devised a strategic bridge plan with our city commission, bridge board, and bridge employees – and in Pharr, we don’t just strategize, we execute, and we bring about real, tangible results!
 
Our Pharr bridge recently celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, a notable milestone indeed, and we are delighted to announce that the Pharr International Bridge now ranks as the third-largest border crossing in Texas!
 
In 2019, trade-in Pharr exceeded $35 billion, growing 6% in imports and 5% in exports.

We have grown by over $1 billion dollars in trade every year…that is astonishing growth that has no end in sight.
 
We continue to be the preferred and #1 border crossing for produce, crossing almost 70% of the nation’s produce. 
 
Our city leaders recognize the importance of our bridge and have made it a priority to invest in port infrastructure improvements to keep up with the demand for services and to expedite trade.
 
This year, because of strong partnerships and collaboration with Texas Department of Transportation, General Services Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol, we will be investing $35 Million in major construction, infrastructure, and technology improvements projects that will help to accommodate current and future growth, expedite the flow of trade, and reduce border wait times.
 
Another major project we are working on at the bridge is through the first-of-its-kind collaborative partnership with our esteemed University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley, the U. S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) for a regional agriculture laboratory and training center.
 
We are truly blessed.
 
I would be remiss if I didn’t stress the importance of education in our formula for success.

Education, not just for our children, but for our entire community is vital.
 
My administration has always been a big believer that we reward and promote those individuals doing better for themselves.

I have always been an advocate for innovative programs that stand out from traditional methods because in Pharr we are different, we think outside the box, we don’t see a problem but rather a solution that has yet to be thought of.
 
We have in the audience our Partner RGV College who graduated its first cohort of nurses right here in Pharr.
 
We also have representation from Region One who reported from the TEA that our region out-performed the entire state of Texas.
 
Together with parent ambassadors, we are working on educating our community on the importance of the census, this is hard work but you know what?… we are no stranger to being told that it can’t be done – we do it anyway.

Education is key to being counted and we are very aware of the importance of OUR role in making sure it happens.

Another proud educational endeavor is with the PSJA school district…

We are on the verge of opening the highly anticipated and much needed PSJA-City of Pharr Ag campus .. located on city property for the benefit of our students.  
 
We continue to cultivate a positive learning environment for all Pharr residents and are particularly committed to providing opportunities for higher education right here in Pharr.
 
This past year, we broke ground on the PSJA-UTRGV-City of Pharr Natatorium, which will serve as an anchor for health and wellness facilities.
 
Pharr’s commitment to higher educational opportunities for our Pharr residents remains one of our highest priorities, and it’s only getting better!
 
In order to move forward – we need infrastructure. Transportation is a key element for the city to be able to deliver goods and services.
 
As you all are aware, major moves of historic significance were made in the past year that will dramatically and forever change the landscape of the Rio Grande Valley.
 
With the merging of the three regional MPOs, the Rio Grande Valley can now tap into billions of dollars of state and federal transportation funding to improve and expand roads and transportation infrastructure that we could never before access – a staggering $2.2 billion dollars, and we will be fighting for more!
 
It was an honor to be elected by the entire Cameron and Hidalgo County delegation to serve as the inaugural chair of the new RGV MPO.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and vision of Cameron and Hidalgo County trailblazers; Mayors Trey Mendez, Jim Darling, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and County Commissioner Eddie Cantu
 
I can assure you that both Pharr and the entire Rio Grande Valley will now definitely have a seat at the table when it comes to transportation planning and funding.
 
We have numerous projects in the works that will improve our roads and transportation and infrastructure in Pharr.
 
The city continues to invest millions in city road repaving and reconstruction projects… more than 18 million in city funds have been invested throughout our citywide repaving projects, through street light improvements and median installations to improve transportation and safety in our city.

An additional $44.7 million more in MPO funding has been allocated to projects in Pharr and there is much more on the horizon.
 
One of our highest priorities has been the expansion of the Pharr Interchange, which for years has been inadequate.

We will all soon enjoy a new interchange and rest assured, it will accommodate future growth.
 
In recent years, we have experienced unprecedented rain and flooding impacting our residents, amounting to millions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses, and properties.

Pharr residents were not alone, we experienced this together and the city answered the call. 
 
It was clear to us that our city’s drainage infrastructure and water supply capacity is in critical need of improvements.
 
As city leaders, we are committed to making these investments now to take care of our current needs and prepare for our future.
 
As you all are aware, we recently passed a countywide, multi-million dollar drainage bond.  We have partnered with the Hidalgo County Drainage District to build and expand this infrastructure. 

To achieve this, I reached out to our very own Precinct 2 Commissioner, Eddie Cantu. Commissioner Cantu and I stood side by side to promote County drainage project because we knew it was needed and the right thing to do for our community. 

So I want to thank Commissioner Cantu and I also want to thank your staff for their steadfast approach and commitment to help the residents of the city of Pharr.
 
Our $40 Million drainage plan will increase drainage capacity to accommodate a 500-year flood.
 
Our plan is to save lives, homes, and our properties once and for all. We will no longer accept this type of devastation. My administration will fix it now.
 
How? With great partners. 

We have the greatest minds working together not only to achieve our drainage and infrastructure goals but to also provide an educational, real-life experience with our  PSJA Southwest Early College High School Architecture students.
 
They are working with our city engineers, engineering consultants and are providing input, research, and ideas to address these issues with innovative solutions.

We are upgrading the city’s aging water service delivery system, to meet our current demand for safe, sanitary water, while at the same time, accommodating for future growth and development.
 
We are also partnering with students from Thomas Jefferson T-Stem Early College High School on a project for a new raw water reservoir, and with students from PSJA North on the North-Central Wastewater Interceptor project.
 
Not only are we engaging these young minds with civic responsibility, but we are also providing opportunities for them to actively participate in creative solutions for real issues that need addressing.
 
We are proud to partner with PSJA ISD on these critical infrastructure projects, and I’d like to ask them to please stand and be recognized.
 
Speaking of partnerships, Pharr continues to strengthen and nurture its relationships on a wide range of issues.
 
Among those, Pharr leads the efforts to plan and prepare for a successful 2020 Census.
 
It is imperative that everyone gets counted.

The population count held every ten years is what the federal government uses to allocate resources, representation, and funds.
 
We cannot stress how important this year’s census will be for all of us, and here in Pharr, we are taking the necessary steps to educate and inform our residents to be counted in the 2020 Census.
 
We have once again led the nation in creating a first of its kind – the Pharr Parent Ambassador Program with our local school districts. This program engages parents to educate and promote the importance of being counted in the 2020 census. 
 
At this time I’d like to ask all parent ambassadors to stand and be recognized. Let’s give them a round of applause.
 
Under our administration, we have sought to identify ways to ensure our government services are functioning efficiently to better serve our citizens.
 
As part of our efforts to maximize productivity, we had all department heads go through UTRGV’s Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center Lean Six Sigma training and certification program.
 
The training was provided by TMAC, who stated that “Pharr is the first government entity that it has trained through this program, which is typically utilized by companies in the manufacturing industry”.
 
Here in Pharr, we welcome leaders who are poised to help move Pharr forward.

This past year, we welcomed a new generation of leadership – We joined forces with Texas Workforce Commission to further create opportunities and support employees that want to advance their education and training,
that is representative of our values, culture, and goals, but also one that celebrates equity, diversity, dedication, and growth – this led to the promotion of Anali Alanis and Hilda Pedraza – the first female Assistant City Managers in the history of Pharr.
 
Congratulations, and keep up the great work ladies!
 
Complementing this change in leadership is the modernization of our first floor… designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, to meet the needs of our citizens with efficiency and comfort.
 
This new, modern, open-floor concept will include offices and conference rooms with glass windows, as a true representation of the transparency we all deserve from our government.
 
Finally, last year, we launched Pharr’s newest way to have citizens connect with their local government at the tip of their fingers.
 
Pharr’s new 311 app is an interactive mobile application that allows citizens to easily access critical information from the City of Pharr, including news, calendar of events, online payments, and more.
 
One exciting feature of the app is the capability to have Pharr citizens be able to report issues of concern.
 
We are improving access to government services for our Pharr residents and families and will continue improving the quality of life for all.
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, there’s no doubt that there is power in numbers.
 
It is because of you, because of us, and because of the great leadership and partnerships that Pharr’s future is bright, and will only get better!
  
At this time, as is our tradition that began at our inaugural State of the City address in 2017, we would like to present the Polo Palacios Award, awarded annually to an individual who carries the torch of service and pride for our Pharr community.
 
This year’s recipient may not necessarily reside in Pharr, but he is definitely considered an honorary resident – he has done so much to improve the quality of life for our Pharr residents and families through workforce trainings and partnerships.
 
This year’s Polo Palacios Service Award goes to… Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez!
 
Congratulations, Julian!
 
Thank you for your years of service being a voice for our Pharr families. Would you like to say a few words?
 
Next, to continue our State of the City tradition we want to recognize those organizations in our community that is doing amazing things for our Pharr families.
 
As mentioned earlier, today’s event is supported with 100% sponsored funds – thank you, sponsors!
 
Because of your generosity, we are able to use our excess funds to donate back to community organizations.
 
The first organization is Su Casa De Esperanza, represented by Belinda Simons and Bianca Velazquez. 

Su Casa De Esperanza, your house of hope, is a nonprofit organization based in South Pharr whose mission is to improve the spiritual, emotional, physical, economic, intellectual, and social well-being of families in the Rio Grande Valley. Su Casa’s vision is to improve the quality of life of children through a faith-based family education program. Pharr is proud to support this organization and its mission to help children and families of Pharr.
 
The next organization is The PSJA ISD Education Foundation, represented by Commissioner Eddie Cantu and President Jorge Palacios.

PSJA Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in education by developing and sustaining financial and non-financial support from the private sector to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD students and staff. The Foundation was founded in 2013 by a group of citizens that believe education is the key to a bright future. Pharr is committed to continuing to support educational opportunities for our Pharr students.
 
Finally, we would like to present our last award to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, represented by Stuart Haniff and Olivia Lemus. 

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is passionately committed to improving lives through food assistance, nutrition education, and access to community services. The Food Bank RGV, located in the heart of Pharr in the historic Valley Fruit Company packing plant, has grown to become the 40th largest in the nation and 5th largest in Texas based on distribution, helping to feed up to 42,000 on a weekly basis. Pharr continues to support the Food Bank RGV in its efforts to combat hunger in South Texas.

I want to thank everyone for joining us for today’s event.
 
As your mayor, I am proud of the transformation that Pharr has achieved in such a short period of time.
 
The eyes of the nation, state, region, and beyond – are upon us.
 
We look forward to an exciting and prosperous future in Pharr.
 
God bless you and your families, God Bless our great United States, God Bless Texas, and God Bless Pharr!
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Ericks Webs Design