The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Recognizes Trailblazer of the Year
The Pharr City Commission and Utilities Director Ruben Rosales proudly recognized Utility Billing Head Cashier, Elik Betancourt as the recipient of the Trailblazer of the Year Award, honoring her outstanding service, dedication, and positive impact on the organization. Rosales praised her commitment and attitude, noting that she consistently brings energy and enthusiasm to her work. “She comes to work with a smile on her face, she’s energetic, and she truly looks forward to helping people, which is very important to the type of work we do,” said Rosales. A standout member of the Utilities Department, Betancourt is known for her willingness to go above and beyond in serving residents and supporting her team. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and pride in serving the community. “I want to thank you for this award, and I look forward to continuing to serve our Pharr community for many more years,” Betancourt said. Congratulations and thank you for your service!
Commission Recognizes Graduates of the Certified Public Manager Program
The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores proudly recognized James Lugo and Ashley Melendez for successfully completing the nationally accredited Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). The rigorous 14-month program is designed specifically to strengthen leadership, management, and problem-solving skills for public sector and nonprofit professionals. Dr. Flores commended both employees for their dedication and commitment to professional growth. “They both completed this rigorous program, and we are very proud of their accomplishment,” said Dr. Flores. Melendez expressed her appreciation for the opportunity, highlighting the importance of continued learning in public service. “I believe it’s really important as leaders that we continue to learn and grow, and to work for an organization that supports that is truly amazing,” she said. Lugo also shared his gratitude, adding, “Thank you for allowing us to achieve this milestone and continue growing in our ability to serve our community.” The Pharr City Commission congratulated both graduates for their achievements and praised their continued dedication to excellence in public service.
City Recognizes Hilda Pedraza for Completion of the Women in Leadership Program
The Pharr City Commission recognized Assistant City Manager Hilda Pedraza for completing the Women in Leadership Program at Houston Christian University. The comprehensive program, designed by and for women leaders, focuses on developing authentic leadership skills, advancing professional growth strategies, and fostering both personal and professional development. City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores congratulated Pedraza on her achievement, noting her continued commitment to professional excellence while serving the community. “We congratulate Hilda on completing this rigorous program and for continuing to invest in her professional development while working hard for our city and community,” said Dr. Flores. Pedraza expressed appreciation for the opportunity and shared her connection to the program. “Thank you for the opportunity. I am not only a student, but also a board member of the program,” said Pedraza. “This experience reinforced my belief that leadership is about growth, service, and lifting others.” Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., also praised Pedraza’s accomplishment and dedication. “We are proud to see the driven talent within our city and the progress our leaders continue to make as they strive to grow professionally,” added Mayor Hernandez.
City Commission Reappoints Members to Keep Pharr Beautiful Board
The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution reappointing Romeo Cantu and Marisa Oliva to the Keep Pharr Beautiful Board. Both board members expressed their interest in continuing to serve, and the Commission welcomed their continued commitment to supporting beautification, sustainability, and community pride initiatives throughout the City of Pharr.
Featured Event: City of Pharr 117th Birthday Celebration – Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6 PM to 8 PM
Pharr is turning 117, and you’re invited to the party!
Join us downtown as we celebrate our city’s birthday with cake, music, games, and family-friendly fun. Bring your friends, bring your family, and help us celebrate everything that makes Pharr home.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Announces 2026 State of the City Address to be held on Thursday, 1/15 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites members of the media to attend the 2026 State of the City Address, where Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez will share a comprehensive update on the city’s progress, priorities, and vision for the future.
The 2026 State of the City Address will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bert Ogden Arena (4900 S. I-69C) in Edinburg.
During the address, Mayor Hernandez will highlight key accomplishments from the past year, recognize partnerships that continue to move Pharr forward, and outline strategic initiatives focused on economic growth, infrastructure, quality of life, and opportunity for Pharr families and businesses
This annual event serves as an important moment to reflect on Pharr’s continued momentum and to set the tone for the year ahead as the city builds on its success and long-term vision.
Members of the media interested in attending are requested to confirm their participation in advance by contacting Michael Martinez at [email protected].
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr 2026 State of the City Address
WHEN: Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 11 AM – 1 PM
WHERE: Bert Ogden Arena (4900 S. I-69C, Edinburg, TX 78539)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
City of Pharr Draws Thousands to Downtown to Celebrate Ball Drop 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
Pharr, Texas – For the fourth year in a row, thousands gathered in Downtown Pharr to ring in the new year at the highly anticipated Ball Drop 2026.
Attendees enjoyed a lively evening filled with food vendors, a stunning drone show, complimentary champagne, photo opportunities, live music from The Spazmatics, dazzling fireworks, and the majestic ball drop to countdown into 2026.
Hundreds of personalized messages were blown into the air with confetti. Residents submitted their midnight wishes, which were incorporated into the celebration, adding a unique and heartfelt touch to the evening.
The City of Pharr extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make this celebration a night to remember.
For more photos and highlights from the event, visit the City of Pharr’s Facebook page.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
Ring in the New Year at the City of Pharr Ball Drop 2026 on Wed., 12/31 @ 8:30 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr invites the community to ring in the new year at Ball Drop 2026!
The New Year’s Eve celebration takes place on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577). Gates open at 8:30 PM.
The evening will feature a live performance by The Spazmatics, along with delicious food vendors, exclusive party favors, and nonstop entertainment leading up to midnight. Attendees can look forward to a spectacular drone and light show, followed by the countdown to the new year with fireworks and the official ball drop as 2026 begins.
Road closures will begin on Tuesday, December 30, at 7:00 AM on Cage Boulevard from Business 83 to Kelly Avenue. Alternate routes will be available via South Athol Street to South Bluebonnet Street. All road closures will be lifted by Thursday, January 1, 2026, at noon.
Media are invited to attend and capture the festivities.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
WHEN: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 8:30 PM
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr Awarded $4.8 Million to Expand Broadband Workforce in South Texas and Launch Pharr Connect U
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce it has been awarded $4,367,136 through the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program, a highly competitive, statewide initiative designed to grow the skilled workforce needed to connect Texas communities to high-speed internet. With a $500,000 local match, the total project 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 for students dedicated to preparing local individuals for high-demand careers in fiber broadband and digital infrastructure.
The 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. The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) launched the Building the Texas Broadband Workforce Grant Program, a $25 million initiative funded by the Broadband Infrastructure Fund (BIF), to create tuition-free fiber optic training programs for skilled broadband technicians, focusing on hands-on skills, apprenticeships, and job placements to meet the state’s growing demand for broadband deployment. Organizations apply to develop or expand these programs, ensuring Texans get the necessary credentials for fiber installation and maintenance.
Building on its legacy of innovation, the City of Pharr has long laid the groundwork for broadband advancement through its city-owned Pharr Connect fiber broadband internet service. That success helped spark broader regional momentum for expanding digital access and infrastructure.
“This grant creates a direct pathway to opportunity for our residents while strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure,” said Jose Peña, IT Director for the City of Pharr. “Broadband connectivity is about more than internet access. It is about jobs, economic growth, and upward mobility for our families.”
This transformative effort is made possible through strong partnerships and matching contributions, including $250,000 from Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and $250,000 from the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, together forming the required $500,000 local match.
In partnership with the PossAble Dream Foundation, 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 launch Pharr Connect U, a tuition-free, comprehensive broadband workforce development program. In addition, the City will collaborate with multiple broadband employers to offer paid internship placements for students completing the certification course, strengthening the connection between training and real-world experience. The initiative will prepare local residents for high-demand careers as Fiber Optic Technicians using the Fiber Broadband Association’s OpTIC Path™ curriculum.
“The Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition is proud to work alongside the City of Pharr and our coalition partners to build a homegrown broadband workforce,” said Jordana Barton-Garcia, Director, Rio Grande Valley Broadband Coalition, Connect Humanity. She continued, “This initiative will train the next generation of broadband technicians and connect them to paid internships and high-wage jobs with industry partners. It’s a perfect example of why this coalition was created — to harness technology to unlock the talents of our people and strengthen the economy of our region.”
Training will include classroom instruction, hands-on labs, paid internships, and direct job placement with local broadband employers. Courses will be taught by employees from the City of Pharr IT Department at a fully equipped training facility in Pharr, and supported by wraparound services, job placement assistance, and targeted recruitment focused on underserved populations. Over the grant period, the program will prepare 240 trainees for industry-recognized certifications and strengthen the region’s broadband workforce pipeline.
“The City of Pharr continues to lead broadband connectivity efforts in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This investment allows us to expand career pathways in a critical sector while empowering residents with skills for the jobs of the future. It ensures our region remains at the forefront of innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity.”
Pharr Connect U’s long-term goal is to retain talent in South Texas while supporting broadband expansion that impacts healthcare, education, business, and government services. As Texas continues to prioritize digital access, this initiative will help meet statewide workforce needs while improving economic opportunity across South Texas.
“The PossAble Dream Foundation is excited to be part of this initiative that is aligned with the mission of increasing the education and skill levels of the adult population of this region,” said Dr. Daniel P. King, Board President.
The City of Pharr thanks its partners, organizations, and community leaders whose collaboration made this grant possible and will create lasting benefits for residents throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
With this investment, Pharr and its partners are building a more connected and equitable future, one fiber line, one job, and one community at a time.
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock for Economic Impact Report Press Conference and Pharr International Bridge Tour on Thursday, 12/18 @ 1:30 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2025
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to host Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Kelly Hancock for a tour of the Pharr International Bridge, followed by a press conference announcing the Comptroller’s Economic Impact Report.
The press conference will take place on Thursday, December 18, at 1:30 PM at the Pharr International Bridge Conference Room (9900 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
During the event, state and local leaders will highlight the economic significance of the Pharr International Bridge and its role in regional and statewide commerce.
“Land ports and bridges like the Pharr Bridge are critical to Texas’ role as the nation’s top trading state,” Comptroller Hancock said. “This crossing keeps goods moving, supports Texas jobs, and strengthens our economy by connecting Texas businesses to markets across North America.”
This event is open to members of the media only. Media interviews will be available by request.
To confirm attendance or request an interview, please contact Caity Jackson at [email protected] or by phone at 972-762-8046.
DETAILS
WHAT: Press Conference Announcing Economic Impact Report for the Pharr International Bridge by Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock
WHEN: Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 1:30 PM
WHERE: Pharr International Bridge Conference Room (9900 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr is turning 117, and you’re invited to the party!
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 6 PM – 8 PM
Location: Downtown Pharr (200 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
