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)
City of Pharr to Host Ribbon Cutting for Newly Renovated Mother-Friendly Lactation Room
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Human Resources Department will host a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for its newly renovated Mother-Friendly Lactation Room, a dedicated space designed to support breastfeeding employees by providing a private, secure, and comfortable environment to express and store breast milk during the workday.
The ribbon cutting will take place TOMORROW, Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Pharr City Hall, located on the first floor next to the Park Bench Deli (118 S. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr.
The event reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to supporting working families and creating a workplace culture that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance.
The Mother-Friendly Lactation Room is part of the City’s broader efforts to foster a supportive and inclusive workplace environment while promoting maternal and child health for City employees and their families.
All media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Ribbon Cutting for Newly Renovated Mother-Friendly Lactation Room
WHEN: Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
Los Palominos to Headline 4th Annual Avocado Festival in Downtown Pharr, Exciting Week of Events Announced at Fresh on the Border Press Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annual Fresh on the Border press conference announcing a week of events that will celebrate the city’s important role in international trade, and economic development. During the event, City officials also unveiled the highly anticipated entertainment lineup for the 4th Annual Avocado Festival.
Fresh on the Border Week kicks off Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the inaugural Gateway Forum, bringing together industry leaders, regional partners, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of international trade, logistics, investment, and economic growth. The celebration continues Thursday, October 8, with the 13th Annual Start of the Produce Season, honoring the growers, shippers, importers, distributors, and transportation partners who move fresh produce from farm to table while highlighting Pharr’s role as one of the nation’s premier ports of entry for fresh fruits and vegetables. Activities continue Friday, October 9, with the Drive for Trade Golf Tournament, uniting industry professionals, business leaders, and community partners for a day of networking, collaboration, and friendly competition.
Fresh on the Border Week will conclude on Saturday, October 10, with the 4th Annual Avocado Festival, taking place from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in Downtown Pharr. The festival celebrates the avocado while recognizing Pharr’s position as a global gateway for fresh produce. The family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, local vendors, delicious food, interactive activities, and attractions for all ages.
Festival attendees will enjoy performances across two stages. The 956 Stage will feature Mesteño, Arturo Quintero, Derick Garza, Ali Cat Crash, Vintage Travelers Band, and Domingo Elias 3Zero. The Main Stage will showcase RED, a Taylor Swift tribute band, De Parranda, La Casetera, Braxton Keith, and headliners Los Palominos, offering a diverse lineup of entertainment throughout the day and into the evening.
Fresh on the Border Week reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the produce industry while strengthening the partnerships that have established Pharr as a vital hub for international commerce and economic opportunity.
In 2025, the Pharr International Bridge crossed 220,000 produce trucks — that’s 600 trucks every single day, a pace no other port can match for produce. Among those shipments, our partners moved 34,000 truckloads of avocados, totaling 1.5 billion pounds worth $2.3 billion through Pharr last year, further cementing the city’s role as a critical gateway for fresh produce entering the United States.
The press conference can be viewed in its entirety here.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Kenia Gomez
Phone: (956) 769-1006
Email: [email protected]
City of Pharr to Host “Fresh on the Border” Press Conference on Thu.,7/9 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in partnership with the Pharr International Bridge and the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, invites members of the media to attend the “Fresh on the Border” Press Conference, celebrating Pharr’s leadership in international trade, fresh produce, and economic development.
The press conference will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Capistrano Freight Logistics LLC (10700 S. Sugar Rd.) in Pharr.
The event will feature distinguished guest speakers, special announcements, and the official unveiling of the 2026 Pharr Avocado Festival entertainment lineup. Join us as community leaders highlight the continued growth of the produce industry and celebrate the partnerships that keep Pharr at the forefront of international trade.
Media are invited to attend and cover the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear a jacket and closed-toe shoes.
DETAILS
WHAT: “Fresh on the Border” Press Conference
WHEN: Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11 AM
WHERE: Capistrano Freight Logistics LLC (10700 S. Sugar Rd., Pharr, TX 78577.
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 877-5716 [email protected]
Pharr Police Department Honored Statewide for Commitment to Hiring Veterans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department has been recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions, and the Texas Veterans Commission for its outstanding commitment to hiring veterans.
The recognition was presented during the Texas Conference for Employers held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Harlingen Convention Center. The recognition is part of the We Hire Vets Employer Recognition Program, which honors Texas employers dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and retaining military veterans.
Pharr Police Chief Juan F. Gonzalez, Marine veteran and Assistant Chief Michael Rodriguez, Marine veteran and Assistant Chief Daniel Leal, and Army veteran Sergeant Luis Hernandez accepted the award on behalf of the department.
The Pharr Police Department is proud to have one of the highest percentages of veterans serving within its ranks in the state, with veterans making up approximately 20 percent of the department’s workforce.
That commitment extends beyond employment. Through the department’s Mental Paws Program, the Pharr Police Department hosts events that bring local veterans together to connect with one another, learn about available veterans resources, and engage with department personnel. Veterans also have the opportunity to interact with the Mental Health Unit’s emotional support dog, Ammo.
The department extends its sincere appreciation to the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions, and the Texas Veterans Commission for recognizing its ongoing commitment to veteran employment.
The Pharr Police Department is proud to hire veterans who have served our nation and who now continue their commitment to public service by protecting and serving the residents of the City of Pharr.
Media is welcome to use the following soundbites, b-roll, and photos as part of their coverage.
