City of Pharr Selected as Finalist for Prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce its designation as a finalist for the highly esteemed Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, a recognition that honors organizations for exceptional performance excellence.
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is the nation’s highest presidential honor for organizational performance, excellence in leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, workforce engagement, and operational efficiency.
Earlier this year, the City of Pharr welcomed Baldrige examiners for a series of on-site visits as part of the rigorous evaluation process. These visits provided valuable feedback and insights that will help the city refine its strategies and further enhance its operational excellence for future applications.
This milestone was made possible through the leadership of Melanie Cano, director of the Office of Strategic Excellence, and her dedicated team. Thanks to their thorough training, research, and preparation efforts, the City of Pharr and its employees were fully equipped to successfully participate in the site visits.
“Being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a tremendous honor for the City of Pharr,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “While we did not win this year, the site visit by Baldrige examiners highlights the significant progress we’ve made in achieving excellence across our operations,” he continued.
The City of Pharr is excited to build on this achievement and remain dedicated to its pursuit of excellence. As the city continues its journey toward achieving the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering the highest level of service and creating a thriving community for all residents.
“This recognition motivates us to continue striving for improvement, innovation, and exceptional service for our residents,” added Mayor Hernandez. “I am incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the bright future ahead for Pharr!”
For more information about the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, visit https://www.nist.gov/baldrige.
Media Contact:
Michael L. Martinez
(956) 272-9803
michael.martinez@pharr-tx.gov
Pharr PD Asking Public’s Assistance in Identifying Male Subject
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – the Pharr Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the male subject depicted. If you have any information regarding his identity, please contact our office at (956) 402-4700 or Pharr Crime Stoppers.
The individual was observed on video walking around an apartment complex on Sugar Road near Nolana Avenue.
At one point, he approached an apartment and attempted to open the door but fled immediately upon hearing dogs barking.
We urge residents to remain vigilant, ensure all vehicle and home doors are securely locked, and take extra precautions during this holiday season.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Pharr Police Department at (956) 402-4700 or Pharr Crimestoppers at 787-TIPS or 1-800-648-TIPS.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
City of Pharr to Host Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, 12/6 at 6 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is excited to kick off the holiday season and invite the community to Winder Wonderland! This festive event features our Tree Lighting event, live music, food, holiday activities, and more! Admission is FREE!
WinterWonderland takes place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 to 11 PM, in Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd). The annual Lighting of the Christmas tree will begin at 7:30 PM.
This year’s entertainment includes performances by local dance teams, Gatos Locos, and a headlining performance by cumbia superstar Pee Wee!
Activities will include an all-new ice rink, photo ops with classic holiday characters, an Elf on the Shelf giveaway, an artificial snow play area, snow sledding, and carnival rides.
Ahead of our event, children in the community are encouraged to write a letter to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez explaining why they want to help the mayor flip the switch turning on all the holiday lights.
“I’m excited to invite Pharr’s children to write me a letter sharing why they’d like to help light our city Christmas tree,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This honored tradition kicks off the holiday season, spreading joy to our entire community and I look forward to reading the letters and sharing this magical moment with the selected participants and our community,” he added.
Letters will be accepted through November 27, 2024, and can be dropped off at a special mailbox located outside Pharr City Hall.
Join us as well light up Downtown Pharr in an array of colorful and cheerful holiday lights!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr’s WinterWonderland & Tree Lighting Celebration
WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, 6 – 9 PM
WHERE: Downtown Pharr (118 S. Cage Blvd. Pharr, TX 78577)
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, November 18, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims November 18 as “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day”
The City of Pharr Commission has proudly proclaimed November 18, 2024, as “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge Day,” reaffirming its commitment to environmental conservation and the preservation of the iconic monarch butterfly. With their population declining by more than 80% over the last 20 years, monarch butterflies face critical challenges. Through initiatives such as dedicating parklands to native plants and encouraging residents to plant milkweed and nectar plants, Pharr is taking meaningful steps to restore vital habitats. By joining the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the City Commission are leading efforts to raise awareness and inspire collective action to protect these magnificent pollinators. Remy Vargas, Urban Ecologist for the City of Pharr, proudly accepted the proclamation and highlighted the significant measures the city is implementing to protect the monarch butterfly and its habitat. This proclamation symbolizes Pharr’s dedication to sustainability, creating a brighter and greener future for generations to come.
Pharr Media Department Recognized for Winning TATOA and NATOA Awards For Outstanding Communications
The Pharr City Commission proudly honored the Media Department and its News Director, Yuri Gonzalez, for their outstanding achievements in government programming. The team earned three prestigious Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (TATOA) awards, celebrating their exceptional work in highlighting Pharr’s accomplishments. On a national stage, they secured three National Association of Telecommunications Officers (NATOA) awards, including a first-place finish for the public information series “Se Antoja Pharr.” These accolades underscore Pharr’s unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency, and keeping residents informed and inspired by the city’s progress. This recognition reaffirms the city’s mission to showcase its positive impact and foster pride within the community. “These awards are highly competitive, with only a select few chosen to contend for such prestigious honors, and we are absolutely thrilled to have earned six awards this year,” said Gonzalez. “Our team takes immense pride in the work we do, and we remain dedicated to delivering the latest updates, celebrating our local businesses, and showcasing the vibrant community events that make Pharr so special,” she added. A big congratulations to the Pharr Media Team!
Pharr City Commission Approves Boundary Expansion
The Pharr City Commission approved an ordinance during its third and final reading to expand the city’s boundaries. This marks the completion of the process to annex 55.97 acres of land and roadway into the City of Pharr. The area includes land along South Veterans Boulevard and State Highway 365, as well as the south side of East U.S. Highway 281 (Military Highway), about 800 feet east of South Veterans Boulevard. This land was previously part of the city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) in Hidalgo County, Texas.
Featured Event: Winter Wonderland and Lighting of the Christmas Tree – Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 PM to 11 PM
The countdown to holiday magic is on!
Don’t miss Pharr’s Winter Wonderland, with food, market vendors, live music, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at 7:30 PM!
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
Pharr EDC to Host Groundbreaking for Majestic Realty and MasterBrand Distribution Center on Tue., 11/12 @ 10:30 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Majestic Realty and MasterBrand, is set to host a groundbreaking ceremony for a major development project in south Pharr. The project, a massive one-million-square-foot manufacturing, assembly, and distribution center, marks a significant milestone as the largest facility of its kind to be built in Hidalgo County.
The event will take place on November 12th, 2024, at 10:30 AM at 9701 S. Veterans Blvd in Pharr (NE corner of Veterans Blvd. and Hi-line Road). See the exact location here (Google Map Pin).
This new center will serve as the manufacturing hub for MasterBrand, a leading cabinet manufacturer whose products are sold in major retail outlets such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.
The project is being developed by Majestic Realty Co., a California-based company and one of the largest privately-owned industrial developers of master-planned business parks in the United States. This facility is part of the expansive Majestic International Trade Port, a master-planned industrial park spanning 600 acres in Pharr. When completed, the park will offer a total of seven million square feet of covered space, with this initial one-million-square-foot facility being the first phase.
Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, expressed his excitement about the economic impact this development will bring to the region. “This groundbreaking represents a monumental step forward for the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole. Projects like this bring high-quality jobs, attract additional investment, and reinforce Pharr’s position as a key player in economic development for South Texas,” said Perez. “We are proud to welcome MasterBrand to Pharr and look forward to the lasting economic benefits this facility will bring to our community.”
The groundbreaking ceremony will bring together local leaders, business partners, and community members to celebrate this significant investment in Pharr’s future.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony for Majestic Realty and MasterBrand Distribution Center
WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:30 AM
WHERE: 9701 S. Veterans Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577 (NE corner of Veterans Blvd. and Hi-line Road)
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: yuri.gonzalez@pharr-tx.gov
DHR Health, City of Pharr to Host Groundbreaking for New Behavioral Health Hospital on Tue., 11/12 @ 10 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and DHR Health will soon bring expanded mental health resources to the Rio Grande Valley with the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art behavioral health hospital. Officials from both the City of Pharr and DHR Health will gather to commemorate the start of construction for this 100-bed facility, a project funded in part by Texas’s historic investment in behavioral health.
The event will take place on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at the donated site of the future facility (4800 North Jackson Road) in Pharr.
Thanks to the 88th Texas Legislature’s $2.1 billion funding boost for mental health services, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission awarded DHR Health a grant to construct this much-needed facility. As part of the grant, the City of Pharr offered land to host the hospital, following a competitive bid process. This collaboration reflects the city’s commitment to addressing critical mental health needs in the region, where a backlog of 2,500 individuals await behavioral health services.
The new hospital, which will open in summer 2026, will be co-located with DHR Health’s existing behavioral health services, bringing Pharr its first hospital and boosting the local economy. Once complete, this public-private initiative will provide increased inpatient and outpatient mental health services, while creating jobs and adding vital healthcare resources for families across the Valley.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony of the New DHR Health Behavioral Hospital
WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Donated Site of the New DHR Health Behavioral Hospital (4800 North Jackson Road, Pharr, Texas 78577)
Dec 6 | 
6-11 PM | 
Downtown Pharr
