The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims April 2024 as Fair Housing Month and April 1-5, 2024 as National Community Development Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 2024 as Fair Housing Month and April 1-5, 2024 as National Community Development Week. April celebrates Fair Housing Month, recognizing everyone’s right to live where they choose, regardless of their race, color, creed, gender, national origin, or disability. The City of Pharr encourages all of our citizens to join in this national effort to ensure housing opportunities for all Americans in all neighborhoods throughout the nation. Cynthia Garza, Director of External Relations was joined by Rene Cantu, Chairman of the Pharr Community Development Block Grant Board, and Victor Alvarez, Board Member, to accept the proclamations. “Fair Housing Month allows us to celebrate our families, our right to live the “American Dream” by owning our own home, and providing everyone an equal opportunity,” said Garza. The City of Pharr is also a proud participant in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program which funds a myriad of social and public services, community projects, and housing programs. “The CDBG Program allows us to reach further into our community to target specific threshold which we are then able to not only provide funds to local nonprofits but also to cover other programs within our actual departments as well,” Garza added. The City of Pharr’s Grants Management and Community Development Department is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Downtown Park located next to City Hall at 200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577 from 5 pm to 7 pm. There will be family fun with different activities, food, music, and moon jumps for the kids to enjoy!
City Proclaims April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week
An official proclamation declaring April 7-13, 2024 as National Library Week was approved by Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission. The City of Pharr recognizes that libraries play a critical role in the economic vitality of communities by providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, as well as many other community benefits and services. Additionally, libraries are accessible and inclusive places that promote a sense of local connection, advancing understanding, civic engagement, and shared community goals. Pharr Library Director Adolfo Garcia and his staff accepted the proclamation, which also recognizes librarians and library workers. “Thank you Mayor and Commissioners for your support of our Pharr Memorial Library and the many services we provide our Pharr residents throughout the year,” said Garcia. “We are proud of our work and thank our patrons for their support,” he added. In celebration, the Pharr Memorial Library will be hosting several events throughout the week.
City of Pharr Wins It’s Time Texas Community Challenge for Fourth Consecutive Year
Thania Ugalde Parra, the South Texas Regional Director for It’s Time Texas excitedly announced during the city meeting that Pharr won 1st Place in the Medium Size category for the fourth consecutive year. It’s Time Texas is a statewide nonprofit working to bring people, organizations, and communities together to take action that supports health for all, now, and for generations to come. “I would like to recognize the City of Pharr for all the amazing work they’ve done throughout the years, you guys have won four consecutive years and the city owns 7 trophies which is a testament to our partnerships and your commitment,” said Parra when presenting the award. She also added, “It’s Time Texas thanks you, we recognize you, and we appreciate Pharr’s dedication to our challenge.” A few stats that she shared from the city’s participation in the challenge included the fact that Pharr participants logged over 21,078 meals, 15,976 of those meals included fruits and vegetables, and participants also traveled over 10,157 miles. She continued, “Most importantly, you guys showed what it is to be a community; how to work together, motivate each other, and create healthier habits.” Mayor Hernandez said, “I am so proud of our staff and our community for coming together once again to clinch the 1st Place Medium Size category title and I thank you for setting the pace and leading the charge in this category.” Congratulations, everyone!
Featured Events:
Celebrate 50 Years of CDBG Week in Pharr with Free Resources and Family Fun – Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5 PM
HOLI Pharr Festival of Colors – Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11 AM
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Celebrate 50 Years of CDBG Week in Pharr with Free Resources and Family Fun
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024
Pharr, Texas –The City of Pharr’s Grants Management & Community Development Department is thrilled to invite the community to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week.
This FREE event will take place on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Downtown Park located next to City Hall at 200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577 from 5 pm to 7 pm.
Join us as we unite with multiple agencies such as Food Bank RGV, Amigos del Valle, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Pharr Police Department, Pharr Fire Department and more to provide information about our services and how residents can benefit from them.
CDBG Week also offers family fun with different activities, food, music, and moon jumps for the kids to enjoy!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: 50th Anniversary of CDBG Week
WHEN: Thursday, April 4, 2024, 5 PM to 7PM
WHERE: Downtown Park (200 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Learn About the New City of Pharr I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Public Health Department cordially invites members of the community to attend an informational event introducing the new “I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker” campaign. This initiative aims to enhance pet safety and welfare during emergencies and disasters.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM at Pharr ONE (1121 E Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577) and is FREE to the public.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of the I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Stickers, which will serve as vital communication tools for emergency responders in situations where pets may be involved. These stickers can help ensure that pets are swiftly identified and rescued during emergencies.
Refreshments, snacks, and a generous supply of the new I ❤️ My Pet Emergency Rescue Stickers will be provided to all attendees.
We encourage members of the media to join us for this event and help spread awareness about this crucial initiative.
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: I My Pet Emergency Rescue Sticker Campaign
WHERE: Pharr ONE (1121 E Nolana Loop, Pharr, TX 78577)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 AM
Pharr’s Annual Holi Festival Returns, Celebrate Community, Culture, and the Arrival of Spring, SAT 4/6 @ 11 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is thrilled to announce the return of the much-anticipated Holi Festival of Colors, marking the joyful arrival of spring.
This vibrant celebration will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Allen & William Arnold City/School Park located at 615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577. Admission and parking are FREE!
“Everyone is invited to join us as we celebrate spring’s arrival in the City of Pharr with the mesmerizing and colorful Holi Festival,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This event is always packed with excitement, lots of fun, live music, and energetic enthusiasm. You do not want to miss out on this once-a-year vibrant event,” Mayor Hernandez added. “I’ll see you there!”
The Holi Festival of Colors is a cherished tradition that brings together our diverse community in a spirit of unity and joy. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with cultural festivities, delicious food, lively music, and the hallmark color powder that makes this event truly unforgettable.
Join us in welcoming the spring season with friends and family!
The public and media are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Holi Festival of Colors
WHERE: Allen & William Arnold City/School Park (615 W El Dora Rd, Pharr, Texas 78577)
WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2024
TIME: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected]
Pharr EDC to Host Beam Signing Ceremony for Restaurant Row at Pharr Town Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Economic Development Corporation will be hosting a Beam Signing Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the brand new development Restaurant Row at Pharr Town Center.
The ceremony will take place at 11 am TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 500 N. Jackson Road and U.S. Expressway 83 (adjacent to Pappadeaux) in Pharr.
“We are excited to continue to expand our economic footprint, and provide our citizens with new opportunities for dining in Pharr,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC. “This will be a great addition to the Pharr Town Center!”
Join us as we celebrate a momentous occasion as Levcor celebrates a monumental step in its journey from blueprint to reality in the city of Pharr.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Beam Signing Ceremony Restaurant Row at Pharr Town Center
WHEN: TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:00 am
WHERE: 500 N. Jackson Road and U.S. Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577 (adjacent to Pappadeaux)
Pharr EDC in conjunction with The Pharr International Bridge Hosts MOU Signing Ceremony with Delegation from Zitacuaro, Michoacan, MX
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2024
Pharr, Texas – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony was held on Friday, March 15, 2024, between the Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and a delegation from Zitacuaro, Michoacan, MX, to explore and advance joint economic opportunities.
“Pharr continues to explore economic ventures with our binational partners in Mexico and we are thrilled to partner with the City of Zitacuaro,” said Victor Perez, President/CEO of the Pharr EDC. He added, “We both have important access to key businesses, industries, and investors as well as a shared interest in keeping our cities innovative and competitive.”
Through this new collaborative partnership, the two cities will explore near-shoring/offshoring, reshoring, and new-shoring opportunities related to industrial operations, services, and derivatives.
“This is a great move forward for the City of Pharr and the Pharr EDC as we aim to strengthen our international partnerships and work collaboratively with similar cities to attract growth, business, and investors,” said Dr. Jonathan B. Flores, Pharr City Manager. “By working together, our two cities can synergize and help each other succeed,” added Flores. “This is going to be a great partnership!”
In their discussions, Pharr and Zitacuaro expressed interest in exploring locations for launching, expanding, developing, and growing their businesses, technologies, products, and services.
The delegation from Zitacuaro included Antonio Ixtlahuac Orihuela, Presidente Municipal, Miguel Ruiz Ruiz, Coordinador de Gabinete, Sotelo Tello, Coordinadora de Planeación Municipal, and Guillermo Cortes Lua, Consultor Municipio de Zitácuaro.
“Our two cities are very similar, and we are excited about the new economic development opportunities that our collaborative efforts will yield for our futures,” said Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., Mayor of Pharr and Chairman of the Pharr EDC.
