The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Takes First Place in 2025 Healthier Texas Community Challenge Mid-Size Community Category
The City of Pharr has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering a healthy community, earning top honors in the prestigious 2025 Healthier Texas Community Challenge. This marks the 8th time Pharr has received this esteemed recognition, a testament to the city’s ongoing dedication to wellness and active living. Abel Molina, Special Events Director for the City of Pharr, made the exciting announcement during a recent City Commission meeting, where Ricardo Parra, Program Manager for Healthier Texas, presented the award to the Commission. “I am proud to announce that the City of Pharr placed First in the Healthier Texas 2025 Community Challenge for the Mid-Size Community Category,” Molina said, sharing the pride of the city’s achievement. Parra expressed his admiration for Pharr’s impressive participation, emphasizing the numbers behind the success. “The community of Pharr earned 1.8 million points, logged over 1,000 miles, and dedicated more than 68,000 minutes to physical activity through our Community Challenge app. These numbers are more than just data; they represent a community that shows up, supports one another, and prioritizes health,” Parra noted. “Thank you for leading by example and inspiring others throughout the state.” This achievement not only reflects the hard work of the citizens of Pharr but also underscores the city’s commitment to promoting health and wellness across the region.
City Proclaims April 21-25 as National Community Development Week
The Pharr City Commission proudly approved a proclamation recognizing April 21-25, 2025, as National Community Development Week, joining cities across the country in highlighting the impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Now in its 51st year, CDBG continues to play a vital role in supporting housing, infrastructure, and services that uplift underserved communities. Elizabeth Diaz, Director of Grants Management for the City of Pharr, along with her dedicated team, accepted the proclamation. “We’re proud to celebrate 51 years of the CDBG program, which has transformed lives and neighborhoods across Pharr,” Diaz stated. “This week is not only a celebration of progress but a reminder of our continued commitment to empowering residents through these grants.” To commemorate this milestone, the community is invited to a special CDBG Week Celebration on Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Hub at Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd). The event will feature community resources, family-friendly activities, and an opportunity to learn more about the city’s ongoing CDBG-funded projects. The City of Pharr remains dedicated to investing in projects and programs that strengthen neighborhoods, support economic development, and ensure all residents have access to essential services.
Pharr Recognizes April as Fair Housing Month
The Pharr City Commission has officially declared April 2025 as Fair Housing Month, reaffirming the City’s dedication to ensuring equal access to housing opportunities for all. The proclamation recognizes the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, which prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. The proclamation was accepted by the City of Pharr’s Grants Management Department. Assistant Director Napolean Coca expressed the department’s continued commitment to this mission, stating, “We celebrate Fair Housing Month and our commitment that everyone has equal access to safe and affordable housing through the projects we undertake with the CDBG grant.” He added, “Fair Housing is not just a right but an opportunity for all families to thrive.” The City of Pharr remains steadfast in its efforts to create inclusive communities and encourages all residents to support practices that promote housing equity and opportunity.
Pharr Declares April as Autism Awareness Month
The Pharr City Commission proclaimed April 2025 as Autism Awareness Month, underscoring the city’s continued commitment to inclusivity and awareness. The proclamation highlights the growing prevalence of autism, now affecting approximately 1 in 36 children nationwide and over 449,000 individuals in Texas alone. With early intervention and support, individuals on the spectrum can lead significantly improved lives. Nico Tapangan, Public Health Director for the City of Pharr, and Veronica Quintana, Special Education Director for PSJA ISD, accepted the proclamation along with four students from PSJA’s 18+ program, Pathways Towards Independence. “We serve over 750 students in the district with varying levels of autism, and we celebrate these students’ strengths while working with them toward resilience and successful futures,” said Quintana. Through this proclamation, the City of Pharr continues to highlight the importance of understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and its dedication to promoting awareness and advocating for a more inclusive future for all members of the community.
City Proclaims April as Child Abuse and Prevention Month
The Pharr City Commission declared April 2025 as Child Abuse and Prevention Month, affirming the city’s commitment to safeguarding children and supporting families. The proclamation emphasizes that children are among our most valuable and vulnerable assets, and that ensuring their safety, stability, and nurturing environment is a shared responsibility across the community. Danny Ramirez, Pharr EMS Chief, accepted the proclamation alongside members of his command staff and representatives from Driscoll Children’s Hospital, including Dr. Maryann Alvarez Griffis, the Rio Grande Valley’s first pediatric child abuse physician. “We thought it was important to partner with Driscoll Children’s Hospital in honor of the proclamation, as it allows us to not only recognize their invaluable work but also shed light on their ongoing efforts to help combat child abuse in our community,” said Ramirez. Through this proclamation, the City of Pharr reinforces its dedication to creating a strong network of support among citizens, agencies, and institutions to prevent child abuse and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow and thrive.
Featured Events:
CDBG 51st Birthday Celebration – Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Join us for CDBG’s 51st Birthday Celebration!
The City of Pharr is proud to host this exciting FREE community event in collaboration with partners like Food Bank RGV, Amigos del Valle, Affordable Homes of South Texas, and more. Join us for an evening filled with valuable resources, family-friendly activities, live music, delicious food, and interactive booths highlighting how CDBG-funded services benefit our residents. We invite all community members to be part of the fun as we recognize over five decades of impactful service and investment in our neighborhoods.
April 24, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The HUB at Downtown Park (200 S. Cage Blvd.)
Night Under the Stars – Friday, May 9, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM
Join us for a magical Night Under the Stars!
Treat the moms in your life to a special night they’ll always remember —an evening filled with music, love, and unforgettable memories! 
FREE Ticketed Event
Ticket pick-up starts April 28, 2025, at the Special Events Building (209 W. Newcombe Park Ave).
Limit: 6 tickets per person *while supplies last.
May 9, 2025
7:30 PM
Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd.)
Our Pharr, Our Future Open House – Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join us for the Our Pharr, Our Future Open House!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and help shape the future of our city! Enter for the chance to win a FREE generator! Come explore interactive stations and give your input on key topics like transportation, parks and community.
It’s a family-friendly event with:
Raffle prizes
Generator Giveaway
Fun activities for all ages!
Don’t miss out on your chance to help build the future of Pharr!
May 13, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Jose “Pepe Salinas” Recreation Center (1011 W. Kelly Ave.)