The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City of Pharr Proclaims May 22, 2025, as “Stop the Bleed Day”
The Pharr City Commission officially proclaimed May 22, 2025, as “Stop the Bleed Day” to raise awareness of life-threatening bleeding emergencies and promote public education in bleeding control. Excessive bleeding is the leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 40, according to national trauma statistics. The Stop the Bleed campaign, launched in 2015 at the White House, empowers everyday citizens to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations before first responders arrive. Observed annually on the fourth Thursday of May, Stop the Bleed Day encourages people to get trained and be prepared. The proclamation was accepted by Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez, Dr. Carlos Palacio, Trauma Surgeon at South Texas Health System McAllen and instructor for the American College of Surgeons, and members of their teams, alongside hospital representatives from across the region. “We are proud to continue our Stop the Bleed Training in honor of National Stop the Bleed Day, which we have held over the last four years to help save lives,” said EMS Chief Danny Ramirez. The City of Pharr remains committed to community safety and education through initiatives like Stop the Bleed, led by local professionals who are dedicated to saving lives.
City Commission Proclaims May 18–24, 2025 as “Emergency Medical Services Week”
The Pharr City Commission has officially proclaimed the week of May 18–24, 2025, as “Emergency Medical Services Week,” recognizing the critical role EMS professionals play in protecting and serving the Pharr community. The proclamation was presented to Pharr EMS staff by Chief Danny Ramirez and members of the City Commission in honor of their commitment to public health and safety. Emergency medical services (EMS) are a vital part of the healthcare system, providing lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. From paramedics and EMTs to dispatchers, nurses, and emergency physicians, EMS professionals fill a vital gap in out-of-hospital care — including preventative medicine, follow-up care, and access to telemedicine — that improves survival and recovery outcomes for those facing sudden illness or injury. Chief Ramirez thanked his staff during the presentation, stating, “During EMS Week, we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for the incredible service that our pre-hospital professionals provide to our community every day — their tireless dedication, professionalism, and compassion do not go unnoticed. Pharr is safer, stronger, and more resilient for everything you do.” With thousands of hours of training and a deep commitment to service, EMS teams stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice. By declaring this week in their honor, the City of Pharr celebrates the courage, skill, and compassion of all those who serve in emergency medical services.
City of Pharr Proclaims May 18–24, 2025 as “National Public Works and Public Utilities Week”
The Pharr City Commission has officially proclaimed the week of May 18–24, 2025, as “National Public Works and Public Utilities Week,” recognizing the vital role that these departments play in building, maintaining, and improving the essential infrastructure and services that keep Pharr running. Public works and utilities professionals are responsible for managing the city’s infrastructure, including water systems, waste management, roadways, and public buildings, ensuring public health, safety, and quality of life. National Public Works Week, now in its 65th year, is sponsored by the American Public Works Association to raise awareness and appreciation for the contributions of public works professionals across North America. The proclamation was accepted by Luis Marin, Director of Public Works, Ruben Rosales, Director of Public Utilities, and members of their staff in recognition of their continued dedication to serving the community. “To celebrate the week, Pharr Public Works will host a community event on Friday, May 23, 2025, to showcase the important work the department does,” said Marin. “Thank you to our city leadership and outstanding staff for the incredible work they do every day.” Rosales added, “Our utilities crew are the hidden heroes of our city, working day and night to keep our systems running smoothly.” Both directors also expressed appreciation for their long-serving staff, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to the City of Pharr. The City of Pharr invites all residents to take a moment to recognize and thank the individuals behind the scenes who help make our city stronger, safer, and more resilient.
City Commission Recognizes PSJA ISD Interns for Completing Groundbreaking Cybersecurity Program
The Pharr City Commission, in partnership with IT Director Jose Peña, proudly recognized ten outstanding PSJA ISD students: Jesus Alejandro Serna, Gavin Trevino, Hector A. Arriaga, Miguel Mendez, Jose Cantu, Miguel A. Aviles, Diego Naranjo, Orlando Robles, Yan Lucka Barajas, and Damian Rivera, who completed the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Grant Internship Program. Funded by Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., the internship program is part of a regional effort to empower students through education and career-readiness. The grant supports paid internships, hands-on training, and certification opportunities that prepare students for high-demand fields, specifically in cybersecurity and digital technology. During the special presentation, each student was awarded a certificate of completion in honor of their hard work and commitment. “This year, we were able to expand the program. These students are paid interns and are also part of the cybersecurity certificate program at South Texas College,” said Peña. “They were trained as Digital Navigators and in digital literacy—we are incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished,” he added. PSJA ISD’s Belinda Vargas expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with the City of Pharr. “Thank you to city leadership for partnering with us. Our students gain real-world experience, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to be part of this,” she said. Three students received special recognition for their exceptional hours of service: Hector Arriaga – 863 hours, Miguel Mendez – 807 hours and Josue Serna – 786 hours. “This is the first program of its kind—not just in Pharr, but across the region and state,” said Assistant City Manager Cindy Garza Reyes. “Our goal is to create educational pathways for our students. This program is a model for what we can achieve when we work together to support education and workforce development.” The City of Pharr is proud to celebrate these student interns, who have not only excelled in their high school coursework, but also earned college credits, certifications, and valuable real-world experience, laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter workforce.
Pharr HR Director Honored as 2024 Human Resources Professional of the Year
The Pharr City Commission proudly recognized Human Resources Director Veronica Ramirez for receiving the prestigious Human Resources Professional of the Year Award of Distinction. The award was presented during the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association Conference held on May 7 in San Antonio, where HR professionals and community leaders gathered to celebrate excellence and innovation in the field. Ramirez was honored for her outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to serving city employees. One of her standout initiatives is the “HR on Your Turf” program—a proactive outreach effort designed to strengthen communication and accessibility between the Human Resources Department and employees across all levels of the organization. The Professional of the Year Award of Distinction is awarded annually to a leader who has demonstrated excellence in HR practices and made a lasting impact on their organization. “Vero, we are extremely proud of you,” said City Manager Jonathan Flores. “Thank you for all that you do for the City of Pharr. This award was truly well deserved.” In accepting the honor, Ramirez expressed heartfelt appreciation. “I’m very humbled to receive this award—it was unexpected. I come to work every day because I love it and I love who I work with,” she said. “This recognition is a reflection of the incredible team I have and the unwavering support from our city leadership and commissioners who prioritize our employees every day.”
City of Pharr Celebrates Graduates of the Texas Municipal League Leadership Academy
The Pharr City Commission proudly recognized seven city professionals for successfully completing the Texas Municipal League (TML) Leadership Academy, a prestigious program designed to strengthen the leadership skills of municipal officials across Texas. Honorees included Hilda Pedraza (Assistant City Manager), Maria Rangel (City Engineer), Imelda Perez (City Clerk), Kimberly Mendoza (Director of Development Services), Elizabeth Diaz (Grants Director), Abel Molina (Special Events Coordinator), and CJ Sanchez (Director of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce). The TML Leadership Academy is a rigorous, two-course, six-day program that provides city leaders with training in decision-making, strategic thinking, and management, led by university faculty, policy experts, and experienced public officials. Participants praised the opportunity for growth, collaboration, and networking. “It was truly a great experience. Our cohort learned about leadership behaviors, team building, and gained valuable skills,” said Mendoza. “We collaborated and networked with others from across Texas, and we’re excited to bring new ideas back to Pharr,” added Perez. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to expand our skills and improve the services we provide to our community,” shared Sanchez. The City of Pharr remains committed to investing in its employees through leadership development opportunities that strengthen services, build capacity, and support a culture of excellence.
Pharr City Commission Appoints New Mayor Pro Tem and Alternate
The Pharr City Commission has officially appointed Commissioner Michael Pacheco as Mayor Pro Tem and Commissioner Itza Flores as Alternate Mayor Pro Tem, reflecting the Commission’s continued commitment to strong and collaborative leadership in service to the residents of Pharr.
Featured Events:
Public Works Week Celebration – Friday, May 23, 2025, from 9 AM to 12 PM
FREE Family Event!
Come out and celebrate the amazing work our Public Works Department does every day to keep our city running smoothly! 
Bring the whole family and meet the incredible Public Works Department team!
Food • Games • Moon Jump • Rides • Raspas • Music • Prizes
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Location: Public Works Department (1015 E. Ferguson Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 26, 2025, at 9 AM
The City of Pharr proudly presents a Memorial Day Ceremony! 
Join us as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 
Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Memorial Park (501 W. Egly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)
Pharr Connect Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 2 PM
Join us for the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Pharr Connect Innovation Center!
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 2 PM | Cutting of Ribbon: 2:30 PM | Facility Tours: 3 PM – 5 PM
Location: Pharr Connect Innovation Center (104 W. Polk Ave., Pharr, TX 78577)