managed by Precinct 2. That network already stretches into McAllen and is among the longest in the region. The long-term goal is ambitious: create a continuous trail that allows users to travel from Weslaco to McAllen and Edinburg using a safe, dedicated path, largely separated from major traffic corridors. When complete, residents and visitors will be able to move between cities by bike or on foot with ease, reinforcing the Rio Grande Valley’s identity as a connected region. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIP CULTURE Alamo’s progress is underpinned by an impressive array of partnerships that span local, county, state, and federal levels. The city works closely with the Alamo Economic Development Corporation and the Alamo Chamber of Commerce, which share a building and collaborate to attract and support businesses. This tight alignment between city leadership, economic development professionals, and the business community helps ensure that opportunities are identified early and pursued effectively. Alamo’s position within two county precincts is another unique advantage. Portions of the city fall under Precinct 1, while other areas are in Precinct 2. This gives Salinas and his team two county commissioners to engage with when pursuing infrastructure projects and regional initiatives. At the federal level, the city is represented by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz. The city has partnered with De La Cruz’s office on a request for approximately $2.4 million in funding to support a new public safety building, reducing the financial impact on local taxpayers for a project estimated at around $8.5 million. Locally, Freedom Bank serves as the city’s primary financial institution, handling municipal financing and stepping in as a collaborative partner on projects like Alamo’s new LED community sign along the expressway frontage. Major retailers like Walmart and H-E-B are also reliable supporters of community events and initiatives, demonstrating the strong bond between public and private stakeholders in the city. The industrial sector, while not yet as large as the city would like, includes major players such as CIL, a cotton handling company that stores and ships products nationwide from its Alamo facilities. While the absence of a direct international bridge means the city does not see the same level of logistics activity as some neighboring border communities, Alamo remains keen to grow its industrial and light manufacturing base to create more local jobs and broaden its economic foundation. SUSTAINABILITY WOVEN INTO DAILY DECISIONS Environmental responsibility in Alamo is less about grand declarations and more about consistent, 64 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 01
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