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Rick Carrera, Director of Economic Development at Council for South Texas Economic Progress, was present at the 2026 McAllen State of the City Address, reaffirming COSTEP’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration and economic competitiveness across South Texas.
During the address, the City of McAllen reported one of the strongest economic expansion cycles in its recent history.
City leadership highlighted nearly US$5 billion in taxable sales, more than US$507 million in construction activity, and a US$578 million municipal budget supporting over 120 infrastructure projects, clear indicators of sustained financial strength and strategic growth planning.
Infrastructure Driving Binational Commerce
Binational trade remains central to McAllen’s performance and long-term positioning.
The expansion of the Anzaldúas International Bridge toward full commercial cargo operations represents a transformative step for cross-border logistics and supply chain integration.
At the same time, modernization efforts at McAllen International Airport, supported by a US$200 million investment, are reinforcing McAllen’s role as a key air connectivity and trade hub within the region.
A Regional Growth Platform
With record development activity, infrastructure expansion, and long-term projects focused on water security and mixed-use investment, McAllen continues positioning itself as a diversified growth platform within the Rio South Texas Region.
COSTEP’s presence at the State of the City underscores a fundamental principle: economic competitiveness in today’s environment is built regionally. As McAllen grows, the entire region strengthens, creating a unified platform for investment, expansion, and binational opportunity.
The 2026 State of the City made one thing clear: McAllen is not just growing, it is scaling strategically, with infrastructure, trade connectivity, and regional partnerships aligned for long-term success.
In the Picture:
Susie Torres – Killam Development
Abelardo Bocanegra – Killam Development
Carlos Telles – CBRE
Paco Sanchez – RGV Partnership
Anna Talbert – RGV Partnership
