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February 18, 2026The Rio South Texas Region continues to advance its data-driven investment strategy as the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation participated in the 2026 Texas Economic Outlook, a high-level economic briefing focused on the state’s forward trajectory.
Representing Edinburg were Executive Director Raudel Garza and Board Members Sandra Y. Alaniz and Veronica Gonzales. Their presence underscores the region’s commitment to aligning local development strategies with state and national economic indicators.
Strategic Intelligence for Regional Growth
The Texas Economic Outlook featured macroeconomic analysis and projections delivered by experts from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and industry leadership across Texas.
Among the featured speakers, Pia Orrenius, Vice President and Senior Economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, provided in-depth analysis on labor market trends, demographic shifts, and the structural forces shaping Texas’ long-term competitiveness. Her insights highlighted how population growth, workforce participation, and migration patterns are influencing economic performance across metropolitan areas.
In addition, Dante Galeazzi, CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, addressed evolving trade flows, agricultural supply chains, and cross-border commerce, critical pillars of the Rio Grande Valley’s economic foundation.
Aligning Local Strategy with State-Level Forecasting
For Edinburg EDC, participation in this forum goes beyond visibility. It represents strategic calibration.
As Texas navigates sustained population expansion, workforce transformation, inflationary pressures, and changing industrial demand, regional development organizations must adjust their investment attraction, workforce development, and infrastructure planning accordingly.
Rio South Texas Region, where trade, logistics, healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing drive regional GDP, requires precise alignment with credible economic forecasting. Engagement with leading institutions ensures that local strategies remain grounded in measurable trends rather than reactive assumptions.
Competitive Positioning Within Texas
Regions that integrate high-quality economic intelligence into their development planning are better positioned to attract capital and sustain long-term resilience. By engaging directly with top-tier economic analysis, Edinburg EDC strengthens its ability to:
- Refine investment recruitment strategies
- Anticipate workforce needs
- Prioritize infrastructure development
- Position the city competitively within Texas’ dynamic economy
For investors evaluating expansion opportunities across Texas, the Rio South Texas Region stands out as a market that pairs growth momentum with strategic foresight.
If your company is exploring expansion, nearshoring, or U.S. market entry, partner with COSTEP Council for South Texas Economic Progress to navigate site selection, workforce strategy, and regional integration with confidence.




