Josh Ramirez

This document outlines the 2026 Priorities Work Plan for Harlingen City Commission, District 2, aiming to drive the city 'Full Steam Ahead' through strategic initiatives. The plan is structured around three key pillars: Infrastructure, focusing on drainage, street improvements, and ADA accessibility; Economic Development, targeting downtown revitalization, business incentives, and tourism; and Public Services, covering parks, recreation, trails, and community facilities. It details projects aligned with city policies to enhance quality of life and foster community growth in Harlingen.

This document outlines District 2's priorities and work plan for the year 2025, aimed at establishing Harlingen as a premier destination within the Rio Grande Valley. The plan focuses on three core pillars: Infrastructure, Economic Development, and Public Services. Key initiatives include enhancing parks and green spaces, fostering business growth and cultural development, making smart city investments, and promoting community collaboration. The overarching goal is to make Harlingen a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

This plan provides a strategic framework for the City of Harlingen's parks, recreation, open space, and trails system. It aims to develop a high-quality system that serves the community's needs by identifying demographic impacts, assessing current facilities, and establishing goals for future improvements over a five-to-ten-year period. Key priorities include addressing parkland acreage and development, enhancing park facilities, improving access and connectivity within the system, expanding recreational programs for all ages, and strengthening park operations and maintenance. The overall vision is to create a safe, connected, and resilient system that promotes active lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and community pride through diverse and accessible recreational opportunities.

The meeting included discussions and announcements primarily focused on community initiatives. Key topics included the launch of the 'Harlingen United to End Hunger' campaign organized by the Harlingen Hunger Coalition to raise funds for the RGB Food Bank, which is currently facing resource shortages and turning away families. Recognitions were given to the Harlingen High School tennis teams and the SER Martini Lounge for receiving a statewide award for best decor. A proclamation was presented to Coach Kano of Zavala Elementary upon his retirement after 30 years of service, and another proclamation was issued for the Children's Bereavement Center of Rio Grande Valley. The 'Business of the Month' recognition was awarded to Bonitos for their ongoing commitment to feeding the community, especially in light of potential SNAP benefit reductions. Under the consent agenda, action was taken to approve the resolution authorizing the interim city manager to accept a $40,000 grant from the Texas Historical Commission Texas Preservation Trust Fund Program to conduct a survey of potential historical buildings in Harlingen.

The commission meeting recap covered several key items. Discussions included recognizing Nugget the basset hound as 'pet of the week' and featuring State Farm Insurance Rosendes as the 'business of the month'. A certificate of recognition was presented to the Greater Chamber of Commerce. A proclamation was issued for July 2025 as Park and Recreation Month, honoring staff for their efforts. The city received designation as a Music Friendly City by the Texas Music Office, with discussions detailing available Texas Music Incubator Rebate Program (TMIR) grants for venues with live music. Action items included unanimous approval to authorize the City Manager to accept $900,000 in grants for veteran assistance, covering home improvements, childcare, dental appointments, and mortgage/rental payments. An ordinance was adopted on first reading to extend the waiver of certain permit fees for rebuilding caused by the recent March flood until September 30, 2025. The detailed staff report from the engineering department regarding future projects was noted to be available online. There were no speakers during the public hearing section for the five scheduled hearings.