Sandee Alvarez

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.

The 60 Second Town Hall covered five primary topics. The first topic recognized the head coach of the Lady Cardinals basketball team for achieving her 300th career victory. The second topic addressed testing potential speed bumps at specified locations, with construction pending results. The third involved tabled items, specifically a historic preservation ordinance and the creation of an ad hoc planning advisory committee to collaborate with the city commission. The fourth topic focused on the Fire Department, passing an action for the department to overhire three firefighters, establishing a memorandum of understanding allowing the city to host one of six Texas firefighter training courses, and approving the extension of fire services to areas outside city limits. The final topic highlighted an adoptable male red heeler named Truffle available at the Harling Animal Shelter.

The Harlingen Comprehensive Plan is a strategic framework designed to guide the city's growth and development over a 25-year period. It focuses on six key vision elements: economic growth and opportunity, diverse housing options, eco-tourism development, establishing Harlingen as a hub for culture and arts, building a resilient community, and fostering a thriving local economy. The plan aims to align future development with community values, enhance quality of life, and promote sustainable practices.

This document outlines the 'Harlingen Horizon' initiative, comprising Comprehensive, Parks, and Downtown Plans for the City of Harlingen. The Comprehensive Plan focuses on land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and economic development, emphasizing resilience, sustainable growth, and community values. The Downtown Plan aims for revitalization, creating a vibrant, safe, walkable, and economically innovative downtown that serves as a cultural and eco-tourism hub. The Parks Plan (PROST Plan) seeks to expand park access and equity, modernize facilities, strengthen community programming, and design for environmental resilience. The overarching vision is to foster a thriving, resilient, and connected Harlingen, enhancing quality of life, promoting economic growth, and ensuring sustainable development through strategic investments and community engagement.