The Spirit Of McAllen
The past year was a banner year for McAllen, TX. In his State of the City address, RMA Advisory Board Chairman and Mayor of McAllen, Javier Villalobos highlighted the successes and records that the city broke in 2023.
Mayor Villalobos pointed out that not only is McAllen a good city, it’s a safe city. Thanks to the efforts from law enforcement officers and first responders, McAllen was declared the third safest city in America. Even with a growing population, McAllen continued it annual streak of reducing crime, bringing it down to the lowest level in 37years.
Smart fiscal management and three consecutive years of property tax cuts spearheaded by Mayor Villalobos has cemented McAllen’s position as the third most affordable city for homebuyers. In addition to the low property taxes, the city is flush with cash. A record year for businesses led to sales tax revenue exceeding $93 million, which was reinvested in the community through McAllen’s most ambitious budget ever.
Things are looking good in McAllen, and the future is bright with Mayor Villalobos at the helm. As he stated, “It was the year I saw the spirit of McAllen shine and I believe the best is yet to come because, if we can, we will! In McAllen, if we can, we will!”
McAllen is a shining example of a success story ushered in by a committed Republican mayor.
Republican Mayors Leading The Way
For several years, leaders in Omaha and Nebraska have planned for an expansion of the Eppley Airfield, now, that dream is a reality.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert was on hand earlier this week for the groundbreaking celebration of the next phase of the $950 million terminal expansion and modernization project which will transform the facility into a world class airport.
Slated upgrades include a new terminal that will be double the size of the current one, additional arrival and departure gates, two gates for international flights, a centralized TSA security screening checkpoint, and new restaurants and retail shops.
The largest American based advanced semiconductor packaging and testing facility is coming to Peoria, AZ.
Amkor Technologies is investing over $2 billion and will create over 2,000 jobs – a massive win for the residents of Peoria.
Mayor Jason Beck highlighted the importance of this announcement for the city as well as the country: “It is no secret that our nation is reshoring its advanced manufacturing industries. We are proud of Peoria’s global leadership in this movement, and the significant capital investment and quality jobs that it brings to our community.”
Jobs Corner
Andalusia, AL: Mayor Earl Johnson joined Governor Kay Ivey for the groundbreaking of a $58 million Conecuh Sausage facility that will create a minimum 110 new jobs.
Pensacola, FL: Mayor D.C. Reeves announced that the American Magic Sail Team will be relocating their headquarters to the city, creating at least 120 jobs.
Plano, TX: Mayor John Muns announced that the City of Plano and Capital One teamed up for the 2024 Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program. Under the program, rising high school juniors and seniors will be able to receive paid internships in industries like finance, nonprofits, medicine, hospitality, business, education, and communications.
