Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the great city of Harlingen. The All-America City of Harlingen.
It really is a pleasure to welcome so many leaders here. I see so many familiar faces. Really, this is a room full of economic developers, EDC corporations, we've got educational institutions. We're blessed to have our very own Alex Meade in the room - really, an advocate for our community. And Mayor (Javier) Villalobos is with us. Thank you for being here.
So, I think that the next 90 minutes… one of the things that makes our community really special is that we are working regionally, collaboratively for our community. We are seeing that here in South Texas. We are experiencing tremendous momentum and growth all the way from Harlingen up to McAllen, and every city in between.
As new investment emerges into our community, as new industries come into our community in our region, it is important that we are prepared, not only for the opportunities of today, but really for the growth of tomorrow. And, as we know, infrastructure is the foundation of sustainable growth. However, everyone in this room knows that infrastructure alone isn't enough. We need a strong economy, and we also require a strong workforce. We must continue creating the pathways that connect education and training with the needs of industries that are growing right here in South Texas.
And that is why regional collaboration is important. As I mentioned, cities, educational institutions, utilities, EDCs, and the private sector all have a role in ensuring our region has the capacity and the talent that is needed to compete for major investment.
Public-private partnerships will continue to be a key part of that success, and we're seeing that already. And I know that there is more to come in the future.
And having events like today, bringing decision makers, project leaders, educators, and all of these professionals here together, I know that we can identify challenges early, develop the practical solutions needed, and better prepare our communities for long-term growth.
So today's conversation is an opportunity to move beyond any individual projects that we have within our communities, and consider how we move South Texas forward together.
We are definitely proud of the growth and the momentum happening right here in Harlingen, but we are equally excited about the growth and the momentum throughout the region.
Thank you so much for being here for this very important conversation, and of course, thank you to each and every one of you for your part in this change here in South Texas.
I'm excited about the future of our region.
Editor's Note: Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda made the above remarks at an event co-hosted by the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP) and Harlingen Economic Developmebnt Corporation. Titled, "Powering Texas and Regional Growth: Infrastructure + Workforce Exchange" the event was held at the Harlingen Convention Center on Augst 13, 2026.
