Ethan Taylor Maldonado/THE RIDER
UTRGV is expected to play a major role in Edinburg’s continued growth, including a planned $160 million biomedical research expansion highlighted during the city’s 2026 State of the City Address Thursday in the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events Center.
Officials and university leaders emphasized the partnership between UTRGV and the city as a driving force behind economic development, job creation and long-term infrastructure planning.
“Edinburg is on the rise,” said Patrick Gonzales, senior vice president for Marketing and Communications at UTRGV. “We’re really excited to play a role in Edinburg moving forward and providing a great city for its residents. … A city where you can raise a family, enjoy entertainment, have good jobs and really thrive.”
In his first State of the City Address, Mayor Omar Ochoa outlined a $275 million capital improvement plan and pointed to record-breaking economic growth, declining crime rates and major infrastructure projects as signs the city is “soaring.”
“The state of our city is not just strong, it is soaring,” Ochoa said.
The mayor highlighted UTRGV’s impact on the local economy, noting the School of Medicine has created about 1,000 jobs since opening and continues to expand its research footprint.
Gonzales said the university’s biomedical project is still in early stages and will involve renovating an existing building on the Edinburg campus to increase research capacity and address global medical challenges.
Beyond higher education, city leaders pointed to broader economic growth. Retail sales in Edinburg surpassed $2 billion in 2025, while commercial permit valuations increased by 110%, according to Ochoa.
The city also reached a record $407 million in construction valuations and added more than 1,500 jobs last year.
“In 2025 alone, Edinburg added more than 1,500 new jobs,” Ochoa said.
Ethan Taylor Maldonado/THE RIDER
The mayor said the city is projected to surpass 113,000 residents by 2028, continuing its status as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas.
Infrastructure remains a key focus of future development. The city’s $275 million capital improvement plan includes upgrades to drainage systems, wastewater treatment and roadways.
Among the projects are a $33 million expansion of the wastewater treatment plant and efforts to establish an independent water source through a future brackish-water desalination plant.
“By the end of this decade, Edinburg will secure an alternate independent water source,” Ochoa said.
Public safety improvements were also highlighted, with Edinburg recording zero homicides in 2025 for the first time in more than 30 years. Major crimes decreased by 16%, and violent crime has dropped 37% over the past four years, according to city officials.
Community investments included park upgrades, expanded recreational facilities and more than 350 events hosted throughout 2025.
UTRGV’s inaugural NCAA Division I football season was also cited as a major economic driver, generating an estimated $144 million impact and drawing more than 87,000 attendees.
Despite the scale of development, Ochoa said the city will maintain its current property tax rate, which he described as the lowest since 1991.
Closing the address, he called on residents and partners, including UTRGV, to remain engaged in the city’s future.
“I need your passion,” Ochoa said. “I need your grit. I need your bold ideas. The absolute best days of Edinburg are ahead.”
Ethan Taylor Maldonado/THE RIDER
