Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
Edinburg city leaders voted Tuesday to add a student government representative to the Downtown District Steering Committee, formally giving students a voice in shaping the future of the city’s downtown.
The change was approved through an ordinance amending Section 32.43 of the city code, adding a new subsection that allows the UTRGV Student Government Association to appoint a representative to the committee.
The Downtown District Steering Committee was created in 2024. Its role is to advise the city on downtown development and long-term planning.
Mayor Omar Ochoa said downtown was a natural place to include student input, given UTRGV’s proximity to the area.
“To me, that seemed like a prime area to have student input,” Ochoa said. “Students want cultural spaces, entertainment and an arts district downtown, and this committee gives them a formal platform to share that student perspective.”
The mayor said his experience in city government helped him come up with the approach to appoint a student to become part of the committee.
“This was something I was familiar with from my time in city government,” he said. “The student government had the ability to place students on city boards and councils, and it worked well.”
Ian Alfaro, external vice president of SGA, said the new seat helps strengthen communication between Edinburg and UTRGV.
“This position really bridges the gap between the city and the university,” Alfaro said. “Downtown is within walking distance of campus, and having a student voice helps connect students to that space in a real way.”
Jose Rodriguez/THE RIDER
He said the representative will serve as a point of contact for student concerns related to downtown.
“That representative becomes the embodiment of the student body and what students care about, whether that’s safety, flooding or other city issues,” Alfaro said.
He said the student representative will serve in an advisory role and will not make final decisions on downtown businesses or permits.
“The role is advisory. It’s about sharing what students would want, not making final decisions,” Alfaro said.
During discussion, Fern McClaugherty, a member of the Objective Watchers of the Legal System, raised concerns about balancing student input with safety and long-term planning.
Ochoa said the student representative would be one of seven members on the committee.
“The steering committee does not have formal authority to issue permits or approve businesses,” he said. “But it is an important advisory body, and we are looking forward to student input.”
The ordinance passed unanimously. The student representative is expected to be selected from within student government and will begin serving once the appointment process is finalized.
