Pharr State of the City

VIRTUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS CITY OF PHARR

Pharr

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - MAYOR WITH MAPS

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - MAYOR HURRICANE HANNA

BRIDGE - BRIDGE EXPANSION 2 On Thursday, January 21, 2021, Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., hosted the city’s first all-virtual State of the City address, broadcast live on the city’s website and via Pharr’s social media platforms. This year’s theme is “Together: Honoring Our First Responders,” and during the annual address, Hernandez paid tribute to all the frontline and healthcare workers that are battling the coronavirus pandemic. This year, 2021, also marks the twentieth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy, and in the address, Hernandez also acknowledged the contributions and lives lost on 9/11 and during the pandemic.

“As your mayor, I am honored to announce that Pharr’s “State of the City” is healthy. It’s recovering from the worst outbreak in our nation’s history, and getting stronger and better every day thanks to our frontline workers and our heroes who we honor today,” he added.

The City of Pharr was proud to highlight its 2020 accomplishments and showcase city projects, improvements, and quality of life projects worked on throughout the year that enhance opportunities and experiences for all Pharr families, businesses, and partners.

PARKS & QUALITY OF LIFE - ZIP LINE

PARKS & QUALITY OF LIFE - NATAORIUM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

STATE OF THE CITY 2021

TOGETHER HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS

City of Pharr 118 S. Cage Blvd. | Pharr, TX | 78577 (956) 402-4000 pharr-tx.gov @cityofpharr

Dear Pharr citizens and families:

As your mayor, I am honored to announce that Pharr’s “State of the City” is healthy. We are recovering from the worst pandemic in our nation’s history and getting stronger and better everyday thanks to our frontline workers and our heroes who we honor every day for their dedication to serving our communities and citizens. An unprecedented year that challenged the entire world as together we faced the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 saw the City of Pharr navigating a new normal. Our Pharr community persevered and together, we worked side-by-side with our first responders to focus on the safety and health of our citizens, while also working with our local businesses to tackle the financial and economic challenges brought on by the pandemic. In a year unlike any other in recent history, Pharr continued to remain resilient and committed to its citizens. Despite the many challenges we continue to face, I am proud to report to you, our citizens, that our economic growth continues to excel, our international trade projects are moving forward, and our focus on expanding parks and improving quality of life remains at the forefront. On behalf of the City of Pharr, we will continue to work to provide all Pharr families a safe and prosperous future. Many exciting new projects are on the way in 2021, and I cannot wait to see how much more we will accomplish together!

Sincerely,

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.

2020 COVID-19 CITY RESPONSE

• The first city to declare a state of emergency in

South Texas during the COVID-19 virus outbreak. • Set up a 311 center to answer community concerns related to COVID-19. • Set up resources and technological resources for local schools. • Provided high-speed internet to needed areas of the city. • Partnered with the Food Bank to provide muchneeded support to the local community. • Set up the first COVID-19 Recovery Center in

South Texas.

BENEFIT: Pharr’s efforts provided recovery, assistance, and resources to keep our Pharr families safe.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

• 2.1% growth in sales tax revenue. • #4 in growth compared to 9 other surrounding

Rio Grande Valley cities. • 8.61% growth in net taxable value (highest in last 7 years). • Balanced budget.

BENEFIT: More jobs, new opportunities, and more investment in our city and residents.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

• Groundbreaking partnership with the Federal

Government for new port infrastructure. • Working with local partners for the development of an agricultural lab and training center. • #1 Produce Bridge in the United States. • Presidential Permit approved in 2021 for bridge expansion - allows for the doubling of trade capacity with increased revenue potential.

BENEFIT: Increases our economic standing, resulting in more revenues and industries moving to Pharr.

COMING SOON

Wellness and Innovation Complex Expansion of the Hike and Bike Trail New Natatorium

PARKS AND QUALITY OF LIFE

• Improved park footprint in Northern and

Southern parts of Pharr. • Partnered with local school districts on innovative park projects. • Opened the Nature and Birding Center

Improved the Hike and Bike trail. • Opening of the Hub Food Truck park. • Opening of Pepe Salinas Recreational Center.

BENEFIT: Pharr families can live an active lifestyle, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time in nature.