EDINBURG, Texas - Rogelio Ernesto Chanes, intergovernmental relations manager for the City of Brownsville, has explained the importance of there recent meeting of the South Texas Alliance of Cities. The meeting was hosted by Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa and held at the Edinburg Cultural Arts Center.
STAC comprises most of the large cities in the Rio Grande Valley, along with Laredo and San Antonio.
Among the leaders present were state Sen. Adam Hinojosa of Brownsville, state Rep. Oscar Longoria of La Joya, Mayor Ochoa, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, and Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza.
Asked why STAC exists, Chanes said: “The South Texas Alliance of Cities was created to strengthen regional collaboration, and this inaugural legislative roundtable represents an important milestone in advancing that mission.”
Asked the purpose of the roundtable discussion, Chanes said: “Preparation is the foundation of effective advocacy, and this roundtable allowed local leaders and state lawmakers to align priorities before the 90th Legislative Session begins.”
Chanes said the roundtable provided an opportunity to shape regional unity. “South Texas is strongest when our communities speak with one voice on the issues that matter most,” he said.
Asked what the legislative priorities of STAC are, Chanes said: “While each community has unique needs, our shared priorities, including water security, transportation, workforce development, public safety, housing, economic development, and infrastructure, create opportunities that strengthen all of South Texas.”
Chanes said STAC leaders favor bipartisan collaboration. “Strong public policy begins with productive conversations, and today’s roundtable is focused on collaboration, partnership, and delivering results for the people of South Texas.”
Chanes added: “This roundtable demonstrates what regional collaboration looks like. The strength of the South Texas Alliance of Cities is that eight cities are speaking with one voice. By bringing together the seven state senators and 22 state representatives who represent our region, South Texas has an unprecedented opportunity to advance shared priorities and speak with a stronger, more unified voice in Austin ahead of the 90th Legislative Session.”
