EDINBURG, Texas – Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza, Jr., reported “phenomenal” growth in his city, with a 68 percent increase in construction activity.
Garza said business is booming, pointing out that in the first three months of this year, total construction activity has surpassed $107 million. In the first three months of last year, construction activity reached only $38 million.
Interviewed by the City of Edinburg’s media department, Garza said: “Well, it’s phenomenal. The first quarter, to have over $100 million in construction activity compared to $38 million a year ago, the first quarter, it’s just tremendous. I think it’s great for community. Obviously, there’s a lot of growth, very positive. That means an increase in our tax base. That means more employment.”
Garza said that with the growth comes responsibilities.
“That’s what I’m really proud of, you know, having focused on a lot of infrastructure investments, we have $100 million of construction taking place in terms of infrastructure, in terms of expansion with out wastewater treatment plant, and equipment like this that is needed to help address that growth.”
In a news release the City of Edinburg said city leaders are thrilled to report a 68 percent increase in construction activity in March 2023 versus March 2022.
The release said that in the first three months of this year, total construction activity has surpassed $107 million. In the first three months of last year, construction activity reached only $38 million.
“The construction activity is phenomenal,” Garza said. “We are looking at about two and a half times more activity than last year in the first quarter alone. This growth is incredible.”
The news release cited University Village, a large mixed-use development of nearly 40 acres, set to be established on SH 107 and North 10th Street. The news release said this contributed to “booming” multi-family activity in the city with over $23.7 million in new value reported for March 2023.
“Two hundred and twenty-one building permits were issued in March 2023, up 25 percent from March of last year,” the news release stated.
In addition, reported commercial activity last month was just over $13 million, a $9 million increase from the previous year. Building permits pulled by Palm Valley Church, the University Village Clubhouse, and Tractor Supply contributed to the commercial increase.
March numbers also show a sales tax revenue increase of 12.3 percent, year-to-date. The news release said that receipts from January 2023 to March 2023 are 7.8 percent higher than last year. It says this is an indication that more people are shopping in Edinburg and more businesses are coming into the area.
“The numbers we are seeing reflect consistent growth in the City of Edinburg, and it’s exciting,” Garza said. “We are seeing incredible interest in investment from developers, from housing providers, and from businesses here within the city. We are expanding our tax base, and we know that’s not just good for business and not just for workers but for the entire community. It’s shaping up to be another banner year for us.”
The news release concludes: “As Edinburg’s economy prospers, its impact does not go unnoticed amongst the city’s workforce. With the second lowest unemployment in the Rio Grande Valley at a rate of 5.3 percent, the City of Edinburg looks forward to industry growth for the remainder of the year.”
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