EDINBURG, Texas - Hidalgo County County Commissioners Coourt unanimously passed this proclamation at their Sept. 15, 2026, meeting:
WHEREAS Hidalgo County recognizes the importance of developing and empowering the next generation of civic, professional, and community leaders, and
WHEREAS Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council is a young adult-led civic leadership initiative created to connect young adults with local government, civic engagement, leadership development, and regional opportunities, and Whereas the council seeks to support Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez's long-term goal of improving quality of life by retaining, attracting, developing, and empowering young talent within Hidalgo County, and
WHEREAS the council provides young leaders with opportunities to learn about county government, participate in civic engagement, conduct research, engage with their communities, and develop recommendations concerning issues affecting young adults in Hidalgo County, and
WHEREAS the council will gather young adult perspectives through surveys, listening sessions, community outreach, and other engagement efforts to better understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of young adults throughout HidalgoCounty, and
WHEREAS the council will focus its inaugural program year on youth retention, attraction, civic engagement, regional opportunity, quality of life, and issues affecting young adults in Hidalgo County, and
WHEREAS the council will provide findings and recommendations to Commissioner's Court and the Hidalgo County Judge's Office for consideration, recognizing that such findings and recommendations are non-binding and do not constitute official county policy or action, and
WHEREAS the council shall be responsible for any social media posts published on its behalf, and shall ensure that such posts comply with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations, and whereas the council will provide young adults with meaningful opportunities to participate in local government and contribute to the continued growth and future of Hidalgo County, now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes and supports the Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council as a young adult-led civic leadership initiative and encourages continued collaboration among the council, Commissioners Court, the Hidalgo County Judge's office, county departments, educational institutions, community organizations, and other appropriate stakeholders, consistent with applicable laws, county policies, and established procedures to strengthen young adult civic engagement, leadership development, and opportunities throughout Hidalgo County.
All in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carries.
Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council with founder Skyler Howell pictured at the podium. (Photo credit: Hidalgo County Commissioners Court)
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez said: “We're really looking forward to advice and guidance and all of this. You know, our future depends on our ability to keep our young, talented people here, and even recruit more from the outside. So, we'd like to hear from you. So how we can do that? We know that if we create human capital, that's a good thing. But we have to match it with a job, and part of the things that companies are looking for when they want to come here is quality of life. So we're going to need your help and advice as to how we can be advocates for those things. So thank you for willing to serve in this capacity.”
Skyler Howell, co-founder of Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council, said:
“Well, first of all, I want to thank you, Judge Cortez, and commissioners for your support and for passing this resolution officially launching the Hidalgo County Future Leaders Council. This council was created with a clear purpose to help develop the next generation of leaders in Hidalgo County, while also giving young people a meaningful platform to provide input, insight, and ideas about the future of our region.
“Throughout this year, we will work tirelessly to better understand the issues affecting young people in Hidalgo County, gather feedback, engage in thoughtful discussion, and provide insight that is rooted in both backed data and lived experience.
“This initiative is not just about creating another program; it is an investment in young leaders, an investment in civic engagement, and more importantly, an investment in the future of Hidalgo County. More than anything, this resolution represents a belief that when young people are given an opportunity to serve, they can rise to the occasion. It shows that the leaders of today believe in the leaders of tomorrow and are willing to create a space for us to learn, contribute, and help shape the region we will inherit.
“This inaugural council brings together an incredibly talented group of 16 young professionals and community leaders who reflect the promise of today and the potential of tomorrow for our region. We all truly believe the future of Hidalgo County is bright. Our goal is to prove that young people are not only interested in the future of this county, we are ready to help build it.
“On behalf of the Hidlago County Future Leaders Council, thank you for this opportunity and thank you for the belief in this historic initiative. Today, Hidalgo County is not only launching a council; it is making a statement that the voices of young people matter in shaping the future. We are honored to be the inaugural members of this council, and we are ready to help carry this mission forward with the seriousness, pride, and responsibility it deserves. Thank you, Judge and Commission.”
