WESLACO, Texas - Mission Mayor Norie González Garza has been praised for her presidency of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council during “a very difficult year.”
Presenting a gavel to González Garza in recognition of her leadership, LRGVDC Executive Director Manuel 'Manny' Cruz said the threat of key programs being eliminated by the Trump Administration had made 2025-2026 a fraught year.
LRGVDC is otherwise known as the COG (Council of Government). González Garza led the COG's board of directors from May 28, 2025, to May 27, 2026. She has been succeeded by Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra.
“I just want to make a few comments, because I know you know this has not been a very good past year,” Cruz said. “It wasn't a result of Norie González Garza’s presidency. It was the other president, the one at the national level.”
Cruz explained what happened.
“Obviously there was a lot of turmoil with the current administration at the federal level with funding. It wasn't smooth sailing. We had to jump through hoops and keep her (González Garza) aware and informed.
“It happened back in March (2025) when the new executive orders started coming in, and we almost lost a couple of programs. I highly doubted at the time that we would (lose them), because, as you know, COGs do not exist just in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. They exist in Texas; they exist across the nation. So, if they cut a program, they're going to cut pretty much for the entire nation.
“One of those (facing the axe) was Triple A, the Area Agency on Aging. That was going to be one of the ones that would be cut off from funding.”
Once the Area Agency on Aging won a reprieve, there was another agency whose funding was in doubt.
“Since then, we’ve been battling, trying to get the Homeland Security funding passed, and luckily this past month the President finally signed the bill, so Homeland Security is going to be funded, because that is another program under the cull,” Cruz said.
“So, as you can see, there was a lot of work Mayor Norie had to do and support a lot of advocacy work with us. So, at this time, we'd like to recognize and express our sincere appreciation to Mayor Nori González Garza for her dedicated service as president of Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council from May 28, 2025, through to May 27, 2026.”
Cruz continued:
“Throughout her term, Mayor Garza provided steady leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to regional collaboration and public service. Under her leadership, the board continued to advance initiatives and programs that support the communities and residents of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. On behalf of the executive committee, staff, and member governments of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, we extend our gratitude for the time, guidance, and dedicated dedication given during this year of service. It is an honor to present this plaque in recognition and appreciation of her leadership and contributions to our region.”
Incoming LRVDC President Guerra said of González Garza: “You went through some tough times, and it is good that everything came out okay. You were very, very influential in your support (of the COG’s programs). You were able to come through when we needed somebody. So, thank you.”
González Garza thanked the board of directors for their support and good wishes.
“Thank you very much. I would just like to thank everyone for this beautiful plaque. It's been a very quick year, actually. A lot has happened in the last year. It has been a little rough, but you know we have a great team and a great captain right here. The waters have been choppy,” González Garza said.
González Garza said she would still be around, even if no longer serving as president. “I’m still going to be here. So, thank you. It's been a pleasure, and I want to thank the whole team, everyone. Thank you, guys.”
Just before the meeting ended, Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda offered her congratulations to Mayor González Garza.
Sepulveda said: “I want to commend Mayor Norie for her leadership. It was extremely difficult. I know that we have an amazing team that does a lot to make things easier. But, at the end of the day, the realities of funding being stripped and dealing with those stresses, I think you handled it with such grace, and you did such a great job advocating for this body. And I just wanted to commend you for your service and thank you.”
