MCALLEN, Texas - The McAllen Citizens League is to host a network luncheon focused on water resources.
It is titled: The State of Water in the Rio Grande Valley – Challenges and Solutions.
The event takes place at the Rio Bank Event Center, located at 701 E. Expressway 83 in McAllen, on Jan. 15, 2026, starting at 11:30 a.m.
The panelists will be: Mark A. Vega, general manager of McAllen Public Utility, Brian Macmanus, general manager of East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation, Sonny Hinojosa, retired general manager of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2, Joshua ‘Josh’ Moroles, a documentary film maker from the RGV, and Isaac V. Sulemana, chief of staff for Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez.
The moderator will be Julian Alvarez, III, executive vice president and director of community relations at Lone Star National Bank.
“The McAllen Citizens League is pleased to host an important and timely discussion on an issue that affects us all,” said Elva M. Cerda, executive director of McAllen Citizens League.
“The Rio Grande Valley faces increasing water challenges driven by drought, population growth, aging infrastructure, and ongoing operational disputes related to the 1944 U.S.–Mexico Water Treaty,” said Elva M. Cerda, executive director of McAllen Citizens League.
“These pressures have contributed to historically low reservoir levels, intermittent riverbed drying, and significant impacts on agriculture and municipal water systems.”
Cerda said potential solutions include conservation, water reclamation, desalination, infrastructure investment, and improved regional and binational water management strategies.
“MCL has assembled an experienced panel of water experts and advocates to participate in this event, we are excited to announce.”
Cerda said the deadline to make a reservation for the network luncheon is Jan. 12, 2026. Lunch is optional. The lunch fee is $20 for MCL members and $23 for non-members.
"Please call (956) 681-2861 to make a reservation," Cerda said.
Alternatively, those interested in attending can click here to reserve a seat and make a payment.
