MCALLEN, Texas - Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, recently gave an update on his group’s work to the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The report was very positive.
Valdez said that the Mid Valley International Industrial Park now has a 50 percent occupancy rate. As a result, WEDC is now looking for land to develop another industrial park, the third in the city.
“We've only had this newest industrial park for about three years, going on four, and this last purchase got us over to the 50% hump,” Valdez said. “So, our commitment to our EDC board and the City was to start looking for a third industrial park. So we're excited about looking for more land.”
Weslaco’s first industrial park covers about 300 acres. The second one covers about 125. “We are going to continue to look (for land) and continue to grow the industrial category,” Valdez said.
Valdez then gave some FYI facts.
“We've got about $80 million in construction right now, under construction, a lot of that's retail. As you know, Weslaco was fortunate to land a Sam's Club that represents, out of that $80 million, about $50 million. So just that store alone is going to be a huge contributor for us.”
Valdez said he and his team has also calculated the EDC’s value to the City over the last five years.
“In the last five years, commercial values have gone up 42 percent. As for residential, you've seen all kinds of neighborhood pop up in the last five years. Residential is up 102 percent. So, a lot of growth in residential.”
Valdez said the successes of EDCs is usually calculated in jobs, investment and quality of life.
“Last year, 2025, we handled 53 projects that received incentives from the EDC. That equaled roughly $93 million, and the returned investment led to the creation of almost 400 jobs. So, we're heading for a really good year this year and grateful for all the support that we get; countywide or region-wide as well.”
Valdez thanked STMA for allowing him the opportunity to give an EDC update to its members.
The STMA meeting was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in McAllen.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of Valdez's report to STMA:
