By JACQI LEYVA-HILL & DIANTÉ MARIGNY
Special to the PRESS
The Town of Laguna Vista is entering 2026 with a clear set of priorities for community improvement, according to City Manager Victor Treviño’s Weekly Update released January 2, 2026. The message, shared on the Town’s official Facebook page, and on the official city website, extends New Year greetings to residents and outlines major initiatives the Town plans to complete in the year ahead.
Treviño noted that several ongoing projects will reach completion in 2026. These include improvements to Roloff Park, the Fire Station, and the Nature Walking Trail. Significant drainage work is also scheduled to be completed in a number of neighborhoods. Streets listed in the update include Mesquite Drive, Ebony Lane, Orange Lane, Palm Boulevard, and Hibiscus Street through Taylor Street, as well as improvements to drainage flow along Broadway Street.
The update also explained that the Town will complete a Comprehensive Improvement Plan. This effort includes updating all city ordinances, in addition to community and economic development plans.
Staffing and organizational structure are also priorities for the coming year. Treviño stated that the Town will employ a new Library Director and Building Official, and will hire a full-time Fire Chief. The Fire Chief position will function as Public Safety Director, with responsibility for Emergency Medical Services and public safety operations overall. Advisory boards will also be expected to remain consistently active.
Treviño further announced plans to renovate and expand Town Hall. The expansion will provide additional space, including more room for the Police Department. The Town will also write new policies and procedures for the Police and Public Works departments, while revising and updating personnel and procurement policies.
Following the release of the update, several residents responded with questions and concerns about ongoing and unresolved matters. Sherri Croissant raised concerns regarding healthcare access in Laguna Vista, specifically asking for clarification about the future of the New Horizon Clinic, which replaced UT Health. Croissant noted recent statements from the clinic indicating financial instability and questioned whether the town could again be left without a healthcare provider.
Another resident, Natalie Ruiz, questioned the absence of election-related information in the update, asking why a Notice of Elections was not included in the city’s newsletter. Ruiz also requested updates on the sale and removal of a portable building and sought clarity on when the city’s Community Development Corporation or City Council will hold a public comment period regarding a resolution authorizing the use of Type B sales tax funds for the Laguna Vista Recreational Association, a private members-only entity.
Ruiz acknowledged the city’s outlined plans but emphasized the importance of addressing unfinished business, urging the city to provide additional updates in future briefings.
Treviño stated that the update was intended as a summary of goals for the year and communication with residents will be a major focus. One of the Town’s primary priorities for 2026 is to establish more effective and timely communication with the community.
Regarding upcoming governance, Mayor Carter confirmed that the next regular Town Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13. While council meetings are typically conducted on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., January’s meeting will take place on the adjusted date.
Treviño closed his update by expressing optimism for the year ahead, noting that 2026 is expected to be both “busy and productive” as Laguna Vista advances projects related to infrastructure, public safety, parks, and community engagement. Residents are encouraged to remain connected through official Town channels and attend public meetings to stay informed about local developments.