Special to the PRESS
The Town of Laguna Vista has joined a coalition of Cameron County cities in a new regional effort aimed at strengthening economic development and attracting large-scale investment.
Mayor Michael Carter officially signed the Regional Benefit Agreement (RBA) on April 30 during a ceremony held in the Cameron County Commissioners Court meeting room at the historic Dancy Building.
Through the agreement, Laguna Vista partners with Bayview, Brownsville, Combes, Harlingen, Indian Lake, La Feria, Los Fresnos, Los Indios, Palm Valley, Port Isabel, Primera, Rancho Viejo, Rio Hondo, San Benito, Santa Rosa, South Padre Island and Starbase to form a regional Economic Development Organization. The collaboration is established under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 50 and the Interlocal Cooperation Act.
The agreement creates a voluntary, non-binding framework for coordination among participating cities while preserving local control and authority. It is designed to position the region competitively for large-scale projects that extend beyond individual city limits.
Under the structure, the Cameron County judge and mayors of cities whose combined population exceeds 100,000 will serve as chief elected officials responsible for appointing members to the organization’s governing board.
Officials say future projects targeted through the partnership may include major capital investments, multi-site or cross-jurisdictional operations, and industries that generate high wages or significant employment. Strategic sectors identified include advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy and healthcare.
“This is a strong, positive, cooperative, and coordinated regional economic development effort that will benefit all of Cameron County and certainly our Town of Laguna Vista,” Carter said.
He added that the agreement will appear on future City Council agendas to ensure transparency and allow residents to provide input as the initiative moves forward.