[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6267511,"mediaKeyId","3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea","parentId",3071458,"title","Main Street reports downtown market, trolley tours and preservation events; board discusses facade grants and downtown revitalization","audioSeconds",170,"startMs",4601000,"endMs",4771000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea&start=4601&end=4771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea/thumbnail_4601000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6267511/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Main-Street-reports-downtown-market-trolley-tours-and-preservation-events-board-discusses-facade-grants-and-downtown-revitalization","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267511-02666f801039d9a0f05d1ddfac53a74f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191572&Signature=TbbpCcH7--ryvkr6vy9zEwKtTFnIfxt6G03yjJ4YQg4KXqWXBdoxPLozmuyOvGdKt2FSJpTBDAqMGFa~9B8AaTG4nwWlnYxqhRnkiJREspXUFp9DCPSL66Tq3hy4plECTFuBEUbhxuy1D8pTInMU0S2fU02TyAsDsCmsDwMFzumYWX6C59mMq614ZfRQyzT7FzIouD~fJbHWAfm8HbDGfSB~exN~BAAkGcRtfN29fxwknTzXPETIqfPcSTZ~mnX7IriwDn6~KFBQG-u1fsoJEY0att-pTi0L1xEk83XdiCTNyjRcYg5oRKgu4lRxM4c99WnYTN9ooykt2bRNf8ynUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Rio Grande City, TX","date","2025-04-16T14:18:07Z","article","The Rio Grande City Main Street Coordinator updated the EDC on recent downtown events and revitalization planning and outlined next steps for preservation and facade efforts.

The Main Street report said the April downtown market featured 42 vendors and was well received; the program will continue with a May 3 event. Staff reported nine trolley tours in the past month and said visitors praised the city's historic architecture and downtown character. The coordinator said a Texas Treasure Business Award application was submitted on behalf of Caro's Cafe, and that the estimated review for that recognition is two to three months.

Board members discussed the boost/grant program and whether the current $2,500 match per business is sufficient for meaningful facade work. One board member, speaking as a builder, said $25,000\u00132,500 to $30,000'could produce significant exterior improvements and asked staff to present what peer communities do for matching and grant sizes at a summer workshop. Staff said they will present a work-plan and funding options during the summer workshop and that they will bring an obligations sheet to the next meeting so members understand available funding.

The Main Street team also announced a May 13 historical-preservation dinner, a May 22 fallen-hero ceremony and a Memorial Day event featuring retired General Ricardo Sanchez. The board was invited to a hotel-groundbreaking ceremony in late May and other ribbon-cutting events connected with recent business investment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EDC Board of Directors Meeting April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Main Street coordinator reported a successful downtown market (42 vendors), nine trolley tours, a trash bash and ongoing planning for a Main Street revitalization plan tied to the loop project and upcoming events. Board members discussed increasing facade grant amounts and asked staff to research peer programs.","taxTitle","Rio Grande City, Starr County, Texas","taxId",69600,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267516,"Developers and marketing consultant present investment pitches to Rio Grande City EDC",536,1620000,2156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea&start=1620&end=2156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6267516/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Developers-and-marketing-consultant-present-investment-pitches-to-Rio-Grande-City-EDC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267516-189aad247aef5f301a8e11635ecf7d83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191572&Signature=h4otsBVfOQoINujVTmKcf6gAUmoBTce9e-XDhaz5uCdI2xm-z4K2mG~P7TYAXEIX2od-W28HjSufRe38bTLaGSkZW-0JY12e0IgqSv5st9tFrzV8tKwh2~xrINMwqLQajEu3pgjMAEwDsmSKL0fxxbXbyYjLT9ehZpxsfvccmFFTgK5H6JpkCr4yOJsYnUBR7XonHiWa10~UnXMplU4mq9zEuazpWEADZzNcTb4wdlf6FVVfTLdu7uccxruEZx5ogdTRdAJa2f3-1h-RuyKsPBUvc6HzzdZ9N-F5fL6WIRfP8OmE62rwi~ys6xPznXNHa0dMmPR9olIVEDOkU-wnuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rio Grande City EDC heard three presentations from outside presenters and consultants looking at development and marketing opportunities in the city. No board action was taken; all items were presentations only.

Brian (caller identified on behalf of Mr. Avalos) gave an overview of a conceptual industrial park behind the Walmart as a phased development. He said utilities and a waterline extension near Farm Road 755 are encouraging, and he identified regional industrial growth (including activity in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon) as a potential driver of increased cross-border freight traffic. He said the site needs extensive work and that the timing of any bridge expansion remains uncertain, but he described the site as potentially attractive if the bridge and road extensions proceed.

Gilbert Saenz, president of Maverick Media Consulting, told the board he represents investors and does marketing, production and investor outreach. Saenz said he currently works with the city of Roma and other local jurisdictions and can produce videos and marketing materials to attract investors and franchisees. He described Rio Grande City as a compelling investment opportunity and said investors are looking to diversify by moving some capital out of Mexico.

EDC members asked questions about cold storage and truck fueling for the industrial park concept, and about specific marketing examples and clients for the consultant. Staff and board members thanked both presenters and said they would continue discussions but would take no action at this meeting.","EDC received three informational presentations: an industrial park concept near Walmart, a marketing consultant offering investor outreach services, and a community development update; no actions were taken on the presentations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267519,"EDC amends work plan to add $31,000 for International Drive; other amendments deferred",359,3897000,4256000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea&start=3897&end=4256","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea/thumbnail_3897000.jpg","/articles/6267519/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/EDC-amends-work-plan-to-add-31000-for-International-Drive-other-amendments-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267519-371bf2e3bcee75a2b61663a932c127a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191572&Signature=fhnNKYEdXJbOapqw4-B63XBG1drTf1cnralH-ip7lnlE88YkcGzxf2v05VfIdbZM8raZQ7kK~m9JJYRclOmAUZ1wIVYm~Ij7nWfZP-qSfXLXSEyU5-IAA08WN8Jc2iU0HzQjndNpAzq-OuPsayGWmkVuqFBE2k-BPlnvG~NucrytpYVOGbKW9h0RTFJp~zZWPrnJp~pOrn0CPmC4yyjKDGVNjv~sYy5uYylkjLsC8bZGaVUtZvYiT1eJgF0qBNR1DQTEm2-OPhs7FaXFhu21FYC2jNyJFTfeXn4y01rQSReXAaaXhz4WiF8C5KHpHvS9j7~rur20Xe0U4DX0XkaMIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rio Grande City EDC approved a narrow amendment to its 2024\u00131 work plan to add $31,000 to start the International Drive project, and deferred other proposed changes pending more information.

Staff presented a redlined work-plan spreadsheet showing three proposed additions: $31,000 for International Drive, $50,000 for additional small-business boost grants, and $56,866 (the Workforce Solutions match request). Board members agreed to immediately add only the International Drive amount to the plan, while the two other requests were left pending until staff can present finalized numbers and an obligations sheet.

Board President Dalinda Guillen called for a motion to amend the work plan to include the International Drive change only; members approved the motion by voice vote. Members said they wanted more complete monthly numbers and confirmation of committed funds before approving additional grant or match funding.

EDC staff said the $31,000 is intended \"to start the process\" for the International Drive project and that other work-plan changes could be reconsidered at the next meeting after staff provides the requested financial detail.","The Rio Grande City EDC voted to amend its 2024\u00131 2025 work plan to include $31,000 to start International Drive work. Other proposed amendments, including additional boost grant funding and the Workforce Solutions match, were deferred pending more data.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267524,"Board tables $113,649 Workforce Solutions training grant request for Rio Grande City ISD pending further review",248,2578000,2826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea&start=2578&end=2826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea/thumbnail_2578000.jpg","/articles/6267524/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Board-tables-113649-Workforce-Solutions-training-grant-request-for-Rio-Grande-City-ISD-pending-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267524-7e56d6d31852e9f1d02126afa73ddbda/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191572&Signature=duVf7H8nNhux4RzkIa8Tn-tgnul2pUTc~z53nHFAqUjJFD54uf00yWCU8dF0jTn1qqbDqXDOmGGooeS21bBuGLP8TOVh8WWvH97EafM79jmju51tn1cRZX1hZpcVc0b6mEmigr0wUd5IH81qrShsJD6CL2ACsQIBMqQtpDGoKsjcK2RcmwIA1LaeZpmjOmjg-vxKAIPTy2ewxMVpVa9wXYwJnyKgMhesAtsgyEDAuqju7rUNYGyPziO9l81yHLXjiRq7v0ON2g73-jLzrQaHYHxYNz1wHqgMU3-3-7Rb7jlpS2TfqTRN1MBRo8MI4Mg8vBsTojlMx8Bm~cL9bPbI1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Workforce Solutions representatives asked the Rio Grande City EDC to contribute $56,866.22 in matching funds to secure a Texas Workforce Commission high-demand job training grant for Rio Grande City ISD, but the board moved to table the item pending additional information.

John Murphy, identified himself as the business relations and information manager with Workforce Solutions, introduced the program and said the EDC's contribution would be leveraged dollar-for-dollar by the Texas Workforce Commission. Paolo Macastro, the Workforce Solutions business relations representative, told the board the project budget totals $113,649.25 and the EDC's requested contribution is $56,866.22. \"The maximum can be $150,000 and then the EDC matches, dollar for dollar,\" Macastro said, describing allowable uses: equipment, training and support services.

Macastro said the proposal focuses on Rio Grande City ISD career and technical education (CTE) programs: culinary arts, welding, carpentry and automotive service. The plan would also fund certification training (for example, the VIDA tax-preparer training for 80 students and AWS welding workshops for teachers). Macastro said purchases and trainings would be completed within an 18-month grant period if awarded.

Board members raised implementation questions including whether equipment purchased would remain with the school (Workforce Solutions said equipment would be tagged and retained by the district), whether other Rio Grande City-area high schools should share the funding and how soon purchases could occur. Macastro said Texas Workforce Commission review typically takes 60\u00131 days and, if approved, purchasing could begin in July or August.

A board member moved to table the request to allow staff to check needs at the other high school and return with updated figures; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor. The tabling means Workforce Solutions will follow up with La Grulla (as discussed at the meeting) and present revised numbers at the next EDC meeting before the EDC executes any financial agreement.

Board President Dalinda Guillen disclosed a conflict of interest at the start of the meeting and identified herself as a Workforce Solutions board member; she abstained from the Workforce Solutions item earlier in the meeting.","Workforce Solutions presented a $113,649 high-demand job training proposal that would require a $56,866 EDC match. The board voted to table the request so staff can confirm needs at a second high school and return with revised numbers.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6267527,"Rio Grande City EDC report shows $489,000 fund balance but board cautions many commitments reduce spendable cash",93,571000,664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea&start=571&end=664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3071458-b96992cf72ab8e1056d55293124c59ea/thumbnail_571000.jpg","/articles/6267527/Rio-Grande-City/Starr-County/Texas/Rio-Grande-City-EDC-report-shows-489000-fund-balance-but-board-cautions-many-commitments-reduce-spendable-cash","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6267527-bb96d1ad65c25b702c479353eb43d350/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191572&Signature=Qzrs8478oiYtKez-t8oaRovAfVdlqLRN942WP6qR~sQYzEykAxpTjBqSYB3yaFTU51AL2GkMxzC4FiBrSe68PkhPud1yFvfVWagn-12reocB~XBh~AfZKOfonNPdbXcUKdbZtbSoAO9KEmYkC-4Ro-vyCW9vsWsCV0Sl9JZzpLglIh~N3wBYpIVMTqRfIftR~sKxJNGUlzIs~-Y5oelLfdty684lWmXOUSzKYE88JGPJsr~RAAWNt3~2x96u9XFkSOecnUO8JSX3MqvPaW26TfdXmHnQgtVtDcLhs8mkazS4KYqTzNUdOMBKDn5YXGSB9JhWULES9bMQGF4OgCkBMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation reported a $489,000 balance in its economic development account and a recent $500,000 increase in year-end fund balance, but board members said much of that is already committed.

EDC Executive Director Ross Caputo told the board the audit was finalized and the fund balance rose \"by 500,000. Went up from 1.7 to 2.2.\" He said the figure shown in the packet reflects March activity and that some expenses have not yet been posted to the report.

Board members pressed for clarity on near-term obligations. Members listed several items that will draw from the balance, including: a certificate of obligation that will require a transfer, a May Street Mobility payment of $50,000 that has not been paid yet, a $100,000 first installment to the Commercial Square project, and an Industrial Boulevard-related payment of roughly $82,000 plus engineering costs. Board members estimated those commitments could reduce the immediately available balance by \"upwards of about $300,000,\" and urged staff to produce a one-page breakdown of actual balance, committed funds and remaining spendable balance at the next meeting.

The board also discussed the EDC's small-business \"boost\" grant program. Staff said the boost program distributed $25,000 this cycle via ten $2,500 awards; board members debated whether the $2,500 match is sufficient for meaningful facades or exterior improvements and asked staff to present options (including larger match amounts or clawbacks for performance) in a summer workshop.

Caputo said sales tax collections have shown a small two-month drop compared with last year (about $47,000 for the two months) and that unemployment rose slightly. Board members asked staff to provide a monthly comptroller-style breakdown to identify which businesses are driving those changes.

The board voted to approve the minutes from the previous meeting earlier in the session and directed staff to return with an obligations sheet at the next meeting so members can see what funds are actually available for new commitments.

The discussion wrapped with members noting the EDC remains in generally good financial shape but asked for clearer, month-to-month reporting and an itemized list of committed but unpaid obligations before approving new major allocations.","EDC staff reported a $489,000 economic development fund balance and a $500,000 year-over-year increase in the EDC's fund balance, but board members pressed staff to show committed obligations so the board can see what is actually available to spend before the fiscal year ends.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Main Street reports downtown market, trolley tours and preservation events; board discusses facade grants and downtown revitalization

Developers and marketing consultant present investment pitches to Rio Grande City EDC

EDC amends work plan to add $31,000 for International Drive; other amendments deferred

Board tables $113,649 Workforce Solutions training grant request for Rio Grande City ISD pending further review

Rio Grande City EDC report shows $489,000 fund balance but board cautions many commitments reduce spendable cash