[{"_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",6449880,"mediaKeyId","5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b","parentId",5905694,"title","Harlingen EDC grant of $50,000 to VIDA approved; commissioners press for larger share to go directly to students","audioSeconds",37,"startMs",7697000,"endMs",7734000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b&start=7697&end=7734","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b/thumbnail_7697000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6449880/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-EDC-grant-of-50000-to-VIDA-approved-commissioners-press-for-larger-share-to-go-directly-to-students","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449880-208494fa18106b96c4b0080477f660b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963181&Signature=C1naPB8uU1tNWlbN53GKtbSPF7~aks4GwCzfJLn8WqTBevlD9NQeEID-LnR5USYXg9vREcQfElIue8qYFQ3R0EmBDjxS6gPz8e1fjxRoE1cmDFKtlOy-mRRDVpvdtxMEDzpquUBpGeDTRs35w5o6lSmFbZ4SXV3fXuq4JI1eOITMYfNkWoUXAfppPmRxvwi-RVi2NTNzg9A8kKYQeuviklKX7q-2xym9V0pwWz1XBG9JARgpdLqnGETO4omfI6qUYPYjcjNLusAbhBlo6z5UgUy9frJ47OkWa~TmdYVKYqK-ccc6jcOucGE7wSaEmpMiQVt4pMFA7OhLVvxkhdPmSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Harlingen","date","2025-10-07T05:58:29Z","article","The City Commission unanimously approved a $50,000 grant on Oct. 6 to VIDA (Vida Initiative for Development and Advancement) to support workforce training for Harlingen residents, after detailed questioning about how the funds would be allocated.

Orlando Campos of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation presented the request and said the EDC board had recommended the award. Isidoro Ramos, VIDA’s director of workforce and economic development, and VIDA compliance manager Honesty Martinez described the program: the EDC funding would support training, case management and direct student support for cohorts that primarily pursue allied-health credentials and other industry-recognized training.

VIDA provided a breakdown the commission requested: 50% of the $50,000 would go to direct student support (tuition, books, tools, transportation and other support services), 35% to program delivery (case managers, outreach and counselors) and 15% to administrative costs. VIDA and commissioners discussed how the nonprofit supplements city funding with other grants and leveraged the EDC dollars to serve more residents than the contract minimum. VIDA reported the EDC-funded benchmark of 10 participants per year but said the organization had served 37 Harlingen residents under the three-year contract and that graduates report average salaries in the mid‑$40,000s.

Several commissioners pressed VIDA to increase the portion of funds going directly to students and to supply a more detailed per-student budget. VIDA said support and case-management services are integral to the program’s 92–97% persistence/graduation rates and that costs per trainee vary by program; allied-health pathways can require larger investments per student than short-term trade courses.

Commissioners commended VIDA’s results — including reported persistence and graduation rates and leverage of additional grant dollars — and approved the $50,000 grant. Several commissioners asked VIDA and the EDC to consider directing more of future grants into direct student aid when possible and to continue providing annual breakdowns of expenditures and placement outcomes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Regular Meeting | 10-06-25","oneSentenceSummary","The City Commission authorized a $50,000 Harlingen Economic Development Corporation grant to VIDA (Vida Initiative for Development and Advancement) for workforce training; commissioners asked the nonprofit to prioritize direct student support and provided additional reporting clarifications.","taxTitle","Harlingen, Cameron County, Texas","taxId",3687,"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},6449885,"Harlingen Police report: overall crime down 17% year‑to‑date; traffic contacts rise 67% under data-driven strategy",84,2270000,2354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b&start=2270&end=2354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b/thumbnail_2270000.jpg","/articles/6449885/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-Police-report-overall-crime-down-17-yeartodate-traffic-contacts-rise-67-under-data-driven-strategy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449885-60993bb007106c726fffe9ff1ff1433d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963181&Signature=hfMjPUoRFTQulA1RFhFNxKt6ZlYhYkKLNfnBvhC1yCxAFX4tn2n1FGFShQfGcnXTHwHMVBcTTtv0mbL2~9HuVHFkpOwvHNe6mNSl5fMimzVdkleUry9~LtNn7auQY7IkLvbAORHIe4or1N2Z6FcHTwd3TQP90BnzkfXRIK-X5cFDfeMx6K39Amvmvztt~yjrMYHz6ukpxCxPOzTGSXwmV3hhbsqza6SSr~2N3Ox5q1MUNK8EjmfPuXUTBkVInF6kVbybE79p9S3uOmDQ7aXRyhp8N7AGutJTOEYaRJrRBck8enduXXfx3y3dhMwCbGE3S4pW~Uhpa1YIWmj35uoO8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Harlingen Police Department told the City Commission on Oct. 6 that overall reported crime for the year is down 17% compared with the same period last year, but the department has substantially increased proactive traffic and pedestrian contacts.

Chief Alfredo Alvar told commissioners the department is using a data-driven deployment strategy focused on crime \"hot spots,\" with officers conducting targeted traffic and pedestrian contacts in areas that data show have higher crime rates. He said traffic contacts were up about 67% year-to-date — roughly 18,000 contacts compared with 11,000 the previous year — and that the increase in stops is part of enforcement aimed at finding people committing crimes and recovering fugitives rather than citing every stop.

The department presented category-by-category comparisons: robberies down 32%, rapes down 33%, aggravated assaults down 16%, motor-vehicle thefts down 22%, thefts down 14% and burglaries down 28%. Chief Alvar said arson incidents were up in percentage terms (about a 38% increase) but represented just three events. He said the city recorded a homicide this year that was the result of a vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian.

Alvar described specialized units and investments: a precision crime-suppression unit that does not answer routine calls and instead focuses on habitual offenders (167 arrests and 769 traffic contacts reported this year), a dedicated crime-scene unit equipped with a vehicle and equipment for evidence processing, four active K-9s (three for narcotics, one for explosives), and a Lenco BearCat armored vehicle arriving soon for the SWAT team.

The chief also highlighted collaborative task forces with federal and state partners — including officers assigned to the FBI, Homeland Security, DEA and U.S. Marshals — and a mobile co-responder model for behavioral-health calls that pairs counselors with officers for mental-health incidents; the department reported more than 600 mental-health-related calls year-to-date.

Staffing data presented to the commission showed a total authorized force of 149 sworn positions and 44 civilian positions; Chief Alvar said the department currently has roughly 10 sworn officers in the academy and several in training, leaving a number of positions that will be filled in upcoming months.

Commissioners praised the department for the year-to-date reductions in major crime categories but asked questions about the increased traffic contacts and the department's plans for community engagement. The discussion emphasized that many contacts are educational and that not every stop results in a citation.","Harlingen Police reported a 17% overall drop in crime year-to-date, with sharp declines in robberies, rapes and burglaries while traffic stops and officer productivity increased as part of a data-driven enforcement strategy.",{"_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},6449891,"Harlingen commissioners table vote on Horseshoe Point subdivision access variance after residents raise safety, notice concerns",1947,3804000,5751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b&start=3804&end=5751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b/thumbnail_3804000.jpg","/articles/6449891/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/Harlingen-commissioners-table-vote-on-Horseshoe-Point-subdivision-access-variance-after-residents-raise-safety-notice-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449891-0e0a5c7f6b744720ecf3339aed4ee6e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963181&Signature=bMvSfRjwDy9c~IkpNxRBgvtf8Aq7hLl6FXGuAS1AsH2qMfDvkAvWBBXXPrOb8KNT3grh79Exd352uGlZNb-NTHxNfxYyXCDM5TAbzQheoUKuDqe-67fst53LfQMKwVP7u7O14Iova66oXQ8AvY-WDFx9HvREK8RfybmEZXfde-LeB6crdyrY9XSEODpOMnrM25Vb30KMFYTVAnltma0Tj62HWY4bSlzBdsJSDwWW9vV5BUlv9JuUaVvMdBUeJj1NL9kYgtlMXrirf4ua1d6hRtkzVykHj8UflEhX6mqIYTx4GHM8T0AKOXyC5gK8WqgGaF5EXCYt2ntwd~FS4GrLiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Harlingen City Commissioners on Oct. 6 tabled consideration of a variance request that would have allowed the proposed Horseshoe Point subdivision in the city's 3.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction to use a single access point rather than the two entrances required by the subdivision ordinance.

The proposal, presented after an executive-session pause, would have allowed two proposed entrances along Morris Road spaced about 160 feet apart instead of the roughly 1,500 feet the ordinance calls for. Planning and Development Director Anna Hernandez told the commission the site constraints and surrounding properties limit access options and that staff was recommending approval of the variance.

The discussion focused on public-safety and transparency concerns. Commissioner [first reference] asked whether emergency services could access the development if a neighboring parcel tied to a future connector remained in probate court and therefore unavailable. Anna Hernandez and Edgar Garcia, land development director for Milton Hunt (the developer representative), said the developer had worked to identify a future connection to the northeast but that the parcel was in probate and could not be guaranteed. Garcia said preliminary outreach indicated the probate owner was \"open to allowing us to connect,\" but stressed that timing and ownership were uncertain.

Multiple residents who signed up for public comment told the commission they had not been adequately notified about the plan. Diana García Padilla said neighbors had not been told the ditch behind their properties would be expanded and said she feared favoritism toward well-known property owners. Ricardo Rubiano, who said he owns land adjacent to the proposed subdivision, told the commission he received no notice and said a public street labeled \"New Hampshire\" appeared on map drawings but was absent from the development layout.

Commissioners pressed the developer on safety measures inside the subdivision. The developer said internal streets would be 32 feet wide, with one stretch widened to 47 feet (and a 65-foot right of way) at a proposed choke point to accommodate emergency vehicles if needed. The developer said the first phase would include about 107 lots and that a later adjacent parcel could accommodate roughly 200 more homes if developed.

After questions from commissioners and calls for more outreach to neighboring property owners, Commissioner [first reference] moved to table the item to give staff and the developer time to approach other landowners and obtain a written opinion from the Harlingen Fire Department about whether the access plan meets emergency-response needs. The motion to table carried unanimously.

No final decision was made on the variance; commissioners said they wanted clearer documentation of outreach to neighboring owners, written fire-department input about circulation and egress, and confirmation about the probate parcel before acting further.","The City Commission moved to executive session and ultimately tabled a requested variance that would allow one instead of two required entrances for the proposed Horseshoe Point subdivision after residents raised concerns about notice, drainage, and emergency access.",{"_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},6449870,"City awards $279,004 contract for covered basketball court at Dixieland Park; project funded with CDBG money",70,10395000,10465000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b&start=10395&end=10465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b/thumbnail_10395000.jpg","/articles/6449870/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/City-awards-279004-contract-for-covered-basketball-court-at-Dixieland-Park-project-funded-with-CDBG-money","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449870-3951c550545ae05f51b63e9db3c67285/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963181&Signature=AARGTHe76oqbiYdogvXPsY~oLMHW-FLfPIDJLwsKlVR1Qwacn3YM~LaYbhDPPuNMsgujGrhDK3e~PIiZ2KXBq40adMfZujIx9fCx8rUwgZqlkAiKLG7U1L1JzUSvujacAxhtQPMdJe72eI70L5jEdFU~9OTxMIp2LnDCBvSlLgE2IZyOsLieU~UBFpVZhHYiP~vydMKSiGobGmXFVf5uOOLxOPgS871HFxnuLjQXAaOeOm3ShlznlBoLCJ4qrBiuG8M-PKyXg8Hb-0lPXpLC6bXe6kiqEN20NOtxvz5UZv8J8b5iZnIlEGZ0CGu5ulT14cCQidgHIm~YEdOCRFDmrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Oct. 6 authorized the city manager to award a construction contract to SLR Contractors for improvements at Dixieland Park, including a prefabricated pavilion, a full-size concrete basketball court and lighting. The project is funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

City Engineer Roberto Fernandez told the commission that SLR Contractors submitted the low base bid of $279,003.95; an alternate bidder submitted a higher bid. The contract covers a prefabricated metal structure, concrete for a 100-by-62-foot court, and lighting compatible with park hours (dawn to midnight). The project does not include higher-cost alternates because of budget limits, Fernandez said.

Commissioners noted the cost differences with other projects where in-house labor reduced concrete costs, and asked staff to remain mindful of costs as the department advances other Dixieland Park projects (trail, disc golf and additional amenities). The commission approved the contract unanimously.

Public Works staff and commissioners said the covered court will expand recreation options in District 5 and noted the park improvements are intended to keep kids and families active and safe.","The commission authorized a construction contract with SLR Contractors for a prefabricated pavilion, courts and lighting at Dixieland Park; the base bid was $279,003.95 and the work is funded with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.",{"_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},6449875,"City authorizes Schneider Electric design phase for energy upgrades, $57,000 engineering fee approved",271,6998000,7269000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b&start=6998&end=7269","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5905694-7bb9c58d9eac0d8ad5c9cc22d9545f2b/thumbnail_6998000.jpg","/articles/6449875/Harlingen/Cameron-County/Texas/City-authorizes-Schneider-Electric-design-phase-for-energy-upgrades-57000-engineering-fee-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6449875-903ccaf7f2323a7c2be304251dca24bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963181&Signature=g-ofUXLFrIuullS3HU4lpwybsK88dXFgtMtBNZw-enYqyFEpiC2eiiojc1lRAjaFK6cehZSYtbKVWtDRtYk75P48LT0-2IeEH62B6Y9ldJlZuNuXjHo~IriGugjpHdUKAk0Talf7fSbrR1701Ev66AZHS3wqFV7tfOif2F9IaCcGq3DlfdyM0PUeJm~7lBm8qbX2GSSkbJFshPBvAfNOsUtubmNPxKb3UnBE-kXFZAAtgCP1mnXzkqwJ8W9zKBLNrkp30SeRVs1x~AMhbfqF4mKyFFh9KVm2Y3-F1N6EEzwLXL4DQu5NH9nQGWdyaxCZP2oBiY6INIDX1dLg4wIzRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission on Oct. 6 authorized the city manager to move forward with Schneider Electric for a citywide energy and facilities-improvement project, approving a $57,000 engineering and design phase that staff said will be rolled into any later construction contract.

Public Works Director Christopher Torres reminded commissioners that staff returned to the company with requests to add additional city buildings and parks to the scope. Schneider Electric representatives said the $57,000 fee covers the next phase of design and development work (30% design deliverable and subsequent 60%/90% phases) that will identify priorities, produce project cost estimates, and define guaranteed savings and potential funding options.

Schneider representatives said the project team will return to the commission at the 30% and 90% milestones with firm cost estimates and a recommended scope; the company presented two high-level financing options earlier, one that would be fully self-funded by the city and another that would require the city to fund roughly 33 cents on the dollar for certain portions of the work. Commissioners asked that the library be included among buildings evaluated as part of a fully self-funded option.

Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the design phase and directed staff to return with the 30% design package and a clearer list of buildings categorized by funding option before the commission commits to implementation.","The commission authorized the city manager to execute an agreement with Schneider Electric to proceed with an engineering development phase for a citywide building-efficiency project; the design phase will cost $57,000 and will roll into any later implementation contract.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Harlingen EDC grant of $50,000 to VIDA approved; commissioners press for larger share to go directly to students

Harlingen Police report: overall crime down 17% year‑to‑date; traffic contacts rise 67% under data-driven strategy

Harlingen commissioners table vote on Horseshoe Point subdivision access variance after residents raise safety, notice concerns

City awards $279,004 contract for covered basketball court at Dixieland Park; project funded with CDBG money

City authorizes Schneider Electric design phase for energy upgrades, $57,000 engineering fee approved