Economic Development At Stac Meeting In Brownsville

The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC) recently held a meeting in Brownsville, drawing attention to the significant economic development fueled by SpaceX’s operations in the region.

“Seeing firsthand what SpaceX is doing to generate jobs and boost the economy in South Texas was a major takeaway for me,” said Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez. “The work they are doing here in Brownsville is having a ripple effect across the Rio Grande Valley, in a good way.”

Economic development was a key focus of the STAC meeting. And, it was SpaceX and a tour of Starbase that was a highlight for the attendees. During the STAC meeting, the Mayors’ toured the Starbase facility – out at Boca Chica Beach. The tour offered the attendees the opportunity to take a first look at the facility that is home to the world’s first true spaceport. It houses SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket factory and launch pads. And, it is known as the “Gateway to Mars” among the space community.

Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez presented during the Stac meeting on the City’s economic boom, which is being fueled by international trade, new residential and commercial developments, and the expansion of SpaceX operations.

SpaceX’s approximate $3 Billion infrastructure investment at Starbase has created more than 6,000 jobs in Cameron County and boosted the economy to the tune of $903 million gross economic output from Aggregate Market Value of goods and services produced in the U.S. economy.

“These meetings are vital for the growth and resilience of the represented communities as we come together to share insights and help one another address challenges,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr. “The meetings also allow us to celebrate successes collectively, reinforcing that our strength truly lies in our unity. Hosting the South Texas Alliance of Cities Mayoral meeting here in Brownsville was a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our initiatives and learn from one another.”

The STAC meeting included a video conference with Tom Perez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to President Joe Biden and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. During the call with the mayors, he discussed the impacts of recent federal policies on drought issues and immigration. Perez emphasized the effectiveness of President Biden’s June 4, 2024, executive order, which has significantly reduced illegal border crossings during peak periods.

The City of Brownsville’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security also presented the “Brownsville Model.” This is a highly structured, efficient process designed to ensure that non-resident migrants are effectively guided through their transition in the U.S. Their journey begins at the City’s “Welcome Center,” which is designed to assist the non-resident migrants by providing them with crucial resources, information, and support.

Another highlight of the STAC meeting was a presentation by the Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB). The BPUB team discussed the U.S. – Mexico Water Treaty and the Stage 2 Drought status the Brownsville community is facing. The presentation included the latest on the Southmost Regional Water Authority’s Brackish Groundwater Desalination Plan which uses reverse osmosis to produce approximately 7.5MGD of potable water using brackish groundwater from 20 wells.

“The growth in Brownsville impacts all cities across the Rio Grande Valley as we continue to confront border city challenges and wins as one region,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza.

Another highlight of the STAC meeting was the presentation and tour of the Port of Brownsville, which continues to be an economic engine for South Texas and northern Mexico. The team from the Port showcased their property leasing agreements growth with tenants such as Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG, who have total combined investments of approximately $22 Billion at the Port.

The meeting kicked off in Historic Downtown Brownsville at the City’s Communications and Marketing Department and Convention and Visitors Bureau Complex and included tours of key sites such as the City’s non-resident migrant center, the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization, the Port of Brownsville, and SpaceX’s Starbase.