New Assistant City Manager Appointed

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr proudly announces Cynthia Garza-Reyes as the new Assistant City Manager. The appointment was made on May 2, 2024. For the past 15 years, Cynthia Garza-Reyes has played a pivotal role in spearheading regional initiatives spanning infrastructure, healthcare, immigration, transportation, education, and international trade. With a distinguished career spanning both the federal and municipal levels, Garza brings an unparalleled wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.

Garza’s journey in public service began with United States Congressman Ruben Hinojosa (TX-15). Her dedication and leadership were evident as she managed critical policy matters in Washington D.C. and later while serving as the District Director in South Texas, overseeing a vast constituency of 500,000 residents across 8 counties. During her tenure with Congressman Hinojosa, Garza played a pivotal role in executing significant initiatives, notably the rollout of the Affordable Care Act in underserved communities. Her visionary leadership not only garnered national recognition but also set a benchmark for congressional districts nationwide. Garza also served on his congressional campaign, demonstrating her leadership as the campaign manager for his final three congressional campaigns, highlighting her significant contributions to shaping political discourse and advocacy efforts.

Transitioning to municipal governance, Garza’s impact continues to resonate within the City of Pharr, where she has served the city and its constituents as the Director of External Relations since August 2015. In her capacity, Garza actively engages in all special capital projects, fostering partnerships with private, public, and higher education entities to advance the commission’s objectives. Through her dedicated efforts and fierce commitment, Garza has spearheaded critical infrastructure projects, securing over $450 million in federal and state funding. She also led policy initiatives which resulted in over $40 million in state funding for critical Pharr International Bridge projects. Her work on capturing funding has also left an indelible mark on all bridges along the Texas-Mexico border which have also been recipients of increased funding through her advocacy efforts and initiatives. Notably, she helped secure a federal Presidential Permit Amendment within 60 days under a 2019 Executive Order, making it possible to later create policy on the state level that helped all ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border. Under her guidance, Pharr has witnessed remarkable progress, particularly with the Pharr International Bridge, where she continues to play a key role in policy advancements and securing substantial funding.

She has also established herself as a voice for the City of Pharr in the Texas State Legislature, collaborating with legislators to secure funding for projects like the I-69 expansion and the International Border Trade Corridor, while also influencing policy initiatives. Additionally, Garza led the creation of PharrConnect, a pioneering first-of-its-kind internet broadband network implemented to provide high-speed affordable internet to all Pharr families and businesses. Her work on this project has been instrumental and she has helped transform its success into a national model for other municipalities.

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., expressed his contentment with Garza’s contributions to the city, stating, “Cynthia Garza’s knowledge and experience have been instrumental in propelling Pharr to new heights. Her unwavering commitment to the city’s development is exemplary, and I have full confidence in her ability to continue driving positive change as our new Assistant City Manager.”

Garza’s leadership extends beyond professional realms as she is also an active member of various important organizations, including the Texas Border Coalition, the Texas Department of Transportation Border Trade Advisory Committee, and a member of the Texas I-69 Alliance.

Additionally, she co-manages Double G Farms, a renowned Santa Gertrudis purebred cattle operation founded in 1960 by her grandfather, Gilberto Garza. Double G Farms is one of the longest-standing Santa Gertrudis operations in the Rio Grande Valley and is a staple on both the state and national levels.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Pharr,” Garza remarked. “I look forward to collaborating with Mayor Hernandez, the commission, and the community to advance our shared vision of prosperity and innovation.”

Garza holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and resides in Edinburg, Texas, with her husband Gabriel, and their two children, Sophia and Andres Reyes.