McAllen Commission Certifies District 5 Election Results, Advances Infrastructure, Development and Public Safety Priorities

Arnoldo Mata

Edinburg, TX - The McAllen City Commission tackled a broad agenda this week focused on public safety, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood development and the certification of a special election that officially seated a new District 5 commissioner.

The meeting opened with proclamations honoring Peace Officers Memorial Week and National Public Works Week before commissioners approved drainage contracts, subdivision variances and zoning changes tied to the city’s continuing growth.

Public safety remembrance takes center stage

Commissioner Ricky Castillo presented a proclamation declaring May 10-17, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Week, recognizing officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and honoring those currently serving the community.

McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez reflected on the department’s history and sacrifices, calling law enforcement the “thin blue line” that protects communities and preserves freedoms.

“When that thin blue line is broken, harm, violence, and death befall our police officers and by extension on our communities as well,” Rodriguez said. “Sadly, this happens much too often.”

Rodriguez specifically remembered five fallen McAllen officers: Federico R. Saenz, Rosalind Suarez Jr., Reynaldo V. Lopez, Edelmiro Garza Jr. and Ismael Chavez. He invited residents to attend the city’s Police Memorial Day ceremony scheduled for Wednesday at the McAllen Public Safety Building.

“It is a solemn day because we remember the dark days that befell McAllen,” Rodriguez said.

Public Works highlighted as quality-of-life backbone

Commissioner Roy Rios used the city’s National Public Works Week proclamation to spotlight employees responsible for roads, drainage, sanitation and public facilities.

“When you talk about or think about quality of life, this is a team that makes it happen,” Rios said. “This is a team that makes our city look so good, so beautiful, and this is a team that makes people wanna come here to live.”

Public Works officials announced a community block party scheduled for May 16 at the department headquarters on North Benson Road. The event will feature equipment demonstrations, family activities, giveaways and safety programs.

“Public Works Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated employees who work behind the scenes to keep our community running smoothly every day,” a department representative told commissioners.

Drainage project approved

Commissioners approved a contract for drainage improvements along Dallas Avenue near First Street after city staff said the work would improve stormwater management in the area.

The project includes approximately 485 linear feet of 24-inch concrete drainage pipe and was awarded to Signs Utility Contractors LLC of Edcouch for about $191,614. The city expects the work to be completed within 75 days.

Development pressures continue in growing areas

Several subdivision variance requests approved by commissioners highlighted the challenges of managing growth in rapidly developing areas of McAllen. Projects near Champion Lakes, Ware Road and South 23rd Street required exceptions involving cul-de-sac lengths, sidewalks and roadway standards because of existing land constraints and incomplete street connections.

One discussion focused on older industrial and commercial properties near South 23rd Street and Military Highway, where city staff described longstanding problems involving junkyards, irregular parcels and outdated infrastructure.

“We’ve been trying to clean it up,” a planning official told commissioners, describing ongoing efforts to bring the area into compliance with city subdivision standards.

Staff also described safety concerns and repeated attempts to work with property owners over the years.

“They’ll come in every five years and they’ll say, ‘Okay, yes, we wanna work with y’all,’” the official said. “It’s just one of those things that’s ongoing.”

Commissioners questioned whether repeatedly granting variances could undermine broader cleanup efforts in the corridor.

“But if we keep on giving variances, when are we gonna clean it up?” one commissioner asked during the discussion.

Election results certified

The commission also canvassed and certified results from the May 2 special election for the District 5 commission seat.

According to the certified totals, Michael Falik received 573 votes, defeating Feli Villarreal with 411 votes and Mark Murray with 159 votes.

Following the vote, commissioners formally declared Falik elected to fill the unexpired term. No official swearing-in ceremony has been announced.