Texas-Mexico cities discuss partnership, host business expo

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A town on the Texas-Mexico border is demonstrating how a healthy relationship with Mexican cities can help communities thrive.

“We don’t see Acuña and Del Rio as two different cities,” Louis Urraza, Acuña’s economic development director, said. “We see it as a group where we can work together and grow our economies.”

Acuña, Mexico, and Del Rio, Texas, are separated by less than 10 miles. Leaders in both cities are highlighting their collaboration amid a border crisis marked by record numbers of border crossings. While much attention has focused on immigration issues, city leaders emphasize the importance of the partnerships that sustain their communities.

“It’s not just what people see up north in the U.S. — that’s immigration problems, that’s drugs, that’s all these bad things coming,” Jorge Ramon, Del Rio’s economic development director, said.

Ramon noted that the international bridge connecting Del Rio and Acuña facilitates around $20 million a year in trade for Del Rio. To showcase this, the cities hosted a manufacturing and industrial expo, highlighting businesses in both towns that work together to boost the economy.

“Yes, we have been the shining star with immigration problems, but also we are going to be the shining star with importation,” Del Rio Mayor Alvaro Arreola said.

To further strengthen these partnerships and improve trade efficiency, Mayor Arreola said there are numerous infrastructure projects underway. These projects aim to enhance the connection between the two cities and create more expansion opportunities.

“We are in two countries, but we feel as if we are one region. We have a bridge, a river in the middle, but we are family. On both sides of the river, we are family. We depend on each other economically because if Del Rio does well, then Acuña does well.”

The overarching message from these city leaders is clear: unity. By prioritizing families, businesses, and jobs, both Del Rio and Acuña aim to continue thriving together as one interconnected region.

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