The South Texas Alliance of Cities plans to invite county judges from across the Rio Grande Valley to join the group. City leaders announced the plan after a meeting at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. County judges would be formally invited starting at the alliance's next gathering.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said the change would bring counties into the regional effort. Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. said county leaders joining the quarterly meetings would strengthen the region's voice during state legislative sessions in Austin and in Washington, D.C. Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda and Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa also attended the McAllen session.
Members received legislative updates and discussed water supply and long-term infrastructure planning across South Texas. Cowen said alliance leaders hope to have all formal framework details in place so county judges can take part at the next quarterly meeting.