top of page

Welcome to RGV On the Rise, a limited series podcast about the economy and opportunities in Hidalgo County, Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas. Here, you can access all our podcast episodes, where we explore critical topics such as water management, economic development, and updates from the Prosperity Taskforce. Tune in for expert interviews, insightful analysis, and the latest developments influencing our county's future. Explore our audio and video content to stay informed and actively involved in the key issues shaping our community.

Find Full Episodes Below:

Introduction to RGV on the Rise 

RGV on the Rise is a limited series podcast about the economy and opportunities of Hidalgo County, the Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas.

Document.png

Episode 2: Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Hilda A. Salinas

Hidalgo County Elections Administrator Hilda A. Salinas discusses election integrity, new voter laws and how to cast your ballot for the November 5th presidential election.

Document.jpg

Episode 4: Tax Assessor & Collector Paul Villarreal, Jr.

The Tax Assessor discusses how to pay for your Property Taxes and what to know about homestead exemptions.

pv.JPG

Episode 6:  Water Expert Jim Darling

Former McAllen Mayor and current Rio Grande Regional Water Authority Chairman Jim Darling talks to us about water issues in the RGV and how that can impact us in the future.

Document.png

Episode 1: Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez
 

Our first guest is Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. He discusses the origins of his newest initiative, the Prosperity Task Force, and what it is doing to combat poverty in the RGV.

Document.png

Episode 3: District Attorney Terry Palacios

In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Toribio "Terry" Palacios discusses what his office is doing to bring awareness and resources to victims.

tp.JPG

Episode 5:  Dr. Daniel P. King

Region One ESC Executive Director Dr. Daniel P. King tells us about the new Dropout Recovery Initiative. He explains how his innovative idea is helping high school dropouts complete their education.

Document.png

Season 1

Season 2

RGV on the Rise: Season 2 Teaser

RGV on the Rise is a limited series podcast about the economy and opportunities of Hidalgo County, the Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas.

Document.png

Episode 2: OEM Locals Helping Locals

The Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management gives us an insight on how they deploy to communities across the state and nation during natural disasters to offer assistance and what you can do to be prepared at home.

maxresdefault.jpg

Episode 4: South Texas All Hazards Conference

For the 11th year in a row, the South Texas All Hazards Conference is bringing together top experts in preparedness to deliver invaluable training to first responders—completely free of charge. The Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department gives us an inside look at what to expect!

Screen Shot 2026-03-16 at 9.12.58 AM.png

Episode 6:  Untold History of the RGV with UTRGV CHAPS

Did you know the Rio Grande Valley played a role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil War? In this episode, we dive into the region’s untold stories with the Project Director of CHAPS at UTRGV, who shares how their research is shedding new light on our past.

maxresdefault (1).jpg

Episode 8:  Animal Welfare Alliance

​The large stray animal population continues to be a growing problem in the RGV. We sat down with the Animal Welfare Alliance about what they are doing and what we as a community can do to help our furry friends.

Screen Shot 2026-03-16 at 9.26.26 AM.png

Episode 1: Teen Dating Violence Awareness

DA Victims Unit Director Rosie Martinez talks to us about Teen Dating Violence Awareness. Often known as the silent epidemic, she gives an inside perspective on what teens can do to stay safe while dating and gives valuable educational information for parents.

Screen Shot 2026-03-16 at 9.01.38 AM.png

Episode 3: Measles Outbreak in Texas

​With an outbreak of Measles in West Texas, we sat down with Hidalgo County Health Authority Dr. Ivan Melendez to discuss the virus, what you can do to prevent it and how to protect your children.

Screen Shot 2026-03-16 at 9.07.07 AM.png

Episode 5:  RioPlex

The founder of RioPlex, Joaquin Spamer, explains why a regional marketing approach is needed to transform the image of the RGV to bring growth and business to our community.

Screen Shot 2026-03-16 at 9.15.08 AM.png

Episode 7:  Jury Appreciation Week

Ever wondered what really happens when you’re summoned for jury duty? In this episode, we sit down with the Hidalgo County District Clerk Laura Hinojosa to break it all down—what residents can expect, why serving matters, and how it impacts justice in the Rio Grande Valley.

maxresdefault (2).jpg

956-318-2600

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

©2024 by Hidalgo County Economic Development

bottom of page