One of the many results of a landmark state law, led in 2013 by Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, will be a $160 million biomedical research center that will be built in Edinburg, Mayor Omar Ochoa revealed in his recent State of the City Address.

The mayor’s comments were delivered on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center, where Ochoa reported that the biomedical research project by UTRGV officials is underway to create the advanced institute.

“I am incredibly proud to share that UTRGV is investing $160 million to expand its biomedical research enterprise, building a massive new facility right here in Edinburg to advance high-impact scientific discovery and shape the future of global medicine,” Ochoa said.

A biomedical research center is a specialized facility — such as the UTRGV Research Facility at DHR or Texas Biomedical Research Institute — that investigates human health, diseases, and treatments through laboratory experiments, imaging, and clinical studies. These centers, often featuring high-containment labs, vivariums, and imaging technology, aim to translate scientific discoveries into new vaccines, diagnostics, and therapies.

The mayor did not provide a timetable or street address for the planned complex, leaving it to UTRGV leaders and Edinburg’s state lawmakers to later announce such specifics. But Ochoa did confirm that the intention is to locate it in the community which he helps lead as mayor.

In addition to news about the planned $160 million UTRGV biomedical research center, Ochoa praised the strong economic partnerships between the city government with the university and its medical school, and the region’s leading healthcare systems.

“Edinburg also continues to be a leader in healthcare, and we’re proud to be home to four outstanding health systems — South Texas Health System, DHR Health, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and UT Health RGV,” he noted. “These collaborations continue to drive job creation, innovation, and opportunity for residents.”

Among the notable figures with strong ties to UTRGV and its School of Medicine who were on hand to hear Ochoa’s comments about the planned biomedical center were:

• Dr. Guy Bailey, the founding President, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley;
• Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg;
• Dr. Everardo Cobos, MD, FACP, Dean, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine;
• Former Rep. Verónica Gonzales, Senior Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley;
• Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen; and
• Dr. Ricardo Solis, President, South Texas College.

“Today is an opportunity to highlight partnerships, and one of our most important is with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The economic momentum of Edinburg for the last 30 years and for the foreseeable future, is profoundly fueled by the brilliant minds at our beloved University,” the mayor said. 

“The book of Proverbs reminds us, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish,’” Ochoa reflected. “But look around you — the vision of Edinburg is alive, it is breathing, and it is yielding a harvest of historic proportions.”

Other elected leaders at Ochoa’s State of the City Address included:

• Edinburg Municipal Court Judge Héctor Bustos;
• Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors Member Erica Canales;
• Brownsville Mayor John Cowan;
• Congresswoman Mónica De La Cruz, R-Edinburg;
• Edinburg City Councilmember Jason De León;
• Edinburg City Councilmember Daniel “Dan” Díaz;
• 430th District Court Judge Orlando “OJ” Esquivel;
• Brownsville City Commissioner Nurith Galonsky;
• Alamo Mayor J.R. Garza;
• Former Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza;
• Mission City Councilmember Marissa Ortega Gerlach;
• Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra; 
• Mission Mayor Norie González Guerra;
• McAllen Mayor Pro Tem Víctor “Seby” Haddad;
• Edinburg City Councilmember Gerardo “Gerry” Lozano;
• Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios;
• Edinburg Mayor Pro Tem David Salazar;
• South Texas College Board of Trustees Member Dr. Alejo Salinas;
• Edinburg School Board President Xavier Salinas;
• Hidalgo County Commissioner Ellie Torres; and
• Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector Paul Villarreal.

Ochoa’s hometown has major components of the Valley-wide public medical school system, including the UTRGV School of Medicine, headquartered at 1214 W. Schunior Street on the sprawling UTRGV main campus. 

The UTRGV main campus in Edinburg, which still has room for future construction, is more than 370 acres in size.

At its Edinburg location, the UTRGV School of Medicine houses key administrative and educational components, including the Department of Medical Education, portions of the Department of Internal Medicine, and the Myles and Sylvia Aaronson Library. It serves as a central hub for student services, training, and research. 

Key UTRGV School of Medicine components in Edinburg also include faculty offices in the Health Affairs Building West, and UT Health RGV clinical sites specializing in primary care, behavioral health, and multi-specialty care.

The benefits of having a major physical presence of the UTRGV School of Medicine in Edinburg are far-reaching, the mayor noted.

“In particular, the UTRGV School of Medicine, since its opening only 10 years ago, has created 1,000 (one thousand) new jobs. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope — operating the only National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in the State of Texas, and reaching over $100 million in research expenditures.”

The Rio Grande Valley Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR) is located in South Texas with campus locations in Edinburg, Harlingen, and Brownsville. It is operated by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and focuses on Hispanic populations.

Ochoa credited Hinojosa and Canales, along with the rest of the Rio Grande Valley’s state legislative delegation, for the passage of Senate Bill 24, which in 2013 created the UTRGV School of Medicine. 

The UTRGV School of Medicine is the first public medical school established by the Texas Legislature in the 21st century.

“Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley have always been blessed with one of the strongest legislative delegations at the Texas Capitol, and one thing is also for sure – the state senators and state representatives whose legislative districts include Edinburg have always come through for us,” Ochoa commented. 

Senate Bill 24, whose primary author was Hinojosa, in 2013 merged then UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville, and created UTRGV School of Medicine as a free-standing medical school. 

As the primary author of Senate Bill 24, Hinojosa was the state lawmaker who filed Senate Bill 24 and guided it through the Texas Senate.

A bill is a type of legislative measure that is the primary means used to create and change the laws of the state. 

A bill becomes law on its effective date if it is passed by both the Texas Senate and the Texas House of Representatives and is not vetoed by the governor. 

“Filed” refers to a bill or resolution that has been introduced into the legislative process and given a number.

Canales was a key state lawmaker who helped guide Senate Bill 24 through the Texas House of Representatives.

Hinojosa and Canales both gave Ochoa high marks for his first annual State of the City Address.

“Mayor Ochoa spoke about the importance of transparency, accountability, and success for Edinburg families — by being responsible with public funds, keeping property taxes low, and investing in the future.  He also shared key achievements, including the inaugural season of UTRGV Football, the jobs created by the UTRGV School of Medicine, the services provided by local hospitals and health institutions, and the many events hosted in the city,” Hinojosa said. 

“He recognized the hard work of police officers, firefighters, public works staff, and all city employees who keep Edinburg running. Finally, he outlined a $275 million capital improvements plan for the next several years that will support the city’s growth and long-term success,” Hinojosa added. “I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Ochoa and the Edinburg City Council to take care of the needs of the City of Edinburg.”

Canales said Ochoa succeeded in explaining the mayor’s goals for the city.

“Mayor Ochoa reflected on the accomplishments of 2025 and shared his vision for the future. The theme of the night, ‘Moving Edinburg Forward’, was in full display. From the economy to academics, business, healthcare and family fun, Edinburg has it all,” Canales said.

“Moving Edinburg Forward” brought together residents, elected officials, business leaders, and regional partners to celebrate a year of progress and community-driven momentum.

“Thank you to police officers, firefighters, public works staff, and all city employees who keep Edinburg running, and congratulations to Mayor Ochoa and the City Council for staying true to their commitment to this great city and their amazing people,” Canales continued. “I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Ochoa and the City Council to ensure together we keep ‘Moving Edinburg Forward.’” 

At the audience-packed event, Ochoa also highlighted record-breaking construction activity, public safety and community spirit in the four-time All-America City.

The National Civic League's All-America City (AAC) Award is a prestigious annual designation honoring 10 communities (cities, counties, tribes, and nonprofits) for outstanding civic innovation, collaboration, and inclusiveness in solving local challenges. 

Since 1949, this award highlights projects that demonstrate deep resident engagement, equity, and sustainable, community-driven solutions to improve quality of life. 

Edinburg previously won the award in 2024, 2000, 1995 and 1968.

Ochoa talked about the achievements of 2025, giving credit for most of that year’s successes to former Mayor Ramiro Garza, who did not seek reelection. 

“Thank you, former Mayor Ramiro Garza from whom I’ve received a renewed and vibrant City,” said Ochoa, who was elected mayor for a four-year term in November 2025.

“This event is about you,” Ochoa told attendees. “Because a city is not made of concrete and steel; it is made of its people. You are the heart, the soul, the engine of Edinburg.” 

The evening focused on Edinburg’s continued progress as one of the fastest-growing cities in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and the United States for communities with populations of more than 100,000 people.

Other achievements of the city upon which Ochoa focused included:

• In 2025, retail sales surpassed $2 billion, and Edinburg experienced unmatched construction activity in its history, reaching $407 million in approved valuations. 

Retail sales in a community are the direct sale of finished goods and services to local end-users, serving as a primary economic indicator of consumer spending and local economic health. They include purchases from local brick-and-mortar stores, restaurants, and e-commerce transactions, reflecting local consumer demand.

Approved valuations for government construction permits are the total estimated costs of a project, including all labor, materials, and permanent equipment, as determined by a building official. The final valuation is set by the local jurisdiction. 

• Edinburg also earned national recognition for permit approval processes and maintaining a business-friendly environment that supports entrepreneurs and small businesses.

• For the first time in more than 30 years, Edinburg had zero homicides in a single year. Overall crime reductions like the Drone as First Responder (DRF) program, and the launch of the city’s own police academy represents a continued commitment to keeping residents safe.

The Edinburg Police Department’s Drone as First Responder program, launched in August 2025, is the first in the Rio Grande Valley to utilize drones for real-time emergency response. 

A drone, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is a powered aircraft that flies without a human pilot on board, either operated remotely or autonomously. Part of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) that includes controllers and sensors, they are used for photography, agriculture, surveillance, and logistics.

In Edinburg, drones are dispatched to 9-1-1 like accidents, crimes in progress, and searches, offering rapid aerial surveillance that improves situational awareness and public safety.

In February 2026, the Edinburg Police Department graduated its first-ever police academy class.

The department began the application process to establish its own, independent training license about 18 months prior, having previously operated under the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council. The move allows the city to “train their personnel in the Edinburg way.”

• From highly attended community events and festivals to expanded parks programming and youth sports, Edinburg hosted more than 350 events in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as the “City of Festivals.”

Individuals who wish to view the video recording of the entire State of the City Address by Ochoa may contact Roxanne Lerma, Director of Communications and Media for the City of Edinburg, for a link to the presentation on YouTube. 

She may be reached at [email protected]

Originally posted at Titans of the Texas Legislature: https://edinburgpolitics.com/2026/04/18/landmark-state-law-sen-juan-hinojosa-and-rep-terry-canales/