McAllen Chamber of Commerce Podcast #3 – Legendary Leadership

Featuring: Mayor Javier Villalobos, Former Mayor Jim Darling, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez

In this episode of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Podcast, we bring together three iconic leaders who’ve helped shape the story of McAllen, Texas. Join current Mayor Javier Villalobos, former Mayor Jim Darling, and Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez as they dive into the values, decisions, and collaborations that built one of the most dynamic cities in South Texas.

From major infrastructure projects and binational trade to crisis management and small business growth, this episode is packed with insights from decades of public service. Discover what it takes to lead a community through change—and what’s next for McAllen.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why leadership built on service—not politics—works
• How McAllen became a regional powerhouse through trade and strategic planning
• The city’s response to immigration, recession, and COVID-19
• The future of infrastructure, transit, and regional collaboration
• How small business and Chamber partnerships fuel local growth
• The legacy of leadership and vision that continues to drive McAllen forward

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