Middle Rio Grande Development Council to Hold 2026 Regional Economic Development Forum in Eagle Pass on September 24
By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.
The Middle Rio Grande Development Council will bring government officials, economic development professionals, business representatives and regional stakeholders together in Eagle Pass for its 2026 Regional Economic Development Forum.
The forum is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the International Center for Trade, located at 3295 Bob Rogers Drive.
Under the theme “Middle Rio Grande: Powering Potential, Driving Growth,” the event will provide regional leaders with an opportunity to discuss economic development, cooperation and strategies for creating new opportunities throughout Southwest Texas.
The Middle Rio Grande Development Council is a voluntary association of local governments headquartered in Carrizo Springs. It serves nine counties consisting of Maverick, Dimmit, Edwards, Kinney, La Salle, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde and Zavala counties.
The organization provides a regional platform through which cities, counties, public agencies and other stakeholders can share information, coordinate planning and address challenges that extend beyond the boundaries of any single community.
One of its principal responsibilities is helping strengthen the regional economy and create greater economic opportunities for residents. Its Community and Economic Development division gathers and evaluates data, assists with local and regional planning and provides technical support to local governments.
However, the council’s work extends beyond economic development.
The organization operates programs involving workforce development, services for senior citizens and people with disabilities, homeland security, emergency preparedness, 9-1-1 communications, regional planning and law enforcement training.
Its Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande program connects employers with people seeking employment while helping residents obtain the training and skills needed for available jobs. The workforce system is guided by representatives from business, education, economic development, labor, community organizations and government.
The council also supports regional 9-1-1 systems by providing communications equipment, mapping, technical planning, training and public education. Its homeland security program assists communities with planning and coordination for natural disasters and other emergencies.
Through the Area Agency on Aging, the organization connects older residents, people with disabilities and caregivers with programs intended to help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
The upcoming Eagle Pass forum will focus specifically on economic development and the importance of communities working together to encourage investment, improve workforce readiness and strengthen the region’s long-term economic capacity.
Regional cooperation serves as an important tool for reducing the duplication of services and helping local governments improve the delivery of public programs.
Those interested in attending the September 24 forum can register by scanning the QR code included on the organization’s event announcement.
Additional information is available through the Middle Rio Grande Development Council.
