Laredo mayor delivers State of the City address, uses 4 phrases to define Gateway City

El alcalde Pete Sáenz presenta el Informe de Gobierno de la Ciudad de Laredo en Laredo Energy Arena el jueves 25 de enero. El alcalde Pete Sáenz presenta el Informe de Gobierno de la Ciudad de Laredo en Laredo Energy Arena el jueves 25 de enero. Photo: Christian Alejandro Ocampo /Laredo Morning Times Photo: Christian Alejandro Ocampo /Laredo Morning Times Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Laredo mayor delivers State of the City address, uses 4 phrases to define Gateway City 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

In his annual address to Laredo and its citizens, Mayor Pete Saenz used four phrases to define the state of the city: financially strong, open for business, public safety-conscious and community-minded.

The annual address, which doubles as a wrap up of the previous year, was well-attended by city department heads, a few council members and county commissioners, County Judge Tano Tijerina, Nuevo Laredo Mayor Enrique Rivas, scores of other leaders in Laredo’s education, business and federal industries, plus, this year, a group of potential investors from China who were visiting the city.

This year’s event mimicked the president’s iteration in a new way, as Saenz used standing LCD teleprompters similar to those employed by the White House.

Financially strong

Laredo has a general fund balance of $44 million, and excellent bond ratings of AA2 by Moody’s and AA by Standard & Poor’s for general obligation debt, Saenz noted.

And for the 14th year in a row, the city maintained its property tax rate of $0.637 per $100 valuation. This allowed the city to levy $83.9 million of the city’s total $13.3 billion in taxable value, Saenz said.

He also touched on the city’s growth that allows for this increasing levy. Laredo is one of the fastest growing cities in Texas and the country, according to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Saenz said.

The city grew by 2.5 percent from 2012 to 2016, and is projected to grow another 2.3 percent in the next three years, he noted. Plus, last year, 1,900 acres in Webb County were voluntarily annexed to the city.

“In the last five years, Laredo has grown by an additional 7,729 acres bringing the total area to over 104 square miles,” he said.

In the realm of retail development, commercial construction in 2017 was up 15 percent from the year before, at a cost of over $211 million. And retail development increased by more than 20 percent, he said.

Saenz also took note of the City of Laredo’s newfound interest in tax abatement projects: one for the downtrodden downtown area, and one for the Coves at Winfield, a planned subdivision east of Loop 20, were approved recently by City Council.

Open for business

Laredo has enjoyed its lowest unemployment rate in years, 3.4 percent, a reflection of the city’s positive economic energy, Saenz said.

“Now, let’s talk about trade and the Port of Laredo,” the mayor continued.

The trade and transportation sector makes up one of Laredo’s largest industries and employers. This is why the City of Laredo is advocating for the modernization of NAFTA, rather than its elimination, in light of threats coming from the White House, Saenz said to a round of applause from the audience.

Laredo was named the 15-best large city to start a business by WalletHub in 2017, he said. The study took into account cities’ business environment, available resources and costs.

Public safety-conscious

“This governing body is committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure that our Police and Fire departments are responsive to all community needs,” Saenz said.

City Council increased the police and fire departments’ combined budgets by $6.7 million for a $122.1 million budget, Saenz said.

He also commended the 36 new police cadets who are scheduled to graduate in mid-summer, plus 39 firefighter cadets set to graduate in February, a group that includes three women.

Law enforcement’s hard work is reflected in Laredo’s status as the 39th safest city in Texas, Saenz said.

“As noted in the eight-year Uniform Crime Report, which includes data on homicides, robberies, and assaults, statistics show a 35 percent drop in crimes against persons and a notable 42 percent drop in crimes against property. These are significant improvements in our city’s safety,” Saenz said.

Community-minded

“I think I speak for many when I say we strive for a livable city,” the mayor said. Public safety, affordable housing, parks and leisure services, entertainment, education, the environment and health services are all considered in this tenet, he said.

Thirty-one percent of Laredoans live in poverty, so the city’s efforts in creating affordable housing are critical, Saenz said. In 2017, 163 low-income households in Laredo were assisted in the purchase, rehab or rental of their home, he said.

The city has been working with the county, TxDOT and the Regional Mobility Authority to create a “seamless inner loop,” Saenz said, noting that grade separations at International and Clark boulevards were completed this year. And the city’s efforts to improve its inner-city streets were realized in part this year, with the expansion of Bartlett Avenue, he said.

Almost 3 million riders used El Metro in the 2017 fiscal year, and in the city’s August budget session, City Council voted to increase bus fare for the first time since 2009.

The City of Laredo sustains 854 developed acres and 179 undeveloped acres of green space, he said, highlighting the importance of park space in quality of life.

Saenz also highlighted a few things that City Council will discuss in the coming months, such as diversifying the economy, continuing to revitalize downtown, resolving the old Mercy Hospital issue, finalizing plans for the World Trade Bridge Expansion and the city’s fifth international bridge.

“We are Laredoans, inquisitive, innovative and strong willed. These are exciting times, Ladies and Gentlemen,” Saenz said. “I encourage you, as Laredoans, to take part in our City’s continued transformation toward a more open and transparent government; stay informed, stay engaged, make your voice heard, and become an active participant in the betterment of our City. We need all of you!”

The following is the transcript of the State of the City address:

Good Evening and Welcome everyone. Buenas Noches Laredo!

I wish to thank each and every one of you for taking time in joining us and showing interest in community matters, and the State of our City.

On a Personal note, I wish to recognize and publicly thank my wife Minerva, who continues to stand beside me, offering her love, support, and encouragement as we meet the joys and challenges of both home and public service.

Furthermore, I would also like to acknowledge all of my fellow council members for their hard work, and dedicated service, to our community.

To our City Management Team, and the City of Laredo staff, and the many thousands of other employees that provide service to an ever growing populace, thank you.

I would like to give special recognition to one of our invited guests, Nuevo Laredo, Tamualipas, Presidente Municipal, Enrique Rivas Cuellar. I value our relationship and the trust that you have placed in me, as your counterpart, to effect positive change for Los Dos Laredos, I thank you for your leadership and service.

There is another group of people that are visiting the Gateway City. They represent potential future investment from China. They are here as our special guests to learn more about our City. It is an honor to have you here with us, and I truly hope this is the start of a fruitful working relationship.

Ladies and Gentlemen, It is my honor to serve as your Mayor, for the City of Laredo, and to present the 2018 State of the City address "Open Government."

As we begin this New Year, it is important to assess what has been accomplished by recognizing our strengths, and knowing our weaknesses, as well.

It is an opportune time to reaffirm our commitment: to quality of service;

to public transparency; to ensuring inclusiveness and the continued development of public/private partnerships; and, to the promise of setting policies and taking actions that promote and safeguard our community's quality of life and its economic vitality.

I assure you, that I remain steadfast in my desire and responsibility to champion the needs of our community and that of my fellow Laredoans.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Laredo's State of the City can best be described as FINANCIALLY STRONG.......... OPEN FOR BUSINESS............. PUBLIC SAFETY CONSCIOUS............. AND COMMUNITY MINDED. These are powerful words, attributes of a Great City. A City, I am proud to call home.

This home of ours is managed and influenced by our local city government. This past year we saw a historic Re-organization of our government, providing a change in City leadership and how it conducts business. Laredo's City Council and I have placed our confidence in Mr. Horacio De Leon, Jr., to lead the City to a new era of growth and prosperity. Our new City Manager quickly took up the charge by first restructuring the City's organizational operations, and implementing data driven management practices. These provide for more responsive, accountable, and transparent government.

This new approach is being propelled by our recent alignment with Bloomberg Philanthropies' What Works City program. The What Works Initiative is simply applying analytical results in addressing community problems.

This initiative, centers, on analytically evaluating existing programs and systems through the use of data, to make informed decisions to improve the City's overall performance, including: customer service and quality of life issues.

The City of Laredo, as an inaugural program participant, initiated a year- long leadership development program with Bloomberg & Harvard. Aside from the educational benefit, Bloomberg has also offered Laredo technical assistance, provided by world-class experts, to help build capacity to address local issues, specifically, poverty in our area. This is an opportunity to learn how other communities have been able to overcome similar challenges and provide new perspectives and solutions here at home.

Let's move onto City Finances.

Managing any city is a never ending challenge, yet our City

has been highly successful in maintaining a history of fiscal responsibility. The City of Laredo remains financially strong, with a General fund balance of over $44 million dollars, and a credit rating of double A two by Moody's, and double A by Standard and Poor's for General Obligation Debt. The excellent bond ratings maintained, serve to solidify the City's financial position and its ability to implement capital improvements to meet community needs. The City's current year budget totals just over $705 million dollars.

For the 14th consecutive year, the City's tax rate remained at 0.637 cents per

100-dollar assessed valuation, with no property tax rate increase. The total taxable value of $13.3 billion dollars is anticipated to generate a levy of $83.9 million dollars. The tax levy continues to include a tax valuation freeze, to the disabled and senior citizens, age 65 years and older.

The City's Finance Department's mission is to provide the most accurate accounting, and reporting, of all financial transactions. For the 26th consecutive year,..... the City garnered a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The City also earned two Transparency Star awards, from the Office of the Texas State Comptroller.

Where there is finance, there is Growth and Development. Let me tell you about some of those accomplishments:

Laredo is a vibrant community with an estimated population of over 260,000. In fact, the City of Laredo is recognized as one of the fastest growing Metro areas in Texas and the United States, as reported in a study prepared for the U.S. Conference of Mayors. This study noted that Laredo's population grew by two and a half percent during the period of 2012 through 2016; and is projected to grow an additional 2.3 percent in the next three years.

Our City continues to grow in land mass, too.

This last fiscal year, seven tracts encompassing a little over 1,900 acres were submitted for voluntary annexation, and approved by City Council. In the last five years, Laredo has grown by an additional 7,729 acres bringing the total area to over 104 square miles.

Comprehensive planning is necessary to orderly, rational, and visionary development. Following a yearlong process, with extensive community meetings and feedback, the City's Comprehensive Plan was updated this past year. It took into consideration, virtually every component of land use and strategy for equitable and responsive development. We adopted the plan this past September by council action, and I commend the staff team and our consultant group, lead by the joint local venture of Frank Architects and Hickey Pena & Associates.

Laredo's growth is visible. We can see around us, the amount of new and existing businesses which have chosen to invest in Laredo, and the number of residential subdivisions, which have been developed. The City's Planning Department worked with developers on 10 new Master Plans, and

Reconsideration of 21 ongoing Master Plans, encompassing 16,645 residential lots and 555 commercial lots, that either have been developed, are being processed, and/or are being planned.

There is more! Commercial building construction in 2017 topped $211 million, a fifteen percent increase over last year. Similarly, retail development increased by more than 20%. In a 2017 Wallet Hub study, of startup opportunities that exist in 150 of the most populated U.S. Cities, Laredo was named the fifteenth best large City to start a business, weighing

factors such as business environment, available resources and costs.

In regard to residential development, there was a slight decrease of 3.4% percent in the number of residential permits issued. Even then, there was an impressive 923 residential permits issued, valued at $135 million dollars. Also reported, was an 18% increase in the construction of new educational facilities, and the renovation of existing ones.

Hand in hand with the investment made by the private sector, the City continues its efforts to promote business development, and job opportunities, by providing economic incentives to new and expanding businesses. The assistance provided is based on: the level of private investment, the proposed number of jobs to be created, and, the area in which the investment is located.

Incentives provided by the City include Tax Abatements which allow for the exemption, or reduction, in taxes paid. The city offers participation in Chapter 380 Agreements, authorized by the State of Texas Local Government Code, which make assistance available in the form of: loans, grants, personnel, and services. Notable developments assisted last year include: the construction of the Laredo Town Center, and the expansion of both Medline Industries, Inc. and U.S. Cold Storage.

Collectively, these projects represent a private investment of over $56 million dollars and the creation of approximately 500 jobs.

Within the last few years, the City, has expanded its economic portfolio to include the creation of two (2) -Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones or TIRZs': one in the heart of Downtown and the second at the Coves at Winfield. Dedicated tax increment generated in a zone is used to finance future improvements within the zone and promote continued development.

Dedicated redevelopment area incentives include: the Iturbide Street Development Program, the Downtown Facade Improvement Program, and Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ). NEZ opportunities in Council Districts one, two, three and four, helped to generate private investment of over $1.4 million in 2017.

This positive economic energy is further reflected in Laredo's job numbers. Our City's unemployment rate for November 2017 was 3.4%, a percentage point lower than that reported for the same period last year. In fact, Laredo's unemployment rate is lower than that reported for Texas, and the nation, and is the thirteenth lowest among Texas' 26 Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

Now, let's talk about Trade & the Port of Laredo. It is no surprise that one of Laredo's largest employers is the Trade and Transportation Industry. This is due in major part to our City's strategic location, but also the explosion of trade that has occurred between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, most certainly as a direct impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

With the renegotiation of NAFTA well underway, and, in light of recent threats by the White House to withdraw from the agreement , the City of Laredo is very much engaged and advocating, along with many of our friends, for the modernization of NAFTA, primarily, "To Do No Harm".

After 23 years, technology and industrial production processes have changed significantly. The Internet and e-commerce are now widespread and require due consideration along with possibly more enforceable labor protections, tightening on currency manipulations, and stricter rules of origin. NAFTA has made Laredo and our region who we are.....it must remain.

One other national policy issue, that poses a threat to our economy, and our environment, and the peace and friendship we enjoy with Mexico, is the proposed construction of a physical structure: commonly referred to as the "border wall". This past year, Laredo's City Council passed a resolution expressing support for a virtual wall that promotes the use of technology, the eradication and mitigation of Carrizo cane, and the construction of all-weather river roads as the preferred means to enhance border security.

The City continues to advocate with our leaders in Washington, and other border communities under the Texas Border Coalition, which I now Chair, to ensure that the detrimental initiatives put forth by the White House in regard to NAFTA and the Border Wall are given proper consideration.

The Laredo International Bridge System, is the U.S. Port Entry of Choice. It is recognized as the largest U.S. inland port, the second "overall port" after Long Beach, and the third largest U.S. Customs District, with a reported trade value of over $283 billion dollars in 2016! The number of southbound commercial crossings in FY2017 continued on an upward trend, increasing by 4.3% totaling over 2.1 million trucks.

The number of Southbound non- commercial and pedestrian crossings through Laredo continued to dominate, and accounts for: approximately one third of all similar crossings through all South Texas ports combined.

There is no question that international trade is the backbone of Laredo's economy and that Laredo's four international bridges serve as a major revenue generator for the City. This past year, bridge revenues topped $59.9 million dollars, an increase of 1% over last year.

The City, however, recognizes that it must continue to take aggressive steps to ensure crossing efficiencies, and enhance mobility, to ultimately promote trade related growth, and remain the port of choice.

This past year, improvements to the Electronic Toll Collection, Weigh-in Motion and Customer Service Center Systems, at all of Laredo's four international bridges were initiated at a cost of $10.6 million dollars.

Planned, are improvements to the free and secure trade (FAST) lanes at the World Trade Bridge which will effectively lower crossing times. In support of these efforts, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, selected the City of Laredo Free and Secure Trade Lanes Relocation Project, to participate in the Donations Acceptance Program.

One other factor, with a positive impact on mobility, is the recent removal of tolls on the Colombia Road, otherwise known as State Highway 255, which connects I-35 to the Colombia Solidarity Bridge. Laredo's City Council passed a resolution in support of this legislation, and thanks to our state legislators, namely, State Representative Richard Raymond, Representative Tracy King, and Senator Judith Zaffirini, authorizing legislation, became effective on September 1, 2017.

Marketing is a key component of maintaining a competitive edge as a port. The City continued its efforts, to highlight the benefits of doing business through the Port of Laredo, by visiting directly with industry representatives, and hosting information booths, at various industrial summits in Mexico and the U.S.

Trade not only moves through Laredo's bridges but through the City's Airport. Over 450 million pounds of Air Cargo were transported this last fiscal year. Notably, Laredo ranks 7th among Texas Airports in terms of air cargo handled, and 54th in the United States. Ours, is the only Airport in the country to provide 24/7 pre-inspection services of Cargo, by Mexican Customs, which expedites the shipment of goods to their destination.

The City continues to make critical improvements to its Airport facilities, such as the reconstruction of Taxiway G, and the Cargo Apron, Phase 9 Project, at a cost of over $8.2 million dollars. The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the City an additional $5.9 million dollars to build planned capital improvements that will enhance Airport services, furthering Laredo's competitive role in international trade and success in leisure travel.

Next is Mobility.

Ensuring mobility is imperative, as Laredo continues to grow in both population and land size and as it maintains a significant role in U.S./Mexico trade. The City continues to work closely with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the County of Webb, and the Regional Mobility Authority, to bring forth transportation improvements, that help move people, goods, and services. TxDOT continues its plans to create a seamless Inner Loop with the design of grade separations at both Jacaman and the Airport. Completed this past year, were grade separations at International Blvd and Clark Blvd.

Work continues on the bridge structures over the KCS rail line at Loop 20. Soon to begin construction, is the completion of (I-69) West mainlines over I-35 and the UP Railroad to connect to Loop 20. Also, as part of the I-69 design, is the expansion of Loop 20 between U.S. Business 59 and International Blvd, to include additional travel lanes. One other project in the works includes the reconstruct-tion of the grade crossing at Unitec.

Improvements to inner city streets are constant. Completed last year was the extension of Bartlett Avenue from Jacaman to Del Mar Boulevard. This created a much needed North/South arterial which helped to relieve traffic congestion on McPherson. Also proposed is the construction of the Hachar Road in cooperation with Webb County, which will connect FM1472 to (I-35) and provide relief as an East/West Access. The project is currently undergoing environmental review.

The City continues to identify gaps in the roadway system, and pursues opportunities to work in partnership with developers, or independently, to provide continued roadway connectivity.

The City moved forward with transportation enhancement projects, to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

The City Public Works Department completed over $1.6 million dollars of street and sidewalk improvements. Also, bike lanes were created along San Bernardo Avenue and along Casa Verde Road.

And speaking of transportation, this past fiscal year, 2.9 million riders used El Metro, our public transit system. Faced with the challenge of replacing aging fleet, and the continuing rise in maintenance and operational costs, the City implemented fare increases, for both fixed route and para-transit services, within this new budget year. While this action drew some public opposition, it was a necessary step. The last fare increase was in 2009.

Let's talk about Capital Improvements

The City continues a capital improvement program to address community needs.

Over $40.9 million dollars in capital improvement projects, encompassing transportation and public facility improvements, were completed, and/or initiated, this past year.

Also completed were $17.9 million dollars in Water and Wastewater improvements, and the start of $45.2 million dollars in additional Utility improvements. Projects of significance included: the completion of the Jefferson Water Treatment Plant; Water Museum and Administration Building;

the start of the expansion of the South Laredo Wastewater Treatment Plant (increasing capacity from 12 to 18 Million Gallons per Day); and the construction of a 24-inch Downtown Water Main Line.



These improvements exemplify the City's commitment to meeting the demands for sustainability, and furthering opportunities for economic development, and job creation.

Aside from investment in much needed infrastructure, there has been a significant amount spent on Public Safety, too.

It's a top priority.

This governing body is committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure that our Police and Fire Departments are responsive to all community needs. A total budget of $122.1 million was authorized for Police and Fire, representing a $6.7 million dollar increase over last year.

The Laredo Police Department continues its mission to protect, serve and enhance the quality of life in Laredo, by establishing a partnership with the community. Laredo's Police Force consists of 480 sworn officers; however, this will soon change. A new 36 member academy of Police Cadets, is scheduled to graduate mid-Summer and will then join the ranks of the proud women and men, who serve our community.

Their hard work and commitment is reflected in Laredo being named in the "SafeHome 2017 List of Safest Cities in the U.S." Laredo was recognized as the 39th safest city in Texas, based on FBI data compiled by over 13,000 law enforcement agencies.

As noted in the eight-year Uniform Crime Report, which includes data on homicides, robberies, and assaults, statistics show a 35% drop in crimes against persons and a notable 42% drop in crimes against property. These are significant improvements in our City's safety.

The City's Fire Department continues with its charge: to reduce and prevent the loss of life and property in the community, due to fire, medical emergencies, and other natural or man-made disasters.

With a budget of $51 million dollars, our first responder work force consists of 383 firefighter positions, assisted by 19 civilian positions. Maintaining staffing levels is imperative and continues to be a challenge in terms of funding. Recently, the City was successful in garnering over $3.2 million dollars in federal funds through a staffing grant program, administered by the DHS – Federal Emergency Management Agency, to hire 24 new full-time frontline firefighters. In line with these efforts, the Fire Training Academy consisting of 30 cadets, including 3 females, is scheduled to graduate this month, with a new academy of 39 cadets set to begin soon.

Of note, are the City's plans to enhance its existing facilities and fleet. Soon to be completed, is the construction of the new Central Fire Station, located on Del Mar Blvd, adjacent to the City's Fire Administration Building. Last year, the City invested over $1 million dollars in the purchase of two ambulances and one fire engine. Similar efforts continue this year with an additional investment of over $2.6 million dollars to include the purchase of three new fire engines and two ambulances.

Our Municipal Court under the leadership of Judge Rosie Cuellar continues to protect the public's interest and ensure Citizens' rights.

Along with presiding over cases and offenses within the local jurisdiction, and administering justice in a fair and efficient manner, the Court actively pursues public outreach efforts in conjunction with local agencies, schools, and the community, to keep them informed.

I think I speak for many when I say we strive for a liveable City.

Public Safety, is just one of many factors that contribute to our City's livability. Also to be considered is: the availability of affordable housing; parks and leisure services; entertainment; educational opportunities; protection of the environment; and, health services.

Housing development and reconstruction remains at the forefront of the priorities set forth by the City. We work with the private sector, our non-profit organizations, and other government agencies, to promote this basic need of shelter for every person in our city.

As reported in the City's recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, residential construction remains steady with an average 550 homes constructed annually.

Given that over 31% of the persons, who reside in Laredo, live in poverty, it is critical that Laredo continues its efforts, to make available, affordable housing.

This past year, with $1.1 million dollars in funding, made available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 163 low income households were assisted in the purchase, rehab, and/or rental of housing. These same funds helped to leverage an additional $2.6 million dollars in private financing.

Because the elderly are the most vulnerable, the design of a new elderly rental project in our Downtown was started this year. This project provides for the conversion of an abandoned, existing building, to approximately 16 units of elderly rental housing.

Also, through the Emergency Solutions Grant Program, 1,500 individuals were assisted in regaining stability in permanent housing, after experiencing a housing crisis, or homeless-ness. We are very grateful for the efforts of: Bethany House, Casa Misericordia (operated by Mercy Ministries of Laredo), the Laredo Homeless Coalition, Catholic Social Services and the Laredo Housing Authority who partner with the City in addressing the needs of our homeless population.

Let's talk green spaces & recreational fun!

Critical to maintaining the City's livability are parks and recreational facilities that: promote health and fitness, protect the environment, showcase the beauty of nature, and create a sense of place. Investment in recreational amenities continues, as supported by a FY2018 fourteen point eight million dollar budget for Park maintenance and operation. Laredo crews now sustain over 854 developed acres and 179 acres in undeveloped green space.

Through efforts initiated by my colleagues on Council, Laredo's parks and recreation centers were transformed into: movie theaters; Easter, Halloween, and Christmas play lands; sporting events; Farmers' Markets; and much more. These events served to unite families and promote community involvement.

Park improvements carried out this past year totaled over $1.6 million dollars, and included updates to both neighborhood and area parks and recreational centers. The K. Tarver, Fasken, and Hillside Recreation Centers were improved, as were the Maryland Toddler, Shiloh Crossing, and First Responder Memorial Parks. Also completed was the construction of the Bartlett Swimming Pool. Currently under design are improvements to the City's trail system including those located within: the Chacon and Upper Zacate Creeks, and the River Vega.

Also, the City has initiated an Urban Agriculture and Forestry Division.

Program implementation includes year round landscape, gardening & horticulture programs. Recent initiatives include the maintenance and operation of the City's Nursery/Tree Farm and the creation of the Canseco Agricultural Center.

The City will continue to promote the development of parks and leisure services to meet user demand, but it also looks to its residents to help care for and maintain these amenities.

As a means to further promote leisure services, and support educational initiatives, the City of Laredo maintains and operates its Main Library and 4 branches, which help to ensure access to an array of literary and related services citywide. It encompasses more than just books. Provided are: VITA tax preparation services, passport processing, and extensive children, teen and adult programming.

Let's talk about Entertainment and Tourist Promotion

The Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau together with the Laredo Energy Arena further serve to promote Laredo. All its offerings are for both tourists and locals alike.

The Convention &Visitors Bureau and Casa Laredo in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, sale staffs, continue their efforts to bring convention, sports and group tour planners from both sides of the border, on site visits, to showcase all that Laredo has to offer. In a city-wide effort, CVB hosted several conventions and sports tournaments including: the Pony South Zone Girls Softball World Series, which brought over 4,000 visitors to Laredo from the Southwest Region, and generated nearly 100% hotel occupancy.

Big news this past year for Downtown redevelopment and tourism, was the Council-approved agreement with Palafox Hospitality Management, to develop a proposed Hotel/ Convention Center project. Palafox's plan of development will address issues related to land, design, construction and management of the proposed new facility.

The Laredo Energy Arena, our gracious host this evening, continues to appeal to visitors and locals. For the past 14 years, it has been recognized as South Texas' premium entertainment venue. The arena's chameleon-like flexibility, allows it to provide a wide variety of events to spectators throughout the region. I commend SMG for being a solid business partner, and managing the Laredo Energy Arena since its opening in 2002; congratulations on the renewed contract for another five years.

Bringing the Environment into focus. . .

Other contributing factors to our City's livability revolve around: protecting our water and land resources, proper solid and hazardous waste management, and general cleanliness and beautification efforts.

Capital Improvement Projects totaling over $8.6 million dollars aimed at flood prevention and enhancing green space and bodies of water, were completed and/or initiated this past year.

Some projects to note are: the Channelization of Zacate Creek and multiple street drainage projects.

Of utmost importance, is to continue to work with our Mexican counterparts, and binational organizations including the International Boundary and Water Commission, and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission to secure treated water for a cleaner Rio Grande.

Also completed were improvements to the City Landfill's, Cell #2, at a cost of $3.9 million dollars. This action served to successfully expand the cell area by an additional 18 acres, extending the life of the cell by an additional five years. The current total lifetime of the landfill is calculated to be approximately 13 years at current performance.

City codes and laws pertaining to care of premises, building construction and zoning, hazardous waste, and illegal dumping, continue to be enforced by various City departments in order to maintain our community's health and safety.

Monthly Operation Clean-up Campaigns continue to be deployed to educate residents on compliance, and provide for the removal of nuisance and other unwanted items.

For the third year, the City again partnered with the Texas National Guard to remove substandard structures, that served as safe havens for criminal activity. This year, 30 uninhabitable structures, meeting program guidelines, were demolished, at no cost to the property owner. This program helps to rid neighborhoods of gangs, drugs, and other criminal related activity.

Health Services

A community is only as strong as its people are healthy. The City's Health Department continues to offer a host of services to the Laredo Community including: patient care, dental services, nutrition and food commodity services, disease control, food sanitation, and vital statistics and related services.

As a border community, our City's health department is tasked with the added responsibility of international health threats surveillance, disease control, laboratory testing, public health preparedness and response to local, regional and international health threats.

Many of the City's Health Care Programs are funded through private, state, and federal government resources. Grant writing and compliance are major components of the Health Departments success in making needed services available. The City also works closely with the medical community including: Laredo Medical Center, Doctor's Hospital, the Laredo Specialty Hospital, Gateway Community Health, the U.T. Health Science Center, and Border Region Behavioral Health Center, and others, to improve the quality of care.

This year, the Health Department plans to expand its point of service to include WIC and Nutrition Services to be provided at the South Laredo Community Center which is currently being renovated.

The City will continue to support those services which make our Community whole.

As I come to a close, I want you to know much work remains to be done. In the next few weeks important policy decisions will be given due weight and consideration by this body, including:

1. The train blockage issue that came to our attention by residents of Los Olvidados, a San Francisco Javier Neighborhood group

2. Diversifying our economy

3. Continuing to revitalize the downtown, with the advent of a convention center and furthering multi-use, entertainment district zoning uses

4. More specific planning for the four-block area known as the Boulevard of the Americas Project

5. Expanding TIRZ use from highway 59 to 83 for added future infrastructure in the south

6. Resolving the old hospital controversy in the Heights neighbor-hood

7. Finalizing studies and plans for the World Trade Bridge expansion and the 4th/5th bridge location

8. Identifying and initiating additional studies on the outer loop corridor

9. Constructing the Hachar Road, and

10. Relief to Mines Road congestion

Ladies and Gentlemen, ours, is truly a vibrant community, one in a constant state of change and growth, a loving and caring community with a willingness to serve the needs of the marginalized and the unfortunate; that is what makes us Laredoans. Through open government, communication, and concerted efforts much has been accomplished. Yet, we must not become complacent. Ladies and Gentlemen, THE NEEDS ARE GREAT!

We continue to be challenged by: poverty, need for affordable housing, better infrastructure, more quality education, more job training; jobs that pay a living wage allowing for more disposable income; and, yes, a more diverse economy..

ANIMO! Laredo! ARIBA! Y ADELANTE LAREDO!

We are Laredoans, inquisitive, innovative and strong willed. These are exciting times, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I encourage you, as Laredoans, to take part in our City's continued transformation toward a more open and transparent government; stay informed, stay engaged, make your voice heard, and become an active participant in the betterment of our City. We need all of you!

This is our home.

Together we can make Laredo the most livable city in America!

I thank my colleagues here present, and all of you, for the opportunity to serve as your Mayor. It is indeed humbling and a true honor!

Que Viva Nuestro Laredo!

"somos Laredenses"!

God Bless our City, God bless our State, and God bless the U.S.A!