Mission touts sales tax growth, affordable housing, and golf investments in State of the City

Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza touted recent economic highlights during the annual State of the City address on Wednesday at the Mission Event Center. 

Gonzalez Garza, a real estate broker by trade, said residents and businesses are “choosing Mission because they recognize the district where the future is being built and they see the city investing in itself, embracing innovation, and creating opportunities.” 

In 2025, the city of Mission issued more than 1,500 building permits. This year, the city has already issued 700 building permits worth $140 million during the first six months and is on pace to break its previous record, she said. 

She noted that residential subdivision growth “remains strong” with 943 new residential lots in 2025, and 13 new subdivisions with 220 residential lots so far in 2026. She also touted that the city’s median home price is among the most affordable in the Valley at $267,000. 

To spur more economic growth, Mission plans to expand its downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, and to create a second TIRZ that would run just west of Conway Avenue along Military Road. 

“This expansion (of TIRZ No. 1) would provide additional resources to support our local businesses, encourage redevelopment, and create new opportunities for property owners while preserving the character and history of our downtown district,” she said. “Most of our downtown area is still owned by the original people who started years ago. They held on. I think it’s going to be great for our downtown.” 

TIRZ No. 2 is under consideration because “of the anticipation of growth of the industrial area because of the [Anzalduas] International Bridge that’s being expanded.” 

The city’s sales tax allocation has increased from $21 million in 2024 to $21.9 million in 2025. 

Several new retailers have opened, including the RGV Padel & Pickleball Club, which sits near South Taylor Road and Interstate 2. In May, the new Candlewood Suites Mission East – McAllen area hotel opened near North Shary Road and Interstate 2. 

Mission is investing in drainage infrastructure through a new deal between the city and the school district to reduce flooding by swapping land between the Mission Independent School District and the city and by building detention ponds at Bryan and Castro Elementary schools. 

“Through this joint effort, both entities are investing in projects designed to increase drainage capacity, reduce localized flooding and better protect our students, staff, and surrounding neighborhoods during heavy rain events,” Gonzalez Garza said. 

The Cimarron golf course is also part of the city’s flood control network, which is why the city is paying for a water extension line to support the new irrigation system plan. 

That private golf club and its attached course were purchased by the city after a previous owner filed for bankruptcy protection, and have since been sold to a new investor group. 

Night golf is one new revenue driver by the city of Mission at its Shary Golf Course, which opened to the public in recent weeks. The mayor said tee times are solidly booked with high demand so far, with expected revenue of $300,000 a year. 

“This is the only one-of-its-kind South of Corpus Christi. Tee times are booked, and people are having a great time,” the mayor said.