From Kickoff to Takeoff: Edinburg is Shaping the Region’s Future | Trade and Industry Development

From Kickoff to Takeoff: Edinburg is Shaping the Region’s Future

Oct 15, 2025

Edinburg, Texas, continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic cities in South Texas, offering the ideal balance of infrastructure, workforce, and community investment that businesses seek when making location decisions. With its central role in healthcare, education, logistics, and government, Edinburg provides a foundation for growth that positions it as a prime destination for companies planning their next move.

A City Built on Healthcare, Education, and Government

Edinburg’s growth is anchored by three major hospitals—DHR Health, South Texas Health System, the recently opened Driscoll Children’s Hospital, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine. These institutions invest heavily in state-of-the-art technology, including robotic-assisted surgery and pediatric specialty services, which not only strengthen care for residents but also attract medical professionals and industries in medical technology, biotechnology, and life sciences.

UTRGV continues to expand its influence. With its growing student population and leading-edge research programs, the university is a steady pipeline of talent that supports business innovation across industries. Coupled with Edinburg’s role as the county seat of Hidalgo County, these assets create a stable, skilled, and diverse workforce ready to meet the needs of new and expanding businesses.

UTRGV Football: A New Era for Sports and Economic Impact

This year marks a defining moment in Edinburg’s history with the launch of UTRGV Division I Football. As the season unfolds, the excitement is already being felt across the city and beyond. More than 12,000 fans pack the stadium each home game, while tailgating draws nearly 20,000 attendees, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community and school spirit.

Behind the scenes, over 400 employees are engaged to operate home games, from stadium operations to security and hospitality services. The impact is substantial—seven home games generate an estimated $7 million in consumer spending and $276 million in economic activity, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Beyond the numbers, football solidifies Edinburg as a hub for sports, entertainment, and business, while creating new traditions that bring residents and visitors together.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

What sets Edinburg apart is its unmatched access to transportation and logistics. Located along a major interstate, the city provides direct access to Mexico via nearby international bridges. The Edinburg North Industrial Park offers an ideal location for logistics, manufacturing, and distribution companies, complete with all necessary infrastructure.

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) has recently sold land to six different companies that will construct nearly 400,000 sq. ft. of industrial space over the next two years. In addition, EEDC is collaborating with other developers planning more than 600,000 sq. ft. of speculative industrial space within the next three years, recognizing a huge pent up demand for industrial facilities here.

Edinburg also has thousands of acres available for future growth near the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg and along major roadways, offering ample opportunity for continued expansion.

South Texas International Airport at Edinburg and SH 68
 

Aerial view of a small airport with several light aircraft parked on a black tarmac.

Located just nine miles north of Edinburg’s downtown and within 25 miles of the U.S.–Mexico border, the South Texas International Airport is quickly becoming a cornerstone for corporate and industrial operations. The facility can accommodate Gulfstream IV and business executive aircraft, and expansion plans include new hangars and the development of an aeronautical industrial corridor east of the current site.

Importantly, the airport’s connectivity will only grow stronger with the planned construction of State Highway 68 (SH 68). This 22-mile corridor will run from I-69C/US 281 in Edinburg to I-2, linking the airport and surrounding industrial areas to the region’s larger transportation network. Once complete, SH 68 will streamline the movement of cross-border traffic, bolstering Edinburg’s role as a logistics hub for South Texas.

Building for the Future

Edinburg’s commitment to infrastructure goes beyond roads and runways. A newly constructed water tower and expanded sewer lines underscore the city’s proactive approach to supporting business growth. These multi-million-dollar investments ensure that companies locating here have access to the reliable utilities they need to operate at scale.

Equally important is the city’s emphasis on partnerships. From supporting small businesses through façade improvement grants to collaborating with international trade organizations, Edinburg fosters an environment where both local entrepreneurs and global corporations can succeed.

Quality of Life and Community

While businesses prioritize logistics, workforce, and incentives, quality of life remains a deciding factor—and Edinburg delivers. The city offers a cost of living well below the national average, a safe and welcoming community, and cultural amenities that celebrate the region’s rich heritage. Events like football games, festivals, and binational gatherings showcase Edinburg’s spirit of inclusivity and vibrancy. For employees and their families, it is a place to both build a career and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle.

A City Positioned for Growth

Edinburg’s story is one of momentum. With thriving healthcare and education sectors, a strong logistics and trade backbone, and transformative developments like UTRGV Football and State Highway 68, the city is not just keeping pace with growth—it is shaping the future of South Texas.

For corporate site selectors, the message is clear: Edinburg offers the land, workforce, infrastructure, and community to support projects of any scale. Companies that choose Edinburg are not just investing in a location—they are investing in opportunity.

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