Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola detailed the city's economic momentum and infrastructure priorities in a recent interview, emphasizing how population stability and strategic investments are creating renewed confidence in the border community's future. Recorded for The Building Texas Show, the conversation focused on Del Rio's long-term growth rooted in collaboration, safety, and measured development rather than national political rhetoric.
A cornerstone of Del Rio's stability remains Laughlin Air Force Base, which continues to anchor the local economy and attract highly skilled professionals who often choose to stay after military service. Mayor Arreola noted that many are drawn by Del Rio's quality of life, affordability, and deep sense of community, creating a stable population base that supports ongoing development.
The mayor highlighted growing regional cooperation with Ciudad Acuña, Eagle Pass, and Piedras Negras as border cities align around shared goals of economic growth, secure ports of entry, and efficient cross-border commerce. "What impacts one city ultimately impacts the entire region," Arreola emphasized, pointing to coordinated efforts that move beyond competition toward mutual benefit.
Infrastructure emerged as the defining issue for Del Rio's future, with water and wastewater capacity, transportation systems, and border crossings requiring significant investment to support anticipated growth. A proposed second international bridge represents a controversial but potentially transformative long-term investment in mobility, supply chains, and economic resilience for the region.
Tourism and outdoor recreation continue to play vital roles in the local economy, with Lake Amistad drawing anglers, hunters, and visitors from across Texas despite fluctuating water levels. These seasonal visitors support events, hospitality businesses, and the broader tourism sector that remains integral to Del Rio's economic mix.
Throughout the discussion, Mayor Arreola returned to Del Rio's identity as a welcoming, relationship-driven community that values its cross-border families, military households, entrepreneurs, and visitors. "This is a city built on friendship," Arreola explained, referencing the enduring meaning of Amistad. "People come here and feel like they belong—and that's what makes them stay."
The full conversation is available on YouTube as part of The Building Texas Show, which explores how cities across Texas are shaping their futures through economic development, infrastructure, and community building. Del Rio's approach demonstrates how border communities can focus on practical solutions and regional cooperation to build sustainable growth beyond political narratives.
