The city is somewhat in the midst of an economic development boom, Mayor Martin Cepeda proclaimed at the city’s second-ever State of the City address.

About 200 people Thursday evening streamed into State Farm Arena to see “Hidalgo: Beginning a New Era.”

After Cepeda gave a brief introduction in person, a 40-minute video in English and Spanish — with a guest list that included U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia and Ana Cepeda, the mayor’s wife — told attendees about city officials’ attempts to boost the 11,200-person town’s economy.

In the video, Cepeda cited Wal-Mart’s opening last year, Buffalo Wings and Rings’ groundbreaking and a potential 140-unit multi-family apartment complex between McColl and Jackson roads as examples of economic progress.

“In the economic sector, we have worked very hard having attracted great investors from national companies that have satisfied the growing necessities of our community,” Cepeda said. “Your mayor commits himself to his residents so that they can continue to see the advancements which we were not accustomed to seeing.”

Wal-Mart opening brought 300 jobs, he said, but now residents also have the opportunity to buy basic food needs in the community. Wal-Mart encouraged other companies to invest here, too, he said.

“The opening of Wal-Mart Supercenter also attracted Buffalo Wings and Rings and Whataburger franchises that have begun construction of their establishments,” Cepeda said.

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/hidalgo-mayor-emphasizes-city-s-recent-economic-development-in-video/article_c2092174-e569-11e4-99b8-dff944673f13.html