In a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie interviewed Del Rio Mayor Al Arreola, offering an in-depth look at the city's economic momentum, infrastructure needs, and its role as a Texas border community. The conversation, recorded in Del Rio, moved beyond national headlines to focus on strategic investments and collaborative growth.
Mayor Arreola highlighted Laughlin Air Force Base as a cornerstone of Del Rio's stability, attracting skilled professionals who often choose to stay due to the city's affordability and quality of life. This population stability, combined with inbound relocation from across the country, has renewed confidence in Del Rio's future.
Regional cooperation emerged as a key theme, with Del Rio working alongside Ciudad Acuña, Eagle Pass, and Piedras Negras. Rather than competing, these border cities align around shared goals such as economic growth, secure ports of entry, and efficient cross-border commerce. Arreola emphasized that what impacts one city ultimately affects the entire region.
Infrastructure is the defining issue for the years ahead, according to Arreola. Del Rio is focusing on water and wastewater capacity, transportation, and border crossings to support future industry and residents. A proposed second international bridge, while controversial, represents a long-term investment in mobility and economic resilience. Tourism and outdoor recreation, particularly at Lake Amistad, remain vital, drawing visitors for fishing, hunting, and events despite fluctuating water levels.
Throughout the episode, Arreola returned to Del Rio's identity as a welcoming, relationship-driven community. He noted that the city's culture of hospitality, built on cross-border families, military households, and entrepreneurs, is one of its strongest assets. "This is a city built on friendship," Arreola explained, referencing the meaning of Amistad. "People come here and feel like they belong—and that's what makes them stay."
The episode provides a grounded look at how Del Rio is positioning itself for the next decade, focusing on infrastructure, cooperation, and measurable growth rather than rhetoric. Listeners can find the full episode on YouTube and follow the show for ongoing coverage from across Texas.
