By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
City council members heard an update on the city’s Main Street Program activities so far this year during the regular city council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11.
The Del Rio Main Street Program works to preserve the city’s historic downtown area through economic development strategies and community events. During the meeting, Del Rio Main Street Manager Jorge Garza spoke to the council about the program’s community engagement during the first half of 2026.
Garza began by discussing the duties entrusted to the economic development department, which focuses on economic
development within the district and recruiting businesses to participate in programs connected to the city.
Garza said the program tries to help businesses wherever possible. He added that the Main Street Program aims to hold an event downtown every three to four months.
“We try to have the best community engagement as possible. We like to work with business owners and volunteers and nonprofit organizations. … We are always there for them as best as possible,” Garza said.
Garza listed events in which the program has participated, including an Autism Awareness event, St. Patrick’s Day event, Earth Day event, an industry event at Laughlin Air Force Base and other market and sales events.
The program also participated in ribbon cuttings for new businesses, such as Fresh & Fold Laundry, and career fairs, including the Southwest Texas College career fair.
The program also helped promote the 2026 Running Las Vacas, which benefited Del Rio’s sister city, Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.
Garza said all market events in which the Main Street Program participates are free to vendors.
“The main idea is to help the economic development of our small businesses,” Garza said. “Every time we do a market, and we invite all vendors, their participation always creates their finances, of course.”
The Main Street Program also submitted two facade grants for approval within the past six months, one for $10,000 and another for $7,625. Garza showed council members photographs of the many events where the program has been involved during 2026.
Following the presentation, council members were given an opportunity to ask questions.
Councilman Leno Hernandez Jr. asked how many rentable properties are currently available downtown.
Garza said at least 10.
“It’s not important for us to know about the number, but it’s important for other businesses who are interested to know that,” Hernandez said. “It’s a great opportunity to let people know of opportunities downtown as much as possible.”
