Scenic City Certification signifies McAllen’s strong commitment to high-quality standards for public roadways and public spaces. This recognition goes a long way in boosting McAllen’s image, which in turn spurs economic development. Cities apply to the Scenic City Certification Program for an objective review of existing scenic infrastructure ordinances, evaluated against the Scenic City model. Assessment is point-based, with every applicant receiving a detailed, scored evaluation. Cities earning the highest points are certified. McAllen Earned a Platinum Distinction.

McAllen Municipal Court Receives Texas Bar Foundation Grant for Revamped Teen Court Program
The City of McAllen’s Municipal Court was awarded a grant from the Texas Bar Foundation in the amount of $7,965 to help revamp its Teen Court Program, which will allow teenage offenders dispose of their citations in a court of their peers, help other teen offenders through the court process and become observers and participants to the judicial process. The grant will pay for upgrades to the current McAllen Municipal Court Teen Court program, including purchasing supplies, food, court attire for indigent teens and a mural that will be painted in the courtroom set aside for teen offenses. “Thanks to this grant, we will be able to revamp our Teen Court program and help our local teens navigate the judicial process with a true jury of their peers,” said McAllen Municipal Court Presiding Judge Lauren Sepulveda.

The City of McAllen was awarded the FY 2023 EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop and implement plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution for our region. The grant award was for $1,000,000.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security through FEMA’s Fiscal Year 2022 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program provides funding for eligible fire departments and units of local government to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The City of McAllen was awarded $12,042.85, with a $12,042.85 match, for the purchase of an Inflatable Firehouse.

The H-E-B Trees for Texans Program solicits charitable contributions and provides funding for projects that increase tree canopy, reduce heat island effect, increase available greenspace, and beautify public spaces. The City received funding for expenses related to the McAllen Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forest #6 project. The City of McAllen was 1 of 6 to be awarded throughout the State of Texas.