http://www.cityofedinburg.com/
Edinburg lies at the epicenter of one of the most dynamic regions in North America, a region that is keeping pace with the speed of change. Edinburg is the educational and technological capital of a Texas-Mexico border region. With a population of more than 2 million, this region has the highest concentration of people between the ages of 18 and 24 in North America. The result is an excellent and trainable workforce and one of the largest concentrations of Maquiladora plants along the U.S. Mexico border.
Edinburg is located in the Rio Grande Valley, a four-county area that has a larger population than South Dakota, Delaware, North Dakota, Vermont, Alaska, and Wyoming. With a land area of 11,122,712 square kilometers, the Rio Grande Valley is almost twice the size of Delaware and four times the size of Rhode Island.
Edinburg is the county seat of Hidalgo, the seventh largest county in Texas and is home to the University of Texas-Pan American, the state’s tenth largest public university. Centrally located within one of the largest trade corridors in the world, Edinburg is also the gateway to U.S. 281, which is being transormed in to Interstate 69 or the NAFTA Highway. In 1999, more than 54% of all trade between Mexico and the United States made its way through South Texas ports of entry.
Edinburg is a pro-business community with an excellent quality of life, educational facilities and strong civic pride. It has been recognized as an All-America City three times by the National Civic League, placing it among a handful of outstanding communities in the nation. Under the auspices of The University of Texas System, it will soon open the first major Medical Research Center along the U.S.- Mexico.
History
The City of Edinburg was founded on October 10, 1908 and was known as "Chapin". Records indicate a Commission form of government after its incorporation on September 19, 1919, consisting of one Mayor and two Commissioners. On May 5, 1928, a City Charter was adopted and recorded with the Secretary of State. On April 5, 1949, the present City Charter, and City Council-City Manager form of government was adopted and has been amended several times.
Present
The City Council form of government consists of one Mayor and four City Councilmembers. The City Council is a law-making and policy-making government body. The City Council is elected for a three year term, elected at large, by places, and majority vote required. Elections are held on the first Saturday in May.
Charter and City Code
The City of Edinburg is a home rule city and the City Council by Charter may by ordinance prescribe the manner in which any power of the City shall be exercised, except as otherwise provided for by the constitution of the United States and the State of Texas.
In 1982 the City Council authorized codification of all ordinances of a general and permanent nature into a volume entitled City of Edinburg Code of Ordinances. The Code consists of an indexed compilation of the laws of the City an the City Charter and is revised biannually to include new ordinances or amendments to existing laws. Copies are available at the City Secretary's Department for public review.
City Statistics
- The city has an area of 36.64 square miles.
- The Census 2000 population is 48,465.
- The city's tax rate is .6350 per $100 of the assessed valuation.
Schools
The Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District has 3 High Schools, 4 Middle Schools, 1 Alternative campus, and 27 Elementary Schools. During the 2002-2003 school year, the peak student membership was 24,444. The district has approximately 3,900 employees, of which more than 2,000 are certified professionals.
Parks & Recreation
- 10k Run/Walk
- Activities & Athletics
- Activity Guide is now available online!
- City Park
- Rentals - Parks & Pools
- World Birding Center
Scenic Wetland Trails and Birds
Forty acres of scenic wetlands are an extensive growth of native vegetation around 2 ponds provides prime habitat to an abundance of birds, including several uncommon species. Six observation blinds along the one mile trail allow you to experience some of the best bird watching in North America.website
El Sal Del Rey
(Salt of The King) This large salt lake 22 miles north of Edinburg was discovered by the Spanish Conquistadors. Salt from the mines was transported overseas to Spain and her colonies and westward into Mexico.
Hike and Bike trails
Edinburg on Wheels is a ride-a-long promoting health, community pride, and the use of Edinburg’s Hike and Bike Trails.
Edinburg Municipal Park
This 90 acre park includes: 6 softball/baseball fields, 3 soccer fields, 5 playground equipment modules, 1.5 mile walking/jogging trail, 2 open court multi-purpose pavilions, 42 picnic tables and BBQ pits, 2 man made lakes for fishing and canoeing, an equestrian trail, a roller blade trail, an ATB bike trail and 1 mile mature trail.
Freddy Gonzalez Park
This 9-acre park was dedicated in memory of a local Vietnam War hero on October 8, 1997. This landscaped park includes a 3/4 mile walking/jogging trail, park benches and security lighting. Other future park amenities include a children’s play area and an open-air gazebo/shelter.