Edinburg EDC’s FLIP Program Earns National Recognition for Revitalizing Local Businesses

Staff Report

EDINBURG, TX — The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation’s (EEDC) Facade and Lot Improvement Program (FLIP) has been honored with a 2025 Economic Development Organization Award by Business Facilities magazine, recognizing its significant impact on local business revitalization and community development.​

FLIP was recognized in the Mid-Sized EDO category, which includes cities with populations between 100,000 and 500,000. The program stood out for its strategic investment in local business infrastructure, including building facades, signage, parking lots, and accessibility improvements.​

In 2024, the EEDC allocated $400,000 to the initiative, benefiting 37 businesses across Edinburg.​

“Receiving this award is a reflection of the hard work and collaboration between our team and the small businesses we serve,” said Raudel Garza, Executive Director of the Edinburg EDC. “FLIP is about more than just property improvements — it’s about investing in the heart of Edinburg and ensuring our businesses are positioned for long-term success.”​

EEDC Board President Aaron Rivera added that the award validates the city’s approach to grassroots economic development. “This recognition shows what’s possible when we invest in our small business community,” Rivera said. “The FLIP Program is helping to revitalize key areas of our city, and we’re proud to support programs that build a stronger Edinburg from the ground up.”​

Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. also praised the program’s broader impact on the city’s economic future. “FLIP is a shining example of how strategic investment in our local businesses leads to meaningful change,” Garza said. “This award highlights our city’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, creating a vibrant business environment, and driving economic opportunity for all Edinburg residents.”​

The EEDC, a Type A Economic Development Corporation funded by local sales tax, focuses on projects that generate primary jobs and stimulate economic growth. Its initiatives include business recruitment, workforce training, infrastructure development, and incentive programs designed to attract and retain businesses in Edinburg. The FLIP program exemplifies the EEDC’s commitment to enhancing the city’s commercial landscape and supporting local entrepreneurs.​Edinburg EDC+1Edinburg EDC+1Edinburg EDC

The 2025 EDO Awards, presented annually by Business Facilities, celebrate innovative and high-impact economic development efforts nationwide. Edinburg’s FLIP Program will be featured among the 27 national winners in the magazine’s May/June issue.​

Source — Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.