Serving Hidalgo, and Starr counties.

Founded on December 30, 1994 as a part of a 10-year presidential initiative under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. An original federal investment of $40,000,000 was made and the RGVEZC leveraged over $365,042,099 in private funds for a grand total investment of $405,042,099. The RGVEZC EZ/EC designation ended in 2004. Forward thinking by the Board of Directors established a sustainability piece to continue programs and services after the designation. The implementation of the RGVEZC initiative evolved from a valley-wide effort composed of public officials, grassroots activists, and business interests who had a vested interest in their communities. The evolution of RGVEZ has had a tremendous impact on energized communities working together to enhance the quality of life through programs and services.