Editor’s note: This story is based on a City of McAllen Office of Communications news release. Original release date: June 9, 2026.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2026
Contact: Irma Chapa, Director of Communications / C: 956-995-2815 / E: ichapa@mcallen.net
Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera Honored with Statewide Ethics Award; Communications Team Earns TAMIO Recognition
Statewide honors highlight integrity and excellence in public engagement
The City of McAllen is proud to announce two significant statewide recognitions celebrating excellence in municipal leadership and public communications.
Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera was recently recognized by the Texas City Management Association (TCMA) as the recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award during the association’s annual conference held last week in Arlington, Texas.
The award honors Rivera’s more than three decades of public service and her unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, mentorship, transparency, and community stewardship. Throughout her career, Rivera has served as a role model for municipal professionals across Texas, helping cultivate future leaders through ethics training, mentoring, and educational programs for elected officials and community leaders.
“Michelle embodies the highest standards of public service and demonstrates a people first approach to leadership,” said City Manager Ike Tawil. “Her dedication to integrity and mentorship has positively impacted countless employees, elected officials, and residents. This recognition is a reflection of the values she brings to our organization every day.”
Helping guide McAllen’s growth and development, Deputy City Manager Rivera’s influence extends beyond City Hall through her work as a TCMA trainer, conference presenter, and advocate for ethical decision making in local government.
In addition to Rivera’s recognition, the City of McAllen Office of Communications received a Gold Award from the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) during its annual conference held June 3 in Austin, Texas.
The award recognized a video storytelling campaign produced in partnership with Quinta Mazatlan for Nativa Plant Month, an initiative designed to encourage the use of native plants, environmental stewardship, and sustainable landscaping practices.
The award-winning campaign featured educational videos and community outreach efforts that helped increase awareness of native plant species and their environmental benefits while inspiring residents to take an active role in conservation efforts.
The videos are available on the City of McAllen YouTube channel and were developed through a collaborative effort between the Office of Communications and Quinta Mazatlan staff.
“This recognition reflects the collective work of the Office of Communications and our partnerships with all 41 City departments to share the stories, programs, initiatives, events, and public service campaigns that make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents,” said Irma Chapa, Director of Communications. “Every award is a testament to the collaboration, creativity, and commitment of our team and the departments we serve.”
Through strategic communications, digital media, video production, social media engagement, and public information efforts, the team helps connect residents with valuable resources and services while showcasing the impact of municipal government.
For more information and to view the award winning Nativa Plant Month video series and Michelle Rivera’s recognition interview, visit the City of McAllen YouTube channel.
About the City of McAllen
Founded in 1904 and incorporated in 1911, the City of McAllen has grown from a small agricultural community into one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing cities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Known as the “City of Palms,” McAllen serves as a hub for international trade, retail, tourism, and culture in the Rio Grande Valley. Today, the city employs more than 2,600 dedicated public servants across 41 departments, delivering essential services to a community of more than 150,000 residents. McAllen city leaders remain committed to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and enhancing quality of life through innovation, infrastructure, and community engagement. For more information, visit www.mcallen.net and follow us on social media @cityofmcallen.
Source PDF: City of McAllen news release
