Brownsville at Large with Tino Villarreal Jr.

Season 2 Episode 9 - Veronica Gonzalez (UTRGV)

Brownsville is growing at a rapid pace… If we want our community to compete in the future then education and workforce development have to lead the way. I sit down with Veronica Gonzales from UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to talk about how the City and UTRGV are working together through the “Task Force of the Future” to align growth, opportunity, and workforce needs. We talk about: ✅ The expansion of Engineering programs in Brownsville ✅ Workforce opportunities connected to SpaceX, LNG, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing ✅ The future UTRGV expansion into North Brownsville ✅ Student life, internships, research, and keeping local talent here at home ✅ How Brownsville students can pursue more degrees locally without having to leave the city Episode Highlights: * Over $514 MILLION invested by UTRGV into Brownsville since 2015 * UTRGV enrollment now exceeds 35,000 students Valley-wide * Nearly 90% of students pay little to no tuition through financial aid and Tuition Advantage * Engineering expansion directly tied to future workforce demand in Brownsville * The City of Brownsville and UTRGV are building long-term partnerships focused on economic growth and opportunity Growth is here. The question now is whether we are preparing our people to lead it? Watch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts:

Season 2, Episode 8 - Vince Young Interview | Texas Legend Speaks

Texas legend Vince Young joins Commissioner Tino Villarreal Jr. on Brownsville At Large for a powerful conversation about football, family, leadership, adversity, and inspiring the next generation.From Madison High School to the University of Texas, from the unforgettable national championship win over USC to becoming an NFL quarterback, Vince Young shares the lessons that shaped his life on and off the field. But this conversation is about more than football.During his visit to Brownsville, Vince spoke with local students about hard work, discipline, failure, social media, leadership, and the importance of believing in yourself even when life gets difficult.In this episode, Vince opens up about his journey, his relationship with Coach Mack Brown, the meaning behind number 10, his life today as a father and businessman, and why giving back to young people has become part of his purpose.Episode Highlights:• Vince Young returns to Brownsville to connect with local youth• Growing up in adversity and choosing discipline over distractions• The role of mentors, coaches, and staying focused early on• College recruitment and the path to the University of Texas• The story behind the 2006 National Championship vs USC• The legendary 4th down play and winning touchdown• Why discipline mattered more than celebration in that moment• Getting drafted to the NFL and proving doubters wrong• The meaning behind wearing number 10• Life after football: family, business, and giving back• Staying connected with Coach Mack Brown and teammates• Thoughts on today’s Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning• A powerful message to youth about failure and resilience• The impact of social media and staying grounded in real life• Leadership, respect, and carrying yourself with purpose• Closing message: kindness and positive energy Watch the full episode of Brownsville at Large and hear the story behind the athlete, the leader, and the man.* Vince Young interview* Vince Young Texas Longhorns* Vince Young Rose Bowl* Vince Young motivation* Brownsville at Large* Brownsville Texas podcast#VinceYoung#TexasLonghorns#RoseBowl#Motivation#Leadership#BrownsvilleTexas#Podcast#RGV

Season 2, Episode 7 - State of the City Recap: Historic Momentum (Mayor John Cowen Jr)

Brownsville is not just growing, it is entering one of the most transformative moments in its history. In this episode of Brownsville at Large, Commissioner Tino Villarreal Jr. sits down with Mayor John Cowen Jr. for a powerful and timely conversation following his sold-out State of the City: Progress with Prosperity.More than a recap, this is a real look at the momentum building in Brownsville and what it means for our people, our economy, and our future. From record-breaking economic development and major infrastructure investments to education expansion, workforce readiness, water security, and quality of life. Brownsville is being recognized across the country as a city on the rise.But this conversation goes deeper than numbers. It is about how we grow, who benefits, and how we protect the identity of our community while moving forward. In this episode:• Brownsville’s Historic Momentum: One of the fastest-growing cities in the country, driven by strategic investment, leadership, and a strong local workforce.• Reversing the Brain Drain: For every one person leaving, three are moving in, a defining shift that signals new opportunity and confidence in Brownsville.• Jobs, Industry & Opportunity: From SpaceX to advanced manufacturing, tens of thousands of jobs are on the horizon with a clear focus on preparing local talent to lead.• Education & UTRGV Expansion: Students can now complete full engineering degrees in Brownsville, with continued investment strengthening the pipeline for future careers.• Port of Brownsville & Economic Impact: A major driver of trade, manufacturing, and energy, positioning the city as a key player in regional and national growth.• Infrastructure Investment ($357M Plan): Roads, drainage, traffic flow, and long-overdue improvements are being addressed, progress residents can see and experience daily.• Water Resilience & Long-Term Planning: Desalination expansion, storage capacity, and reuse projects are ensuring sustainability for future generations.• Affordable Utility Rates: Brownsville continues to maintain some of the lowest electric rates in the region, protecting families as the city grows.• Growth with Purpose: A commitment to ensure development benefits Brownsville families first, while preserving culture, history, and community identity.Brownsville is no longer a city people leave in search of opportunity, it is a city people are choosing. Momentum is real, responsibility is greater and the future is being built right now.Watch the full episode and stay connected to the conversations shaping Brownsville.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #TinoVillarreal #JohnCowenJr #BrownsvilleTX #StateOfTheCity #EconomicDevelopment #RGV #Leadership #CityOfBrownsville

Season 2, Episode 6 - Inside The Growth Reshaping District 3 (Gustavo De Leon)

🎙️ Brownsville at Large - Season 2, Episode 6: Gustavo de Leon (District 3)What’s happening in District 3?In this episode of Brownsville at Large, I sit down with District 3 Commissioner Gustavo De Leon to talk about the projects, challenges, and opportunities shaping one of the most active districts in our city.We cover a lot of ground from the new Public Safety Complex, the future of the Brownsville Sports Park, and the city’s approach to nightlife safety, to major business growth, road reconstruction, and the community cleanups that are bringing residents together.Commissioner De Leon also shares his passion for public service, his commitment to safer neighborhoods, and why he believes Brownsville’s best days are still ahead.In this episode we discuss:• The vision behind the new Public Safety Complex• What a potential USL partnership could mean for the Sports Park• How the city is approaching nightlife safety• New businesses and development coming to District 3• Road and infrastructure projects residents should know about• The impact of the District 3 community cleanupsBrownsville is moving. District 3 is booming, and this conversation explains why.▶️ Watch the full episode here:https://youtu.be/xIYvUNtVc1ASubscribe, share, and stay connected to the stories shaping our city.#BrownsvilleAtLarge #BrownsvilleTX #District3 #GustavoDeLeon #BrownsvilleGrowth #PublicSafety #BrownsvilleSportsPark #RGV #OneCity

Season 2, Episode 5 - Next Decade RIO GRANDE LNG At The Port Of Brownsville (Andrea Benton)

Brownsville at Large - Season 2, Episode 5: Andrea Benton, Community Relations Director, NextDecade (Rio Grande LNG) Brownsville is growing, and one of the biggest reasons is happening right now at the Port of Brownsville.In Episode 5 of Brownsville at Large, I sat down with Andrea Benton from NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project to break down what residents are seeing along Highway 48 and what it means for jobs, safety, infrastructure, and the future of our local economy. This conversation puts context behind a $30 billion investment that’s reshaping our region and positioning Brownsville as a major energy and logistics hub.Episode highlights:• Why Rio Grande LNG is a generational economic development project for Brownsville and the RGV• Current construction workforce of 5,500, with 70%+ local, plus nearly 200 NextDecade employees• Project scale: $30 Billion, 5 LNG trains (with potential expansion), and major tank/storage capacity• 2 LNG tanks completed, two more planned; pipeline work employing 800 skilled workers• Long-term impact: 700 permanent NextDecade jobs + 650 pipeline and gas supply roles• Infrastructure unlocked: 10-foot ship channel deepening and a new turning basin to support larger vessels and attract new industries• Community investment: 175+ local businesses engaged, 60+ organizations supported, nearly $1M invested, plus a $1.2M fire engine donation to the City of Brownsville• Community outreach: 20+ open houses, 5,500+ residents reached, and 4,000+ students trained on LNG safety• What’s next: operations, first gas, and first vessel expected within the next year If you’ve driven past the Port and wondered, “What’s going on out there?” This episode answers that question.🎧 Learn more / connect: Search Rio Grande LNG to find NextDecade online and access their bilingual community feedback system. 👍 Like • 💬 Comment • 🔔 Subscribe#Brownsville #RGV #BrownsvilleAtLarge #EconomicDevelopment #PortOfBrownsville #RioGrandeLNG #NextDecade #Jobs #Community