Mission earns Municipal Excellence Award first time applying 

Mission, TX- During the 2019 Texas Municipal League (TML) Annual Conference in San Antonio on October 9-11, the City of Mission picked up a prestigious Municipal Excellence Award in the management innovation category for cities more than 25,000 in population.

“This award is only given to five cities across Texas in our population category. We competed against some stellar communities and cities that are much bigger than us,” Mayor Dr. Armando O’Caña said. “First All-America City and now this. This is an outstanding example of the great work that is being done every single day in our community. We continue to make history.” 

The award was presented to Mission for the Mission Economic Development Corporation Ruby Red Ventures Program. Mayor O’Caña, Mission City Council members and city leaders were on hand to accept the coveted award.

Ruby Red Ventures is a small business fund that was created by the Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in collaboration with the City of Mission.  The venture aims to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and promote the creation of innovative businesses.  Venture participants take three business courses facilitated by The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley, and then they pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges in hopes of securing funding. It is the City of Mission’s version of Shark Tank. Since its formation, Ruby Red Ventures has funded 47 small businesses in the City, totaling more than $625,000 in grants.

“In Mission, we have seen the true value of helping startups and small businesses expand. We are honored and glad to see that the state recognizes these efforts,” Mission EDC Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Silva said. “We will continue to offer help to these businesses and have big plans to make the program even better.”

TML Municipal Excellence Awards recognize and encourage the achievements of Texas cities in meeting the challenges of municipal government. Innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, increasing citizen participation, and reaching toward higher service levels are all daily occurrences in Texas cities, and they deserve acknowledgement. This awards program seeks out the best of these programs to recognize.

Awards are given in only two population categories: under and above 25,000— and in five categories: management innovations, city spirit, public safety, communication programs and public works.

This is the first time the City of Mission applies for the TML Municipal Excellence Award. TML is a voluntary association of 1,160 Texas cities.