Texas Governor Meets with Laredo Leaders on Small Business Priorities

Abbott discusses workforce development, infrastructure needs, and insurance costs during roundtable discussion.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott met with business and government leaders in Laredo this week to discuss key issues facing small businesses in the region. The roundtable discussion covered topics such as workforce development, infrastructure needs at the Port of Laredo, and the rising costs of insurance that are impacting local companies. Abbott said input from the meeting would help shape priorities for the next legislative session.

Why it matters

Laredo's economy is heavily dependent on the bustling Port of Laredo, one of the busiest international ports in the Western Hemisphere. As such, the challenges and needs of the city's small business community are critical to the overall economic health of the region. Governor Abbott's engagement with local leaders demonstrates a commitment to supporting small businesses, which he described as the 'heartbeat of communities' across Texas.

The details

During the roundtable discussion, Laredo leaders outlined both the economic strengths and gaps facing the local business community. They highlighted workforce development and the need for more technical training programs as key priorities. Infrastructure needs at the Port of Laredo, including addressing cross-border traffic and expanding manufacturing facilities, were also major concerns raised. Additionally, the rising cost of insurance emerged as a significant challenge that Abbott said he would work to address through potential legislative action in the next session.

  • The small business roundtable took place this week in Laredo.
  • Laredo was selected as one of 15 host cities for the 2026 Governor's Small Business Summit.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who met with Laredo leaders to discuss small business priorities.

Ricky Jaime

Laredo County Commissioner who participated in the roundtable discussion.

Gerardo (Gerald) Schwebel

Executive Vice President at IBC Bank who participated in the roundtable discussion.

Kandy Walker

CEO of SE Legacy Development who participated in the roundtable discussion.

Monica Martinez

Executive Director of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce who participated in the roundtable discussion.

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What they’re saying

“Small businesses right here are an essential part of Port Laredo, being the No. 1 port in the United States for international trade. No economy in America is hotter than the Texas economy. Texas is ... the No. 1 state for exports, with Laredo playing a key part in that No. 1 ranking.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (lmtonline.com)

“He was taking action immediately. On the topic of the technical schools, he wanted to understand why we haven't really pushed something here in Webb County. He wants to be able to bring that because that's the kind of governor we have — one that's going to take action immediately.”

— Tano Tijerina, Webb County Judge (lmtonline.com)

What’s next

Abbott did not outline a timeline for potential legislative action, but said input from the discussions would help shape priorities for the next legislative session.

The takeaway

Governor Abbott's engagement with Laredo's small business community demonstrates a commitment to supporting the economic drivers of the region, particularly the critical role that the Port of Laredo plays in Texas' thriving export economy. The roundtable discussion highlighted key issues like workforce development, infrastructure needs, and insurance costs that will inform the governor's policy agenda moving forward.