District 4 Council Member· 2024-2028
Ricardo "Rick" Garza
Laredo
About
Ricardo 'Rick' Garza's platform centers on essential infrastructure improvements, specifically focusing on water utility upgrades and road maintenance within District 4. His priorities reflect a commitment to addressing the immediate physical needs of his constituents through active project oversight and community engagement.
Campaign promises (2)
- infrastructureGarza is committed to overseeing the completion of the Jefferson water line project to improve local utility infrastructure.Related votes
- infrastructureGarza supports the ongoing road improvement efforts on Kearney Street to enhance neighborhood connectivity and safety.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 25
- Total speaking time
- 3:28:17
- Avg per meeting
- 8:20
- Segments
- 4907
Want every word Garza has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Garza said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)(Public Safety)
emergency preparedness
The city's spending on emergency services will go up to keep these shelters running.
Police Surveillance Technology
An $11.1 million federal grant with no local match requirement.
emergency declaration
City resources will take a hit responding to the emergency, and local businesses near the downtown closures could see a dip in customers today.
Border Wall and Buoy Safety
Financial impact is currently unknown pending expert selection and contract authorization.
City Facility Climate Control
Property-specific improvement costs borne by the applicant.
Pediatric Hospital Advocacy and Healthcare Access
Potential future healthcare facility investments or regional partnership funding requirements.
Youth Gun Violence
The cost of the campaign is to be determined by city management.
Police Department Expansion and Mines Road Substation
Implementation of fiber optics and traffic equipment impacts municipal and state transportation technology spending.
Dangerous Building Demolition at 3820 Sanders Avenue
Property owners may incur demolition or securing costs.
Service Needs Assessment for People with Disabilities
Financial impacts depend on future interlocal agreements and grant or university research funding.
public safety ranking
This safety win could mean more people and businesses want to move here, boosting our local economy.
Medical Under-service and Hospital District
Protects regional healthcare systems from significant daily funding losses.
crime statistics
While overall crime is down, the rise in homicides might mean more resources are needed for public safety.
Employee Suspension Appeal for Utilities Department Inspector
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources
City Council Governance Manual Updates
Null
City Charter Enforcement and Legal Oversight
Requires allocation for outside legal counsel.
Public Health Programs and Safety Initiatives for Youth with Disabilities
Null
Overdose Survivor Referral Program Implementation
Financial impact is not specified.
Police Dispatcher Termination Appeal
Moved or seconded (27)
Motions Garza personally put forward or seconded. Attribution comes from the minutes; where the minutes name somebody we cannot match to the roster we leave it out rather than guess, so this is a floor, not a total.
- secondedpassed 7-02026-07-27
Motion to approve Final Reading of Ordinances 45-52.
- secondedpassed 0-02026-07-27
Motion to deny.
- movedpassed 7-02026-06-26
Motion to approve.
- movedpassed 7-02026-06-26
26-C-106 Discussion with possible action to allocate $150,000 from District 4 Priority Funds to the Lupita Cortez Memorial Community Wellness & Recreation & Complex at the Lyon Water Tanks; and any matter incident thereto
Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion
- secondedpassed 9-02026-06-15
Motion to table and bring back on the following City Council meeting.
- secondedpassed 5-02026-06-15
Motion to approve Appointments 9-16, while amending number 12 to read " Municipal Hospital Authority Ad-Hoc Committee.
- secondedpassed 9-02026-06-01
Utilities Compliance Measures
Title matched to the agenda, not quoted from the motion
- secondedpassed 6-02026-06-01
Motion to adjourn at 9:48 p.m.
- secondedpassed 6-02026-06-01
Motion to send this letter with these points to Commissioner.
- movedpassed 6-02026-06-01
Motion to table and bring back on the following City Council meeting.
- secondedpassed 6-02026-06-01
Motion to approve.
- secondedpassed 6-02026-06-01
Motion to table items 62-63 and bring back on the following City Council meeting.
- secondedpassed 7-02026-05-04
Motion to close and introduce and bring back on the following City Council meeting.
- secondedpassed 7-02026-05-04
Motion to table and bring back on the following City Council meeting.
- secondedpassed2026-05-04
Motion to approve.
- secondedpassed 7-02026-05-04
Motion to approve final reading of ordinances #19-33 with the exception of #32.
- movedpassed2026-05-04
Motion to approve.
- secondedpassed2026-05-04
Motion to approve the Consent agenda items 35-56, with the exception of items 48, 49.
- secondedpassed 7-32026-05-04
Motion to deny.
- secondedpassed 8-02026-04-20
Motion to approve 60-61.
Decisions during term (2)
Recorded while Garza was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
26-1646 Consideration to authorize a contract with Galls LLC, Lexington, KY, in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 for the purchase of police uniforms, public safety gear, equipment, and supplies. This annual contract shall utilize the…
An Ordinance... authorizing issuance of approximately $19,650,000 in Tax Notes, Series 2026 for streets, public safety, and municipal buildings...
Voting record (0)(Public Safety)
No votes found matching Public Safety.