MCALLEN, Texas — August 27, 2026 — Workforce Solutions (WFS) has released a new special report, “Beyond the Unemployment Rate: Understanding the Workforce Challenges — and Opportunities — Behind the Numbers in Hidalgo, Starr, & Willacy Counties,” providing a broader look at the region’s workforce ecosystem and labor market though an analysis of key workforce and economic data.

The report goes beyond traditional unemployment statistics to examine the factors influencing workforce participation, economic mobility, and the region’s ability to connect people with meaningful career opportunities while meeting the evolving talent needs of local employers.

“The unemployment rate is an important measure, but it does not tell the whole workforce story,” said Francisco Almaraz, CEO of Workforce Solutions. “This report gives our region a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce ecosystem. Most importantly, it provides a foundation for employers, educators, community organizations, economic development leaders, and workforce partners to come together around strategies that create greater economic mobility and strengthen our regional economy.”

The report examines several important workforce trends, including the region’s strong employment growth, the concentration of employment in lower-wage occupations, workforce turnover, unemployment claims, educational attainment, and barriers that can affect workforce participation.

A central theme of the report is the importance of collaboration across the regional workforce ecosystem. Employers, educational institutions, economic development corporations, workforce organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders each play an important role in developing the talent needed to support continued economic growth.

“The data helps us better understand where our challenges are concentrated, but it also shows us where we have opportunities to make a difference,” Almaraz said. “Our goal is to use this information to encourage collaboration and turn data into action that benefits workers, families, businesses, and our entire region.”

The report is intended to serve as a resource for community leaders, employers, educators, workforce professionals, policymakers, and organizations working to strengthen economic opportunity across the Rio Grande Valley.

WFS invites regional partners to review the full report (HERE) and join the conversation about building a stronger, more connected workforce ecosystem.

Workforce Solutions serves Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. The primary goal of the WFS Board is to respond to the needs of local employers and workers through locally designed, demand-driven workforce development initiatives.

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