City of Donna Establishes Building and Standards Commission to Promote Safety, Revitalization, and Community Pride

Donna, TX — The City of Donna proudly announces the official establishment of its Building and Standards Commission, a citizen led advisory body dedicated to promoting public safety, community beautification, and responsible development throughout the city. The City Council approved the appointments of five community members during its regular meeting on November 4, 2025, marking another important milestone in Donna’s commitment to revitalization and quality of life improvements.

The initiative, led by City Manager Jorge Peña, is designed to help the city identify, evaluate, and take timely action on unsafe, abandoned, or substandard structures that may pose a risk to residents or hinder neighborhood growth. The commission will play a key role in coordinating with the municipal court and city departments to fast-track cases that require demolition or rehabilitation.

“This new Building and Standards Commission gives us the tools and local expertise to clean up our city and protect our neighborhoods,” said Peña. “It’s not just about removing unsafe structures, it’s about restoring community pride, encouraging investment, and creating safer, more attractive spaces for families and businesses.”

The newly appointed members represent a diverse group of professionals who bring valuable experience in education, development, construction, banking, and city planning. Together, they will guide the city in addressing building standards and advancing community improvement efforts.

Appointed Members to the Donna Building and Standards Commission:

• Fernando Castillo – Chairman, Donna ISD, representing the partnership between the city and local schools in promoting community pride and growth.
• Efrain Gomez – Developer, Gomez Construction, and Officer, South Texas Builders Association, contributing expertise in construction and regional development.
• Orlando Garza – Construction and maintenance specialist, offering practical experience in infrastructure and compliance.
• Trea Desiga – Banker, Greater State Bank, providing financial insight into property and housing initiatives.
• Maria Christina Garcia – City planner and Donna resident, contributing professional knowledge in urban development and land use planning.

With the commission now in place, the City of Donna looks forward to launching new neighborhood revitalization initiatives, supporting property owners in compliance efforts, and advancing the city’s mission to create a clean, safe, and prosperous community for all residents.

About the City of Donna Building and Standards Commission

The City of Donna Building and Standards Commission is a citizen led advisory board established to promote health, safety, and community development by reviewing and addressing unsafe, abandoned, or deteriorated structures within city limits. The Commission works in partnership with city leadership, the municipal court, and code enforcement to ensure compliance with city ordinances and to encourage responsible property maintenance and urban renewal.