Building a Safer, Smarter City
The City of Pharr, Texas, is rapidly modernizing. Recent projects include road and drainage upgrades, new parks, and a state-of-the-art Public Safety Communications Building and data center. These improvements are designed to support a growing city and one of its biggest responsibilities: the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, the busiest produce crossing between the U.S. and Mexico. More than 175,000 vehicles cross the bridge monthly, moving nearly 70% of the nation’s produce.
Upgrading Public Safety Systems
To handle such critical operations, Pharr invested in Extreme Networks solutions to modernize its public safety infrastructure. Key initiatives include:
- A new 911 dispatch center with 14 consoles (scalable for future growth).
- Integration with GIS mapping for faster, informed decision-making.
- Regional dispatching capabilities for medical and neighboring city services.
- Plans to achieve Tri-ACE accreditation, making Pharr the first in Texas to reach this national standard.
Reliable Infrastructure Across the City
Pharr’s IT team standardized its network across 22 facilities, ensuring 100% uptime. Fiber and wireless connectivity now support everything from libraries with 100+ public computers to the city’s event center and police department.
At the Pharr-Reynosa Bridge alone, more than 70 surveillance cameras—including infrared models under the bridge and cameras at every toll booth—enhance safety and efficiency.
Technology for the Future
Using ExtremeSwitching™, ExtremeRouting™, and Extreme Management Center™, the city built a resilient, redundant network that can grow with demand. Upcoming projects include:
The network delivers:
- Park safety upgrades with emergency call boxes, Wi-Fi, and cameras.
- Expanded video surveillance at the police department.
- Modernized body cameras and in-car recording systems for law enforcement.
Leadership and Vision
Jose J. Peña, Pharr’s Chief Information Officer, highlights the city’s proactive approach: “Our city council and administration are very supportive. They get us the resources, and it’s our job to get it done.”
With a lean IT staff of just 14, Pharr demonstrates how strategic technology adoption can maximize safety, connectivity, and community services.
