As your Mayor, and as a former small business owner myself, I know firsthand the grit, determination, and resilience it takes to keep the lights on, payroll met, and customers happy. For 15 years, I proudly ran my own Allstate insurance agency. I built it from the ground up, navigated economic ups and downs, and ultimately sold it after years of hard work and dedication. That experience shaped how I lead today, with a deep understanding of the pressures our small business owners face every single day.

Here on Padre Island, our small businesses aren’t just neighborhood conveniences, they are a driving force of our local economy. From family-run restaurants to surf shops, Realtors, fishing charters, boutiques, and service providers, these enterprises embody the entrepreneurial spirit that makes our city unique.

More than 82% of businesses in Corpus Christi are classified as small businesses, and on the Island, they account for an outsized portion of both job creation and sales tax revenue.

When we talk about economic development, we often think of large corporations and new industries. But the truth is, small businesses are the economic bedrock of our city. They employ local residents, sponsor our youth sports teams, and reinvest their profits right back into the community. Every dollar spent locally creates ripple effects, from job growth to better infrastructure, benefiting all of us.

That’s why I’ve prioritized supporting small businesses from day one. Whether it’s cutting red tape at City Hall, investing in public safety so businesses can prosper, or fighting to keep property taxes low, I understand that pro-business policies matter. And I also understand that business owners don’t want handouts, they want a fair shot, consistent infrastructure, and a level playing field.

We’ve seen incredible resilience from our Island business community, especially through hurricanes, the pandemic, and ongoing economic challenges. Yet, you’ve stayed strong, just like I had to during my own years in business. That tenacity is something I deeply admire and work every day to support.

Let’s continue to shop local, dine local, and invest in our Island’s future… together. As Mayor, I’ll never stop being a champion for the small business owners who fuel our economy and keep the Island the vibrant family-friendly destination we

Thank you for everything you do.

~Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo