Matthew Gardea ’24: A UTEP Alum Driving Change in Horizon City, Texas

July 2025
By Tanya Torres '21

From an ambitious UTEP student to making Horizon City’s history, Matthew Gardea ’24 is ready for any challenge that comes his way. Equipped with his eight-point plan to transform Horizon City, he is ready to take the city to new heights. As Alderman No. 6, he is focusing on talent retention, community development, and strategic growth to make changes in the city.

From Student to Civic Leader

Matthew Gardea’s academic foundation not only shaped his leadership, but it also laid the groundwork for his civic engagement in Horizon City. Appointed to the city commission during the pandemic, he served virtually before transitioning to in-person public hearings. Gardea was appointed at the age of 18, making him the youngest appointee in Horizon’s history. In the Planning and Zoning Commission, he worked on zoning regulations and long-term planning strategies.

During his time working for the city, Gardea earned the prestigious Terry Foundation Scholarship. He was one of nine students who earned this incredible scholarship. Beyond funding his education, the scholarship opened doors that helped shape both his academic and professional journey. Gardea’s time at UTEP wasn’t just about academic achievement, it was where he honed skills in public service, leadership, and policy development that would later define his future in Horizon City.

“While at UTEP, I worked at two higher education state agencies in Austin and served in a congressional office and on the House Oversight Committee in Washington, D.C. During my time in D.C., I even met Terry alumni and scholars through the local chapter there. That experience pushed me to sharpen my discipline, learn from others devoted to public service, and truly understand the transformative power of education,” Gardea said.

The UTEP alumnus made waves in his academic career while paving the way toward becoming Alderman No. 6. Not only did Gardea earn the Terry Scholarship, but he was also selected to participate in the Bill Archer Fellowship Program, an elite program that allowed him to intern in Washington, D.C. This fellowship allowed Gardea to hone his ability to analyze policy, interpret data, and navigate urban development challenges. The internship deepened his understanding of governance while reinforcing his commitment to public service.

Growing Up in Tornillo and Horizon: A Foundation for Leadership

Serving on city council is more than a title and job—it is an active commitment to transformation. Gardea is out in the community putting in the work to ensure Horizon City’s transformation succeeds and strengthens the community. Having grown up in both Tornillo and Horizon City, Gardea knows the challenges and opportunities the city faces, and this better equips him to drive progress in the city.

“Growing up in Tornillo, a small agricultural community with a constrained budget, taught me how to do more with less. I carried that same mindset into Horizon City when, at age 18, I became the youngest planning and zoning commissioner in our city's history. Those experiences instilled resourcefulness and a deep understanding of local governance,” Gardea said.

Driven by his belief in action, Gardea personally canvassed Horizon City to connect with residents. After speaking to residents, he recognized that economic growth wasn’t just an abstract goal—it was a community demand. Now, he is focused on ensuring that the city’s talent stays in the city. To do this, he plans to forge partnerships with major employers who will bring more opportunities to Horizon City and expand career options for graduates. He is also focused on housing diversity for renters and first-time buyers by making the city more friendly to active living.

“I represent every Horizon City resident, so I built my platform around what I heard most while knocking on doors, speaking with small business owners, and visiting with our seniors,” Gardea said.

While Gardea’s age might surprise some, his dedication and work ethic speak for themselves. He believes in taking action because he represents all the residents of Horizon City and wants to prepare future generations who are looking to make a difference.

Action Over Ambition: A Vision for Change

“Public service demands more than titles, it demands action. There are two types of people in the world: those who want to be somebody and those who want to do something. I challenge you to be the latter. Be of use, take whichever skill or talent you have and put it to work for your neighbors. Keep in mind that poor preparation prepares you to perform poorly, and when you hit a setback, remember rejection is redirection. In this work, every closed door is pointing toward where you can make the greatest impact,” Gardea said.

Matthew Gardea isn’t just envisioning change for Horizon City, he’s building it—one decision at a time.