The word Colonias in Spanish refers to a neighborhood, yet in the United States, Colonias are defined as unincorporated settlements that may lack basic infrastructure systems such as water and sewer systems, electricity, paved roads, and property titles. These settlements without basic infrastructure services were created by land developers in counties with a shortage of low cost housing options and inattentive development regulations. The problem of incorporating the Colonias into the city and county infrastructure demands a regional approach to adequately plan where to apply limited financial and social resources. Federal and state agencies offer various grant opportunities for infrastructure development. Data for the Mexican sister city area is also included as it is well known that the economic and social networks from both sides of the border are closely linked.