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Office Setup

City Manager

La Joya citizens approved a Council-Manager form of government in 2013.  The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the City.  He reports to the Mayor and Council.

Leonardo Olivares

City Manager

La Joya is a natural jewel in the Rio Grande Valley boasting tranquil lakes, rolling hill and rich farm lands.  The real hidden jewels, however, are its people with their legendary pride and community activism.  Our Council, employees and residents are building the new La Joya.  Join us.

Leonardo Olivares, JD MPA ICMA-CM

Leonardo Olivares is a public administration professional who has worked for two U.S. Congressmen, five Texas Senators, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and as City Manager for four Texas cities.

 

He also has served in a variety of leadership positions in professional, academic, and non-profit organizations.  He is currently a member of the National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials (NALEO), Texas City Management Association (TCMA) and a Credentialed Manager by the International City Management Association (ICMA).

 

Olivares earned his Bachelor in Economics from the University of Texas-Austin, his Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence (JD) from the University of Texas School of Law.

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Department Description

As authorized by the Home-Rule Charter, the City Manager shall:

  1. with the advice and consent of the City Council, appoint and remove all department heads of the City, except as otherwise provided in this Charter or by Ordinance;

  2. with the advice and consent of the City Council, determine proper and just compensation for all department heads;

  3. attend all meetings of the City Council, taking part in discussion but, having no vote, and shall be notified of all special meetings of the City Council;

  4. see that all laws, provisions of this Charter, and acts of the City Council, subject to enforcement by the City Manager or by officers subject to his or her direction and supervision, are faithfully executed;

  5. prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the City Council;

  6. submit to the City Council and make available to the public a complete report on the finances and administrative activities of the City as of the end of each fiscal year;

  7. kept the City council fully advised as to the financial condition and future needs of the City and make such recommendations to the City Council concerning the affairs of the City;

  8. make sure other reports as the City Council may require concerning the operations of the City departments, offices, and agencies subject to his or her direction and supervision; and 

  9. perform such other duties as are specified in the Charter or may be required by the City Council or the laws of the State of Texas.

External Links

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