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The La Joya Police Department's mission is to protect and serve. Police Department The La Joya Police Department's mission is to protect and serve. Ramon Gonzalez Police Chief Ramon Gonzalez held a variety of positions in the La Joya Police Department before becoming Chief. He is a U.S. Marine Corps. Veteran. Gonzalez recently earned his Masters degree. Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Police Department (LJPD) strives to provide the highest quality service, preserving human rights, lives, and property while attempting to achieve the mission goals of the Department, the City, and the community. We will work in partnership with our citizens to problem solve and meet the challenges of reducing crime, creating a safer environment and improving the community members’ quality of life. News La Joya PD Divisions Criminal Investigations The Criminal Investigation Division (CID) investigates crimes reported in our jurisdiction. Communications The Communications Division is an essential part of the Department and is staffed 24/7/365, including holidays & weekends. To work as a communications officer much training is involved such as certification by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Our communications officers handle 911 emergency calls for service, requests and/or any citizens needs. Our communications department also maintains constant contact with the police officers via a 2-channel radio in which calls for service are dispatched and reports are taken. Any pertinent reports also are kept in the communications office. We handle all other non-emergency calls through our non-emergency number: 956.585.4855 . Should you have any questions and/or concerns don’t hesitate to call us. Patrol Patrol Division is composed of the officers assigned to uniformed patrol, which are the first to respond to calls for assistance in the community. The Patrol Division operates 24/7/365, and it consists of three shifts. The Division provides general police services in its daily operations. Records The Records Division is an essential part of the La Joya Police Department. Division personnel assist the public in obtaining reports such as automobile accidents, offense reports and incident reports. The Division archives all police records pertaining to any incidents that occur within the City of La Joya, such as arrests that our officers have made or any other important documents that need to be filed. The records clerk is available to assist with automobile accidents, offense and incident reports or to arrange contact with a Police Officer. The Records Division is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our records phone number is 956.585.4855 . Emergency Operations Center (EOC) During a natural or civil emergency, the Mayor may activate the La Joya Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as authorized by the City's Emergency Operations Plan. The City Council has named Chief Ramon Gonzalez as the Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC). Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service deliv ery. Download, complete and return. Complaint Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Texas Police Chiefs Association Texas Police Association U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The La Joya City Attorney's offers legal advise to the Council, City Manager and municipal departments. City Attorney The La Joya City Attorney's offers legal advise to the Council, City Manager and municipal departments. Isaac V. Sulemana City Attorney Isaac Sulemana began his service as City Attorney in 2023. Before this time he worked for the Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney's Office . He also currently works for Hidalgo County Judge's Office . Sulemana is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law . Department Description As permitted by the Home-Rule Charter: The City Council may appoint an attorney, licensed to practice law in the State of Texas, as City Attorney. The City Attorney shall serve at the will of the City Council and be entitled to compensation as established by the City Council. The duties of the City Attorney shall be to: serve as legal advisor to the City Council, to the offices, departments, and agencies of the City, and to all officers and employees of the City as authorized by the City Manager; perform all services incident to his or her position as may be required by statute, the Charter, ordinances, or as directed by the City Council. City Council may retain special counsel at any time it deems such action appropriate or necessary. External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Isaac V. Sulemana Law Office Texas City Attorneys Association Texas Constitution & Statutes

The Parks & Recreation Department mission is to provide facilities and programs for fun! Parks & Rec. Dept. The Parks & Recreation Department mission is to provide facilities and programs for fun! Vacant Director Department Description Quick Facts La Joys is a natural jewel, surrounded by thousands of acers of farms, wilderness and lakes. The Parks & Recreation Department provides facilities and programs focused on Seniors and Youths. We operate three parks and two community centers. Come play with us. Come enjoy a day outside. News Parks & Recreation Services Park Facilities The Parks & Rec Department has two community parks and one neighborhood park. Our outdoor facilities include: Baseball field Basketball courts (2) Football field Gazebos & BBQ pits Play stations (3) Soccer fields (2) Walking trails (3) Indoor facilities include our Senior Center and Youth Center. Senior Programs Senior have a home away from home at our Senior Center, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year. We also operate a regional Meals on Wheels Program with our partners Amigos del Valle . Drop by... everyone is welcomed. Youth Programs We offer little Texans in La Joya a variety of activities throughout the year, such as: Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Volleyball For more enrollment and other information, call us at: 956.581.7002 Department Docs Mor e information regarding our Department. Senior Center Programs Youth Basketball Spring Schedule, 2024 Youth Center Reservation Policy Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Enrollment Form Park Rental Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: National Recreation and Parks Association Texas Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area Texas Recreation & Parks Society U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Animal Control Please refresh page for live updates. All updates will be located in the banner above. La Joya's Animal Shelter Division: Protects the public from stray and feral animals in La Joya; Provides shelter services to partner communities; Works with Animal Rescue Organizations to place animals in new homes; and Unites lost & found pets with their human. We urge pet custodians to spay and/or neuter your pets. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. None External Links

The La Joya Fire/EMS Department mission is to protect life and property. Fire/EMS Dept. The La Joya Fire/EMS Department mission is to protect life and property. Leroy Salinas Fire Chief Leroy Salinas has served as Fire Chief in several communities. Salinas is a certified Firefighter by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) . He is a native of La Joya, Texas. Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Fire/EMS Department continues a proud legacy having started as a 100% Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in 1989. Today the Department boasts: New $3.1 Million Fire Station (under construction) Fire-Based EMS (1 of 6 in Rio Grande Valley) Combination Career/Volunteer Department The La Joya Fire/EMS Department's mission is to provide the very best fire, rescue and medical care to the citizens of La Joya, Texas, through fire prevention and fire suppression programs, fire, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). We will be a key team player with citizens, local businesses and other government agencies working to maintain a proud community with a strong sense of safety and security and provide responsive services to the citizens by investing in training, education, staffing and equipment. We will be dedicated and compassionate professionals, who recognize our greatest strength lies in our team approach. We will be recognized as leaders in our profession and as community role models. News Fire/EMS Services Fire Prevention The Department's fire prevention efforts consist of inspecting buildings and educating the public about fire hazards. Fire Suppression La Joya Fire/EMS provides fire suppression services for its citizens and the public in a rural fire district. Emergency Medical Services The Department operates two ambulances providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to La Joya and our neighbors in Sullivan City . Billing services are provide by Emergicom . Information on EMS bills is available at Emergicom, Pay My Bill . Dr. Carlos Palacio is the Medical Director. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. None External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Hidalgo County Fire Marshal’s Office Texas Commission on Fire Protection Texas Fire Marshal Association State Firefighters & Fire Marshals Association Volunteer Firefighters - Texas

The City Engineer's duties include supporting the Planning/Code Enforcement, Public Utility and the Public Works departments. City Engineer The City Engineer's duties include supporting the Planning/Code Enforcement, Public Utility and the Public Works departments. Department Description The City has an non-exclusive contract with RRP Consulting Engineers LLC for engineering services associated with: Planning/Code Enforcement Department Public Utility Department Public Works Department Plan ning & Zoning Commission Capital Improvements Advisory Committee External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: RRP Consulting Engineers, LLC

A brief history of the City of La Joya and surrounding communities on the United States border with Mexico. Brief History A brief history of the City of La Joya and surrounding communities on the United States border with Mexico. Chapter 1: Native Peoples to Spanish Explorers Native Peoples Settle Rio Grande Valley From the beginning, La Joya has been defined by its rich, fertile agrarian lands, its rolling hills and the lakes and river which gives it life. The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas was home to Coahuiltecans for thousands of years. These native peoples included tribes such as Aranamas, Bobole, Carrizo, Katuhanno, Kesale-Terkodams, Oregons, Pachal, Payayas and Tamiques. They lived off the land before the initial encounter with Europeans and Africans. North America’s “first” Settler are Spanish -- and African Before Pilgrims were forced to land on Plymouth Rock (1620), before Jamestown’s fort was established (1607), before Roanoke Colony failed (1590), before San Agustin (1565) was founded in La Florida, there was Penitas (1520) . The settlement, approximately three miles east of La Joya, has been largely lost to history due to its diminutive size and its unsanctioned status by Spain. It consisted of Father Zamora and five military officers and their enslaved Africans who abandoned the Pánfilo de Narváez to live along the native Calero people. Spanish Ancestors Defend “their” New Lands The first Europeans to travel through the area were Spaniards defending Nueva Espana from foreign invaders. In 1638 Jacinto García de Sepulveda and his party travelled along the Rio Grande, past the future side of La Joya and to the Gulf of Mexico in search of a Dutch expedition. It was never found. In 1687 Alonso DeLeon also followed the Rio Grande searching for French explorer, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, whose expedition had landed accidentally in Matagroda Bay in 1685 and attempted to establish a French colony. DeLeon discovered the remnants of the colony in 1689. The colony was decimated by the local native peoples who were defending their lands against the invading Spanish. This was a struggle destined to fail for the natives peoples who had lived in North America and along the Rio Grande for thousands of years. Though not recorded in history, the river crossing and adjacent ford at Los Ebanos, Texas was used by natives to traverse the river long before the first recorded use by Spaniards. Next

The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Stormwater The City of La Joya is working with the RGV Stormwater Task Force to better control rainwater runoff, reduce pollution, and protect our local waterways. Department Description The Department is charged with managing Stormwater regulations to prevent and mitigate flooding. The City is a member of the RGV Stormwater Task Force . However, La Joya is not part of, nor pays property taxes for, the Hidalgo County Drainage District #1 . Maintenance of storm drains is performed by the Public Works Department . City of La Joya Stormwater Annual Report 2024 City of La Joya Stormwater Permit City of La Joya SWP Final Report 2024 City of La Joya Stormwater Management program 2013-2018 For more information contact the Stormwater Hotline: 956.585.4855 . What is Stormwater runoff? Stormwater runoff occurs when rain flows over hard surfaces such as streets, driveways, parking lots, rooftops, and other paved areas where water cannot soak into the ground. This runoff enters the City’s stormwater system and eventually flows into nearby wetlands, streams, and rivers. Along the way, stormwater picks up pollutants from streets, lawns, farms, and construction or industrial sites, including fertilizers, dirt, sediment, pesticides, oil, and grease. Unlike pollution from a single factory or treatment plant, stormwater pollution comes from many everyday activities. These discharges are a major cause of local water quality problems and can reduce or prevent safe recreational use of our waterways. Stormwater Management What is it? Stormwater management is the practice of controlling rainwater runoff to protect local waterways. This includes managing land use and development in ways that maintain the amount, speed, and quality of stormwater. It also involves preventing runoff before it starts by reducing hard surfaces, slowing and storing water on the land, improving soils so they absorb more rain, and using plants and vegetation to filter runoff naturally. Good housekeeping practices at homes, businesses, and construction sites further help keep sediment and pollutants out of streams. Why is it important? In natural areas without paved surfaces, rainwater moves slowly toward streams. Only a small amount falls directly into the stream, while most of the water soaks into the ground and gradually flows through the soil before reaching nearby waterways. When paved and hard surfaces are added, rainwater reaches streams much faster and in much larger amounts. In developed areas, storm drains and pipes are designed to move water off the land quickly, sending it straight to streams. This rapid and excessive flow can cause flooding and erode streambanks. The resulting muddy water damages aquatic life, destroys habitat, and affects downstream water users. Preventing runoff at its source is therefore an important part of protecting local waterways. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Let’s Work Together to Protect Our Local Waters! Everyone plays a role in keeping our streams, rivers, and wetlands clean and healthy. Stormwater pollution is caused by everyday activities, but small changes can make a big difference. By taking simple steps at home and in your neighborhood, you can help protect water quality for people, wildlife, and future generations. 10 Simple Things You Can Do to Be Part of the Solution to Stormwater Pollution Never dump anything onto the street, into a storm drain, or into a drainage ditch. Storm drains flow directly to local waterways without treatment. Pick up after your pet. Bag pet waste and place it in the trash to prevent bacteria and nutrients from washing into streams. Properly manage yard waste. Compost leaves and grass clippings or place them in bags for curbside collection—never blow them into the street. Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly. Always read and follow label directions and avoid applying products before rain is forecast. Dispose of litter properly. Trash left on the ground can easily wash into storm drains and waterways. Maintain your septic system. Regular inspections and maintenance help prevent leaks that can contaminate nearby waters. Check vehicles for leaks. Fix oil, coolant, or fuel leaks promptly to keep harmful fluids off driveways and roads. Recycle motor oil and vehicle fluids. Never pour them on the ground or into drains—use designated recycling locations instead. Wash vehicles responsibly. Wash your car over a grassy area or use a commercial car wash that recycles water, rather than washing on paved surfaces. Spread the word. Talk with friends, family, and neighbors about simple ways they can help prevent stormwater pollution. Kids Corner the Stormwater Fun Zone! At the Kids Corner, learning about stormwater is made fun and simple! Kids can explore how rainwater moves through their community, why clean water is important, and how they can help protect rivers and streams. This section includes coloring pages, activities, and helpful resources for kids, parents, and teachers. Videos to understand Stormwater Activites for the kids! Pre-K to 1st Graders Where Stormwater Flows coloring page 2nd to 4th Graders Stormwater Activity Worksheets 5th to 8th Graders Stormwater Crossword Activity Remember to Help Protect Our Water! Small actions can make a big difference. You can help keep our stormwater clean by remembering to: Pick up trash and place it in a trash can Clean up pet waste and dispose of it properly Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of washing debris into the street Never pour liquids like oil, paint, or chemicals into storm drains Keep leaves and grass clippings out of streets and storm drains Every drop counts. By working together, we can help protect our rivers, streams, and local waterways. Want to learn more or report a stormwater concern? Call your city’s Stormwater Hotline 956.585.4855 or visit the LRGV Stormwater website to find tips and ways to help keep local waterways clean.

The City of La Joya is nature's jewel. Western Hidalgo County is where urban areas meet agricultural lands, plains turn into gentle hills, surround by lakes and the Rio Grande Valley meets the future. Tourism La Joya is the destination for nature and history. Join us for the day or weekend. Ecotourism Just 15 minutes west of the McAllen metro area are thousands of acres of parklands and wildlife management areas. In La Joya, Texas, rich farmlands along the Rio Grande River meet gentle rolling hills and lakes and attract birds and other native wildlife. Visitors are able to fish and hunt, explore trails and enjoy nature throughout the year. These lands are managed by federal and state agencies as well as private land-owners. To the east are the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas and the World Birding Center at Bentsen State Park . Additional recreational opportunities are available at the Lower Rio Grande Wildlife Refuge (operated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) and Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area (WMA) (operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department). The City of La Joya’s Parks & Recreation Department also manages three municipal parks with several recreational opportunities. Heritage Tourism La Joya is centerally-located along the Caminos del Rio Heritage Corridor which runs from Laredo to Brownsville. The corridor highlights this section of the Texas-Mexico border’s history and architecture. The Texas Tropical Trail also runs through La Joya between Laredo, Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Much of this trail includes U.S. Expressway 83 which is designated as the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. La Joya traces its history to the 1767 establishment of Havana and the 1802 establishment of Tabasco. La Joya’s original townsite was just north of Tabasco and included it in the 1926 municipal incorporation. Havana residents joined La Joya as part of the 2016 annexation. Notable historical sites in La Joya include: La Joya Cemetery Nellie Leo Schunior School Los Ejidos De Reynosa Vieja Five minutes to the east of La Joya is the first settlement of Europeans and Africans in North America (Penitas, Texas ). South is the historic Tabasco Cemetery , located on private land, south of the historic Military Road. West of downtown La Joya are: Spanish colonial settlement of Havana, Texas and its private historic cemetery; Ghost town of Sam Fordyce, Texas ; Ancient Native Peoples’ Rio Grande River crossing and now Los Ebanos International Ferry; and Historic town of Rio Grande City, Texas in Starr County. Details on the history of La Joya and its neighboring communities is on our History page . Left: Charles Schunior Jr Building in Sam Fordyce, Texas, where U.S. Post Office was located. (Photo by Ame Gorena-Walsh) More Info... Hidalgo County Historical Commission Museum of South Texas History (MOST) Texas Historical Commission (THC) University of Texas-RGV Special Collections & Archives

The Community Calendar provides date, time, venue and other information regarding business and social events for the City Council, advisory boards and other events important to our citizens. Join us. Calendar Come join us at our City Council, Board or other business meetings. Our Library and Parks also have events year-round. If you have a public event to promote, let us know. We alwayrs promote the La Joya and western Hidalgo County communities. Events Calendar March 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 More Info... Check back regularly for more information on municipal and other public events.