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​The City Secretary's mission is to safeguard official records, share information with the public and administer elections. City Secretary The City Secretary's mission is to safeguard official records, share information with the public and administer elections. Vanessa Trevino City Secretary Vanessa Trevino has served in a variety of positions with the City of La Joya, including roles in the Municipal Court, Utilities, Administration, and as a Volunteer Firefighter for La Joya Fire EMS Department. She has a background in administration, psychology, and holds a certification in business practices. She currently serves as the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) for compliance with the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) and as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Emergency Management. Department Description As Permitted by the Home-Rule Charter: The City Council shall appoint a City Secretary who shall report administratively to the City Manager ... The duties of the City Secretary shall be to: prepare and post the notice of Council meetings; keep the minutes of proceedings of Council meetings; authenticate by signature and record in full, in a book kept and indexed for that purpose, all ordinances and resolutions passed by the City Council; hold and maintain the City Seal and affix the Seal to all instruments requiring it; and perform such other duties as may be specified by the City Council, City Manager, this Charter, or the laws of the State of Texas. News City Secretary Services Meeting Agendas & Minutes The City Secretary is charged with publishing notices of all public Meetings Agendas & Minutes and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act . Meeting Agenda Archives Council Regular and Special Meetings are live streamed via our Zoom account. Specific information and links are found in the posted Council meeting agendas. Persons interested in addressing the Council are required to submit a Public Forum Form to the City Secretary before any Council meeting. Ordinances & Resolutions As records custodian, the City Secretary maintains the Home-Rule Charter, Ordinances and Resolutions approved by the Council, as well as Mayoral Proclamations. The La Joya Home Rule Charter and Ordinances will be codified by American Legal Publishing and made available online later this year. Public Information The City Secretary is the official records custodian for the City. The City Secretary also serves as the Public Information Coordinator (PIC) in compliance with the Texas Pubic Information Act (TPIA) . To obtain a publicly-available official record, you may contact the City Secretary or complete and return an Open Records Request Form. Public Disclosures State and local laws require certain disclosures relating to purchasing. Check Finance Department for required forms. Local Government Officers List (Ch 176) Current Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement(s) (Ch. 176): Laura Macias ; Elias Macias . Elections The City Secretary charged with administering local elections. However, the City has an agreement with the Hidalgo County Elections Department to administer elections as per state law. Registered voters may vote in La Joya at: La Joya Youth Center 604 Salomon Chapa St La Joya TX 78560 Register to vote before any election. Vital Records The City may have birth, marriage and death certificates for residents within the La Joya City Limits. Individuals outside the City may contact the Hidalgo County Clerk's Office for more information. Board Appointments The City Secretary coordinates Council appointments to citizen advisory and other boards and committees. Individuals interested in serving the City must complete a Board Action Form and submit it to the City Secretary 72 hours before a Council meeting. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. None Department Forms These forms will improve service delive ry. Download, complete and return. Board Action Form Open Records Request Form Public Forum Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Advocacy Alliance Center of Texas (AACT) Hidalgo County Elections Department Texas Municipal Clerks Association VoteTexas.gov

The La Joya Municipal Court's mission is to adjudicate cases in the interest of justice. Municipal Court Justitia Omnibus The La Joya Municipal Court's mission is to provide an accessible legal forum for individuals to have their Court matters heard in a fair and efficient manner while providing a high level of integrity, professionalism and customer service. Azanett Garcia Court Clerk In 2022 the Council confirmed the appointment of Azanette Garcia as Municipal Court Clerk. As authorized by Government Code, Chapter 29 , "The clerk shall keep minutes of the proceedings of the court, issue process, and generally perform the duties for the municipal court that a county clerk performs for a county court." Department Description Quick Facts The La Joya Home-Rule Charter approved by voter in 2013 established a Municipal Court "... for the trial of misdemeanor offenses with all powers and duties granted by the laws of the State of Texas." The Mayor and City Council are authorized to appoint a Presiding Judge "... for a term of four (4) years to run concurrently with the term of office of Mayor. Compensation shall be set by the City Council and may not be reduced during the term of office for which the Judge was appointed. ... In the absence or disability of the Judge, the City Council shall appoint an interim judge to preside over the Municipal Court." News Municipal Court Information Judges Alejandro "Alex" Cantu Linda Sarabia Anthony Uresti Court Hours Municipal Court is in session every Wednesdays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm -- except for Night Court. Night Court Night Court is in session the third Wednesday of every month, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. La Joya Municipal Court 701 E Business 83 La Joya TX 78560-4051 Courtroom Decorum Judge Lee R. Alaniz has issued rules governing Courtroom decorum, part of the Court's Standing Orders . Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46 prohibits any person from carrying a firearm or other weapon on the premises of government Courts and Court offices. Pay Traffic Fines Traffic fines may be paid at the La Joya Municipal Court, located at La Joya City Hall by money order only, or you may pay traffi c fines o nline . Trials Cases are adjudicated by a Municipal Court Judge. The City Attorney serves as Prosecutor. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Standing Orders Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Court Records Request Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: State Commission on Judicial Conduct Texas Court Help Texas Court Clerks Association Texas Municipal Courts Association Texas Municipal Courts Education Center

Drop by, call, mail or chat us up.  We are here to help. Contact Us Drop by, call, mail or chat us up. We are here to help. First Name Last Name Street Address City State Zip Code Phone Email Messages Subscribe to La Joya's newsletter Send Thanks for contacting La Joya! City of La Joya 701 E Expressway 83 La Joya TX 78560-4051 956.581.7002 info@lajoyatx.gov Accessibility Statement Privacy Policy Department Directory

The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Planning/Code Enf. The Planning/Code Enforcement Department mission is to plan for orderly community growth and promote its safety. Vacant Department Description Quick Facts Planning/Code Enforcement Department has three divisions that provide for community planning and safety: Animal Control; Code Enforcement; and Planning News Department Services Animal Control 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. Code Enforcement Code Enforcement ensures our community is protected from natural and human disasters by enforcing building codes, illegal dumping, weedy lot and other nuisance ordinances. Planning The Department works with developers, utility companies, the public on new commercial and residential subdivisions. The Department also works closely with: Planning & Zoning Commission Capital Improvement Advisory Committee Tree Advisory Committee RGV Stormwater Task Force The City has adopted the following building codes: ICC Building Code, 2018 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: AEP Tree or Street Light Problem Reporting American Planning Association (APA) International Code Council (ICC) Stormwater Taskforce TEEX Code Enforcement Program

The La Joya Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated by the Mayor during a natural or civil emergency. La Joya Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Ramon Gonzalez Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) The La Joya Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated by the Mayor during a natural or civil emergency. The La Joya EOC is currently in the: Mitigation Phase Preparedness Phase Response Phase Recovery Phase VEOCI Login Situation Report (Sit Rep) Quick Facts During a declared emergency, the La Joya Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will provide regularly-scheduled Situation Reports regarding active threats, responses and recovery. Resources Report Power Outage (AEP Texas) Drive Texas (TxDOT Highway Conditions) Weather Outlook (National Hurricane Center) News EOC Information Situation Reports Situation Reports are regularly updated during a Response Phase. Thunderstorm Alberto (June 19-21, 2024): Response Phase: Day 1 Response Phase: Day 2 Response Phase: Day 3 Public Information During a natural or civil emergency, individuals will be provided with specific information for preparation, Response and Recovery. Be Prepared for Flood (FEMA) Be Prepared for Power Outage (FEMA) Ready.gov Sandbag Information Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) The La Joya Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is composed of trained, community volunteers whom will support the City's Emergency Management Operations. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Emergency Declaration CERT Member Roster Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. None External Links Government and partner resources: National D epartment of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Weather Service (NWS) National Hurricane Center State TDEM State Operations Center (SOC) Local Hidalgo County Off. of Emergency Management

Ethics Advisory Committee < Back Ethics Advisory Committee Laura M. Macias, Chair Ordinance No. 2021-06 The Ethics Advisory Committee (EAC) provides advice and recommendations to the City Council on professional development training regarding federal, state and local standards of ethical conduct and related legal requirements. Additional information on ethics issues and laws can be found at: Texas Ethics Commission Texas Municipal League - Ethics Previous Next

La Joya Municipal Library educates people of all ages through literature. Municipal Library La Joya Municipal Library educates people of all ages through literature. Susana Villegas Director Susana Villegas is a career librarian having worked for the La Joya Municipal Library in a variety of positions for nearly 25 years. Department Description Quick Facts La Joya Municipal Library is dedicated to the education of people of all ages through literature. Our library enables the La Joya community access to a variety of books, articles and a computer lab. With a new website and online catalog, the Municipal Library is able to provide much-needed resources to everyone. The La Joya Municipal Library was established on December 8, 1993 and joined the Hidalgo County Library System (HCLS) on April 26, 1994. News Library Services Hours Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday-Sunday: Closed La Joya Municipal Library 201 Palm Shores Drive La Joya TX 78560-9008 956.581.4533 Catalogs Check-out our Inter-Library Loan (ILL) programs and online catalogs: Hidalgo County Library System Catalog Kids Catalog Library of Congress TexasShare Programs Books are just part of our offerings. The La Joya Municipal Library offers programs throughout the year. English as Second Language (ESL) Classes Holiday Events Summer Reading Program Talking Book Program Detailed information on our events is on the City's Events Calendar . Services The Library offers its patrons a variety of services, some at no cost and others for a small fee. Computer Lab Faxing, Printing & Scanning Voter Registration Hot Topics Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Library Policies Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Library Card Application External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Hidalgo County Library System (HCLS) Library of Congress TexasShare Texas Municipal Library Directors Association

La Joya TIRZ #1 Board < Back La Joya TIRZ #1 Board Isidro Casanova, President Tax Code, Chapter 311: Tax Increment Financing Act The La Joya Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 (LJTIRZ1), in partnership with Hidalgo County, represents an opportunity to promote and encourage construction of mixed-use industrial, commercial, office warehouse, retail, food service, lodging facilities, market rate and affordable single-family and multi-family housing in areas of the City that have significant and varied impediments to development. Previous Next

The City of La Joya Code of Ethics. Ethics The Home Rule Charter requires the City Council adopt a Code of Ethics. The Council adopted a code in 2021 and amended it in 2024. Code of Ethics Purpose . This Code of Ethics reinforces existing federal, state, local and professional standards of ethical conduct, and related legal requirements by requiring professional development training for individuals acting on behalf of the City. Training . Elected and appointed officials, board members, and municipal employees and certain vendors shall complete designated hours of professional development training on federal, state and/or local ethics laws, policies and procedures (see table below). This training shall supplement any training required of individuals by federal, state and local laws or by professional associations. Training shall be completed within ninety (90) days of assuming office; or being hired, respectively. The Council are encouraged to participate in the Texas Municipal League Institute (TMLI) Certification for Local Officials program. Screening . Candidates for boards and commissions must complete and submit a Board Appointment Form 72 hours before appointment by the Council. This form must be filed in the City Secretary’s Office . Committee . An Ethics Advisory Committee is established to advise the Council on ethics for public organizations. The Committee shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council. Committee membership shall include one member of each individual class (see table above). Review . This ordinance shall be reviewed annually by the Committee. The Committee shall report their findings and recommendations to the Council for further action, if necessary. Penalties . Elected officials failing to comply with this ordinance shall be a assessed a fine of $75.00. Appointed officials, employees or volunteers failing to comply with this ordinance shall be subject to disciplinary action. Committee members may be subjected to removal from their appointed office. Vendors may have contracts voided by the City Manager or the Council. Ethics Laws T he City must comply with state laws (statutes or codes) as well as local local laws such as the Municipal Home Rule Charter, Ordinances, Personnel Handbook, Accounting Procedures, Purchasing Manual, Administrative Regulations, and Departmental regulations. Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Ethics Handbook, 2022 Ethics Training Presentation, 2022 Department Forms These forms will improve service delive ry. Download, complete and return. Board Action Form External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Federal Bureau of Investigation _San Antonio Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney Texas Attorney General's Office Texas Ethics Commission Texas Rangers - Weslaco

​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. 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 . Department Description As authorized by the Home-Rule Charter, the City Manager shall: 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; with the advice and consent of the City Council, determine proper and just compensation for all department heads; 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; 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; prepare and submit the annual budget and capital program to the City Council; 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; 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; 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 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 Learn more about professional associations and partners: International City Management Association (ICMA) Leonardo Olivares National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials (NALEO) Texas City Management Association (TCMA)