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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 4: High Waters in the Wild Wild West The West is Wild During the war in 1862 Mexican rebels clashed with Confederate forces in nearby Cuevitas, Texas . The international incident resulted in the death of three teamsters driving a wagon train. In retaliation, homes were burned, devastating the small community. After the war in 1874 Texas Rangers would illegally cross at Los Ebanos into Mexico in pursuit of alleged cattle rustlers. And, in 1875 U.S. Customs fought alleged cattle rustlers at Los Ebanos. Cross-border violence is not new. The Catarino E. Garza War against Mexico's President Porfidio Diaz regime ended near La Joya in 1891. The western part of Hidalgo County has been wild for long a time. Havana Grows as Outpost Havana was a growing outpost. In 1886 the Havana Post Office was opened, and St. Joseph’s Church was built in 1891. In 1904 a branch of the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway reached Tabasco and Havana to the “End of Line” where a new settlement called Sam Fordyce was established. The Havana Post Office was moved there in 1905, but the new settlement would not long last. John Conway attempt to promote the new community was unsuccessful due to defects in title to the property. The Post office would close in 1931 and Sam Fordyce became a ghost town. Flood Forces Relocation -- Again A century after Reynosa was flooded and relocated and Tabasco established, flood waters from the Rio Grande would wreak havoc again. In 1908 and again in 1909 Tabasco flooded. Residents moved to higher ground, along the hills to start anew. The historic Tabasco Cemetery is all that remains of the original settlement. The graves of Tabasco’s original settlers and of great-grandparents of La Joya families are all but forgotten as the property sit in an unmarked tract in what is now mostly surrounded by U.S. Fish & Wildlife property – inaccessible to descendants and the public. Previous Next

The City of La Joya is open for business. We are located on the western frontier of the growing McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA. Call us for more information. Economic Development Texas has made a $206 million investment in highway expansion in La Joya, Texas -- opening thousand of acres for development ... just west of McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA. Transportation Interstate Highways The Texas Department of Transportation is completing work on a $206 million Relief Route to U.S. Expressway 83 -- just north of La Joya, Texas. This expressway connects with Interstate 2 and Interstate 69 C. International Bridges The Anzalduas International Bridge facilities truck and other vehicular traffic from Monterrey, Mexico to McAllen, Houston and points north. The McAllen/Hidalgo International Bridge also is available and handles pedestrian traffic. International Airport La Joya is served by McAllen International Airport . Taxes La Joya has a competitive property tax structure. The City's $0.02 per dollar sales tax is allocated to municipal operations ($0.015) and economic development ($0.005). The State of Texas does not assess any corporate nor personal income tax. Utilities Gas is provided by Texas Gas Service and electric through various Retail Electric Providers (REP) and American Electric Power (AEP) . The City's Public Utility Department (PUD) provides water and wastewater services. Solid waste is collected through an exclusive municipal franchise agreement with Waste Connections . Below are base rates for commercial accounts. Incentives The City of La Joya and its economic and community development entities may offer a variety of incentives based on the level of investment and job creation and/or retension. Contact us for more information. La Joya Economic Development Corporation The La Joya EDC is organized under the Development Corporation Act, Section 4B. La Joya Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1 The La Joya TIRZ#1 operates in partnership with Hidalgo County. Hidalgo County, Texas Hidalgo County is designated as an Enterprise Zone . La Joya also is in the Opportunity Zone . More Info... Texas Economic Development Council National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Hidalgo County Economic Develop LRGVDC Economic Development

The City of La Joya includes accessibility throughout our internal policies and takes measures to ensure accessibility of our website: lajoyatx.gov. Accessibility Statement The only disability is when people cannot see human potential. Debra Ruh Measures to Support Accessibility T he Ci t y of La Joya includes acce ssibility throughout our internal policies and takes measures to ensure accessibility of lajoyatx.gov. Conformance Status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conforman ce: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. The City is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard. Contact Us We welcome your comments on the accessibility of the lajoyatx.gov. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on lajoyatx.gov by e-mailing us at info@lajoyatx.gov . We try to respond to feedback within two business days. Thank you for visiting us. This statement was created on 15 August 2021 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool .

< Back Laura M. Macias Laura M. Macias began serving La Joya, Texas when elected to the City Council in 2019 and served as Mayor Pro Tem during her first term in office. She was re-elected to a second term in 2023. Macias is a La Joya native and graduate of La Joya High School. After earning her Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV ) in 2010, Macias began operating an adult daycare in Palmview, Texas. In 2015 she served as a Contract Caseworker for Texas Child Protective Services. Currently, Macias is a licensed real estate agent with Top Tier Real Estate Group serving clients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

The City of La Joya is a Home-Rule, municipal corporation and body politic established in 1926. Community Description The location, the city and the people of La Joya, Texas. Location Nestled on gentle rolling hills between two lakes along western Hidalgo County sits the City of La Joya, Texas. La Joya is a land of transitions, where urban meets rural, the plains meet hills and the past meets the future. La Joya is bounded on the east by the historic community of Penitas (established in 1520); on the south by Texas Wildlife Management Areas, U.S. Fish & Wildlife property and the Rio Grande River; on the west by Sullivan City and the historic Los Ebanos Ferry; and on the north by thousands of acres of verdant farmlands. The recently completed $206 million U.S. Expressway 83 Relief Route connects the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro with Rio Grande City and Laredo along the United States-Mexico border. Municipality In 1926 residents of western Hidalgo County established the City of La Joya as a general-law municipal corporation and body politic. It became inactive during the Great Depression, then re-elected a City Commission in 1965. In 2013 La Joya became a Home-Rule municipal corporation governed by a City Council composed of a Mayor and four Councilmembers, all elected at-large. The City has adopted a Council-Manager form of government and has earned a Council-Manager Recognition by the International City Management Association (ICMA) . People With approximately 5,000 residents according to the U.S. Census , La Joya enjoys small town comforts with the convenience of nearby metro areas. But La Joya really is embodied in the heart of its youth, the spirit of its ancestors and the pride of a community. Rugged individuals like Jose Matias Tijerina established a frontier community in Havana. Descendants of Nathaniel Jackson and Matilda Hicks were among founders of La Joya. Their family helped enslave people along the Valley’s underground railroad. Havana resident Patricio Perez joined the just cause of fighting for freedom and equality with the Union during the Civil War. We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. – Cesar Chavez Education has been central to La Joya, having one of the first schools in the region. Coyote pride on the gridiron is manifested through community activism for social justice. Leo J. Leo became a prominent civil rights activist during the 1960s before becoming Mayor. His son, Billy Leo also was active in state and national elections. This is the legacy of a rural community in the life of its state and nation. Official Designations It's official. The City has designated official flora and fauna for La Joya. Naturally. Tree Retama (Guaiacum Angustifolium ) This beautiful native tree bears fine green leaflets, green bark and bright yellow flowers. Flower Lantana (Lantana Horrida ) Showy heads of yellow, orange and red flowers decorate natural sites and yards around the City. Butterfly Lyside (Kricogonia Lyside ) This attractive, bright yellow or white butterfly thrives in chaparrals. Bird Roadrunner (Geococcyx Californianus ) This large, brown, crested, long-tailed bird runs along the roads, feeds and nests in chaparral, often entertaining its human admirers. Mammal Coyote (Canis Latrans ) Indigenous peoples of North America honor Brother Coyote and the people of the Border Region honor Mano Coyote with tales of its intelligence and wily exploits, and La Joya ISD support their beloved mascot. More Info... La Joya City Limits and Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) Map La Joya Municipal Organizational Chart

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

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

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 5: A New City Rises Wars, Water and Railroads Unsettled the Region Tabasco and Havana residents would once again endure the ravages of war as the Mexican Revolution of 1910 spilled into the Rio Grande Valley. U.S. Army troops would pass through the communities en route to points west as they defended the international border with Mexico. World War I (1914-1918) would contribute to the instability of the region during this period. During the early 20th century the foundations of a new era for the Rio Grande Valley were laid. First, the extension of railroads connected the region to commodity markets and people to the north. Second, the Texas Legislature enacted a law facilitating irrigation districts in 1913. The Valley was ready. At the end of the Mexican Revolution and WWI, the magical Rio Grande Valley experienced a migration of Anglo farmers that would transform the largely Latino ranchlands for good – and for bad. A New City on a Hill Education has been central to residents of western Hidalgo County. The Tabasco Independent School District organized before any municipalities in its service area, and would become one of the largest school districts in the Rio Grande Valley. In 1925 it began construction of a new school in Havana. As the Roaring 20s marked tremendous growth in the United States, Major S.L. Davidson and John H. Smith of Houston and J.T. Franklin of Austin saw an opportunity to further development by establishing a new municipality in Tabasco School District. Smith pushed for an election to incorporate a new city. On June 29, 1926, residents voted to incorporate the City of La Joya, Texas . Residents also elected Felix R. Vela as mayor; Alejandro Solis and Pablo Trevino as commissioners. The trio arguably are the first municipal government composed entirely of Latino elected officials in the region, at the time. Results of the incorporation election and its first governing body were filed on July 17, 1926. The community grew for a few years, until the Great Depression (1929) plummeted the nation into the unknown. Like many corporations and other municipalities, the City of La Joya closed its doors and ceased its operations to the public. More to follow... Previous Next

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 Stormwater 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 . For more information contact the Stormwater Hotline: 956.585.4855 . 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 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