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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

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Capital Improvements Advisory Committee < Back Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Dr. Antonio Uresti, Chair Local Government Code, Chapter 395 The Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC) advises the City Council on the Capital Improvements Plan and associated development Impact Fees. Previous Next

Photos of community activities in and around La Joya, Texas. Gallery Smile! This is Coyote country.

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.

​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