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

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 City Secretary's Office shares information such as meeting agendas and minutes for the City Council and other municipal boards and committees. City Secretary Meeting Agendas, Notices & Minutes

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. Part 3: Soldiers Go West & Southerner Joins Union Soldiers & Priests Go West The Mexican American War created a need for the U.S. Army to regularly move troops and supplies along the international boundary from east to west. This dusty route was established as the Military Road connecting U.S. Army forts along the newly established United States-Mexico border. The road passed through Tabasco and Havana on its way west to U.S. Army Fort Ringgold in Rio Grande City . Beginning in 1849 Havana residents would be visited by the Oblates on their travels from Port Isabel to Laredo. A small schoolhouse was constructed from rock and adobe in Havana to teach children from Abram-Perezville (Ojo de Agua), Penitas, Tabasco, Havana, Los Ebanos and Cuevitas. The weathered stone of a simple one-room building remain in Havana today. Its use unknown. The dilapidated structure arguably remains the oldest building in Hidalgo County. Inter-Racial Family Finds Freedom In 1857 Nathaniel Jackson, wife Matilda Hicks, their inter-racial children and formerly enslaved people fled Alabama to the Rio Grande Valley in search of freedom from racial discrimination. They ranched and farmed land near Pharr, Texas and helped enslaved people along the lesser-know, southern branch of the Underground Railroad to Mexico. Jackson descendants would be among the founders of La Joya. A Southerner Fights for the North When the U.S. Civil War broke in 1861, Texas joined the Confederacy and most locals followed or acquiesced in the state’s official action. Patricio Perez was defiant. The Havana resident rode to Brownsville and enlisted in the U.S. Army’s Second Regiment of the Texas Cavalry when it arrived in 1863. Sergeant Perez would serve in Brownsville and later in New Orleans before he was discharged in 1865. Previous Next

​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)

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

< Back Angie Garza One of nine siblings, Angelica Garza was born in Edinburg, Texas to David B González and Otila Villarreal González. Garza attended Edinburg CISD schools and graduated from Edinburg High School in 1967, before attending Pan American University and marrying José Vicente Garza on July 4, 1969. As proud parents of three and residents of La Joya, Texas, Garza and her husband were dedicated to helping their community. In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club in La Joya, the Garzas would sponsor various baseball teams from Sullivan City to Palmview, and provide transportation for required travel to game competitions in neighboring cities. In March 1976, Garza began working for La Joya ISD and did not retire from the district until 28 years later in 2004. Throughout her career with La Joya ISD and for several years after, Garza served as city commissioner for La Joya, (1987-2011), chairperson for Hidalgo County Metropolitan Policy Organization (1992-1994), president of the La Joya Lions Club (2002-2003), and is a past member of the Texas Municipal League (TML) and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) . Presently, Garza is a grandmother to five cherished grandchildren and remains committed to serving her community in various ways. Garza is a board member of the La Joya Economic Development Corporation (LJEDC), serves as a lector and Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish in La Joya, and also is an active member of the ACTS Organization at the same parish.

Like... follow... share. Stay informed with the latest in La Joya, Texas. Social Media Keep up to date with our City and community via our social media accounts. If you have a public event to promote, let us know. We always promote La Joya and western Hidalgo County communities. More Info... Local News Organizations KLJS-TV (La Joya ISD) KRGV (Channel 5) My RGV (The Monitor ) Progress Times Rio Grande Guardian Telemundo (Channel 40) Valley Central (Channel 4; Channel 23)

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