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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. 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 Economic Development Corp. Board < Back La Joya Economic Development Corp. Board Isidro Casanova, President Local Government Code, Chapter 501: Development Corporations The purpose of the La Joya Economic Development Corp. (LJEDC) is promoting and development of industrial and manufacturing enterprises, promoting and encouraging employment and the public welfare for the City as provided by the Development Corporation Act. Additional information on economic development can be found at: International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - EDC Types Texas Economic Development Council National Association of Development Organizations Previous Next

Tree Advisory Board < Back Tree Advisory Board Chair, Pending election Ordinance No. 2023-03 The Tree Advisory Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the Public Works Director and shall: (1) Coordinate and promote Arbor Day activities; (2) Review and update a five-year plan to plant and maintain trees on city property; (3) Support public awareness and education programs relating to trees; (4) Review city department concerns relating to tree care; (5) Submit an annual report of its activities to the city council; (6) Assist with the annual application to renew the Tree City USA designation; (7) Recommend a list of tree species for planting on city property, and a list of prohibited species; and (8) Perform other duties that may be assigned by City Council. The City is in the process of applying for designation as a Tree City USA . 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

Board of Adjustments < Back Board of Adjustments Chris Reyna, Chair Local Government Code, Chapter 211: Municipal Zoning Authority The Board of Adjustments (BOA) may authorize the following exceptions to regulations: Permit the reconstruction, extension or enlargement of a building occupied by nonconforming use on the lot or tract ...; Permit such modifications to the height, yard, area, coverage and parking regulations as may be necessary to secure appropriate development of a parcel of land which differs from other parcels in the district ...; Require the discontinuance of non-conforming use of land or structure under any plan whereby the full value of the structure and facilities can be amortized within a definite period of time ...; and Authorize in specific cases a variance from the terms of a zoning ordinance if the variance is not contrary to the public interest ... For additional information, please consult: TEEX Code Enforcement Program International Code Council (ICC) Previous Next

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)