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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 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

These are La Joya's boards, commissions and committees. Boards If interested in serving on a Advisory Board or Committee, download the Board Action Form found at the City Secretary's Office . The public is invited to attend meetings where boards discuss items posted on their meeting agendas . Ethics Advisory Committee Ordinance No. 2021-06 Read More La Joya TIRZ #1 Board Tax Code, Chapter 311: Tax Increment Financing Act Read More Capital Improvements Advisory Committee Local Government Code, Chapter 395 Read More Animal Shelter Advisory Committee Health & Safety Code, Chapter 823, Animal Shelters Read More Planning & Zoning Commission Local Government Code, Chapter 211: Municipal Zoning Authority Read More La Joya Economic Development Corp. Board Local Government Code, Chapter 501: Development Corporations Read More Board of Adjustments Local Government Code, Chapter 211: Municipal Zoning Authority Read More Tree Advisory Board Ordinance No. 2023-03 Read More

The City Council of La Joya, Texas City Council The La Joya City Council is composed of five officials, elected at large. The Council is among the best trained to respond to natural or civil emergencies. The entire Council recently completed training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and are all member of the La Joya Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) . The Council invites the public to its Regular and Special Meetings to discuss items on the Council's Agenda . More information on municipal government is found at: Texas Municipal League (TML) Institute Texas Association of Mayors, Councilmember & Commissioners National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials (NALEO) National Civic League National League of Cities Isidro Casanova Mayor At-Large Read More Enrique Cantu Mayor Pro-Tem Place 2 Read More Irma Veloz Councilwoman Place 1 Read More Angie Garza Councilwoman Place 3 Read More Laura M. Macias Councilwoman Place 4 Read More

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

A listing of former municipal officers charged with the daily operations of the City of La Joya. Former Officials A listing of former municipal officers charged with the daily operations of the City of La Joya. Public Service is a calling to contribute to the daily life of a community. Over the years, the City of La Joya has been served by a cadre of trained professionals. These municipal officers are recruited, appointed and confirmed by the Council. If you know of someone who's served our community, please contact us so that we may document our institutional knowledge and acknowledge their service.

The Personnel Department's mission is to recruit and retain talented public servants. Personnel Dept. The Personnel Department mission is to recruit and retain talented public servants. Department Description Quick Facts Welcome. The City of La Joya is building a new future everyday. Join us. We recruit and retain talented professionals to provide a variety of municipal services to our citizens. The City of La Joya is a recognized as a professionally-managed municipality by the International City Management Association (ICMA) . Personnel Services Employee Benefits La Joya provides a competitive benefits package which includes: Competitive Salaries Health Insurance Vision/Dental Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Other Annual Leave benefits Employment Opportunities The City is currently recruiting qualified applicants for the following positions: Building Maintenance If interested complete an application, link below and return it to our office or via personnel@lajoyatx.gov . For more information, contact us at: 956.581.7002 . Municipal Holidays Municipal offices are closed in observance of official holidays. New Year's Day (Dec 31-Jan 1) MLK Day (3rd Monday of Jan) Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in Feb) Easter (Good Friday & Easter Monday) Memorial Day (Last Monday in May) Juneteenth (Jun 19) Independence Day (Jul 4) Labor Day (1st Monday in Sep) Indigenous Peoples Day (2nd Monday in Oct) Thanksgiving (3rd Thursday & Friday in Oct) Christmas (Dec 24-25) Volunteer Opportunities "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world... " Margaret Mead Join our municipal family by volunteering for: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Library Helper Volunteer Firefighter Just complete and return the Employee/Volunteer Application . :-) Department Docs More information regarding our Department. Organizational Chart Department Forms These forms will improve service delivery. Download, complete and return. Citizen Complaint Form Employment/Volunteer Application External Links Learn more about government regulators, funders, professional associations and partners: Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Texas Municipal Human Resources Association Texas Municipal League (TML) Career Center

​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. Jaime Sandoval City Manager Jaime Sandoval is a career public sector professional having served in several local government positions. He began his career with the County of Hidalgo's Human Services Division and the Urban County Program . Sandoval also served in leadership roles for the City of Donna and the City of Alamo , as well as Assistant City Manager for the City of Mercedes and City Manager for the City of La Feria . Sandoval is a graduate of Pan American University (now the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley). 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) National Association of Latino Elected/Appointed Officials (NALEO) Texas City Management Association (TCMA)

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 .

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