Council unanimously appoints Gerardo Marquez as community development and public works director

The City Council voted unanimously to appoint Gerardo Marquez as director of community development and public works and approved an employment agreement that sets his base salary, car allowance and severance terms.

City staff described a formal recruitment process conducted via NEOGOV, two rounds of interviews and a finalist selection. Human-resources staff told the council the position was advertised externally, that multiple applicants were vetted and that Marquez emerged as the final candidate after two interview rounds.

Under the employment agreement presented to council, Marquez's annual base salary is $172,767.52 (monthly equivalent $14,397.29) with a $600 monthly car allowance. The contract provides one month's severance if terminated without cause within the first year and nine months' severance if terminated thereafter, and other standard director-level benefits. Councilmember Larry Rodriguez made the motion to approve the employment agreement; Councilmember Bohorquez seconded it. The motion passed 5-0.

Several council members asked questions about Marquez's experience and the scope of his duties, which include both community development and public works functions. Marquez described prior municipal experience in planning and in roles that required coordination with public-works staff and said he would continue working with a planned economic-development hire to pursue business attraction.

Why it matters: The director position oversees planning, development review and public-works operations. Filling the role provides a permanent executive lead to manage city projects and infrastructure work.

What happens next: Marquez will assume duties under the approved employment agreement; staff will proceed with onboarding and coordinate with council on immediate priorities.