Michelle Rivera Appointed Deputy City Manager for the City of McAllen

The City of McAllen is proud to announce the promotion of Michelle Rivera to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective June 1, 2025. Rivera brings a distinguished 30-year career in public service across the Rio Grande Valley, with experience in the cities of Harlingen, Mercedes, and McAllen, where she has served as Assistant City Manager since 2014. Known for her collaborative leadership, business-minded approach, and results-driven strategies, Rivera has built a legacy of innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community development throughout South Texas.

Mayor Javier Villalobos praised Rivera’s appointment, saying, “Michelle is a professional collaborator, a strategic thinker, and a business-minded leader. Her deep knowledge of development, her professionalism, and her unwavering dedication to the public good make her the ideal choice for Deputy City Manager. Her experience in economic development, fiscal management, and community building makes her an invaluable asset to the City of McAllen.”

City Manager Isaac J. Tawil echoed the sentiment: “Michelle has consistently demonstrated not only a sharp understanding of city operations, but also a deep commitment to our community’s growth and success. Her leadership has helped bring transformative projects to life in McAllen, and I am confident she will continue to deliver outstanding results in her new role. McAllen is fortunate to have a leader of her caliber as she adds tremendous value to our executive leadership team. As Deputy City Manager, she will play a vital role in guiding our city through its next phase of development and innovation.”

In her new role, Rivera will continue overseeing development services while expanding her leadership across citywide initiatives focused on infrastructure, economic growth, community development, and fiscal sustainability.

“I am honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by City Manager Tawil,” said Rivera. “It has been a privilege to serve McAllen and help shape its bright future. As Deputy City Manager, I look forward to new challenges and growth.  I also will continue working with our incredible team and community partners to drive progress, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure McAllen remains the most dynamic and livable city in Texas.”

As Assistant City Manager of Development Services for McAllen, Rivera led initiatives that reshaped the city’s development landscape, including:

• Establishing McAllen’s first Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), which supported the successful location of the Texas A&M University-McAllen campus.
• Establishing a second TIRZ for strategically placed drainage infrastructure.
• Spearheading a $25 million bond program to address traffic and drainage improvements.
• Overseeing more than 100 bond-funded construction projects, including the $45 million McAllen Performing Arts Center.
• Leading the creation of McAllen’s first One Stop Shop Development Center and implementation of online permitting processes.
• Developing and implementing the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council curriculum.
• Playing a critical role in budget development and management across a $600 million budget portfolio.

Rivera is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), a Certified Public Manager, a Certified Grant Writer, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, as well as other municipal and planning organizations. She holds a Master of City & Regional Planning from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Urban Planning from Arizona State University.

In 2025, she was honored as the Texas City Manager’s Association Assistant of the Year and currently serves as Region-10 Representative for TCMA.

Additionally, Rivera is an active member of Palm Valley Church, serving on various ministry teams.

Rivera’s promotion reflects McAllen’s ongoing commitment to professional leadership, integrity, and innovation at the highest levels of municipal government.