It’s time for Durango residents to weigh in on their new city manager – one of the most important positions in city government.
The city of Durango is considering two finalists for the city manager position, Jose Madrigal from Texas and Interim City Manager Amber Blake. The finalists have already interviewed with city councilors and staff members. Community members will have a chance to ask their own questions during a virtual meeting scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
“Community members who are interested in learning more about the finalists for the position of city manager are invited to attend a virtual meeting with the finalists and City Council,” a Durango news release said.
The public must submit questions for the finalists by 4:30 p.m. Monday by following instructions at durangogov.org/citymanager.
The finalists’ application materials are also available online at that web address. The deadline to provide feedback is 4:30 p.m. Aug. 20. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Durango Government Television.
The city manager directs and supervises the departments, offices and agencies of Durango’s government. The manager is responsible for the development and preparation of the city’s annual budget and capital improvement program. He or she reports directly to City Council and carries out City Council directives, goals and objectives.
Blake took on the role temporarily after former manager Ron LeBlanc parted ways with the city in October. As interim city manager, Blake has been heavily involved in managing city finances and the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
She has 15 years of government experience, 11 of which have been in Durango. During that time, she was director of transportation and sustainability and assistant city manager. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in geography from the University of Montana. She also completed the Rocky Mountain Leadership Program of the University of Colorado Denver.
Madrigal is the interim solid waste services director with the city of Irving, Texas. He has 17 years of government experience, 13 of which were at the executive level. Before his current role, Madrigal was the deputy city manager with the city of McKinney, Texas, and worked as assistant city manager, public works assistant director and strategic services director in various municipalities.
He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master of Public Administration from Texas Tech University.
smullane@durangoherald.com
