City of Rio Grande
... if you drink the water from the Rio Grande, you'll always return for more.
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Albert Gates
As Rio Grande City Administrator, Leonardo Olivares served as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the municipality, and enforced the laws of the City and required the faithful performance of all administrative duties.
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Duties and Responsibilities included:
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Managing the daily operations and long-term development of a rapidly urbanizing community of 20,000 that serves as the regional center for approximately 100,000.
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Leading economic development efforts through heritage and eco-tourism for one of the nation's most historic communities.
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Obtaining state and national recognition in print and electronic media.
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Securing approximately $50.0 million initial investment for water and wastewater infrastructure from federal and state agencies.
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Managing $7.6 million municipality with nearly 100 employees.
​Major Accomplishments
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Fostered economic development environment, which dramatically decreased chronic unemployment of more than 30 percent to a generational low of 9 percent.
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Garnered national, state and regional recognition for promoting one of Texas' most historical communities. Coverage included:
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Con mi Gente, KRGV-TV 5 (July 23, 2001)
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History Channel's America's Most En danged Historic Places (2001)
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Starr County News Bureau, KGBT-TV 4
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Texas Architect (March/April 2003)
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Texas Highways Magazine (Sept. 2002)
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The Bottom-line, KRGV-TV 5 (Mar. 3, 1999)
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The Medallion (Sept.-Oct. 2002)
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The Shape of Texas (Vol. 10, 2004)
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Initiated and supervised Texas Main Street Program which was nationally-recognized for three consecutive years (2003-2005).
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Completed continuing education courses in Economic Development, Municipal Planning and Zoning, Public Funds Investment Law, Water Law, the Utility Management Institute and others.
