LAGUNA VISTA — During Texas Municipal League’s 105th annual conference hosted in Houston, the town received an award for communication programs in cities with populations under 25,000.
In a press release, the city leaders are noted for being open to create and embrace transparency and using multiple platforms to reach the residents of Laguna Vista.
City Manager Rolando Vela’s background is in public relations and communication.
Since Vela became the city manager, he said he has pushed for ways to connect to the community.
“Residents like to be included and they like to be informed,” Vela said.
Mayor Susie Houston, Vela and council members Frank Davalos and Johvonne Howard were all in attendance to accept the award.
Vela credits the strategy the town developed to their communication announcements and using different media to communicate with their town, including social media, email updates and the town’s website.
“The communication strategy is fully embraced by all city leaders and employees, and together they continue to challenge themselves to improve messaging,” the statement read.
“This openness will pay dividends well into the future as the community tackles challenges and creates opportunities for growth,” the press release stated.
The town tries to actively promote transparency and openness, Vela said.
While the town’s staff size has not increased in years, Vela said their resources to reach out to the community have.
“We’re limited in staff so we try to maximize what we have,” Vela said.
TML’s Municipal Excellence Awards are given to two population categories and are given in five subject categories including management innovations, communication programs, city spirit, public safety and public works.
Vela said the award is an acknowledgment of their efforts.
What is TML?
TML stands for Texas Municipal League, a voluntary association of 1,155 Texas cities. Guided by its purpose statement — empowering Texas cities to serve their cities — the League provides support and services to city governments.
