Fort Worth's first Hispanic city manager sparks historic change

In Fort Worth, Texas, the City Council is preparing to vote on the appointment of Jesus Jay Chapa as the city’s first Hispanic city manager. This decision is slated to take place on December 10, 2024, following the retirement of the current city manager, David Cooke, at the beginning of the new year. Chapa, who has been associated with the city for over two decades, has served in various high-level positions including deputy city manager and director of housing and economic development. Despite broad support for Chapa among council members, there are concerns about the transparency of the selection process. City Councilmember Chris Nettles criticized the decision-making, suggesting that several qualified candidates were bypassed in favor of a select few. This has raised questions about fairness and the process used to narrow down the candidates from a pool of more than 150 applicants during a national search conducted by the HR department. Supporters of Chapa point to his extensive experience and community relationships as key advantages that make him the right candidate to lead Fort Worth in its future endeavors. City Councilmember Michael D. Crain commended Chapa’s work ethic and ethical standards, comparing the city’s management to running a multi-billion-dollar corporation. As the meeting approaches, expectations are high for Chapa’s potential appointment, with significant discussions regarding the leadership direction the city needs. The discussions reflect broader implications for the city’s future, especially as it navigates complex urban development and community engagement issues.