DALLAS — In the latest staff move at city hall, Dallas Assistant City Manager Robert Perez was chosen for the Topeka, Kansas city manager job.
The Topeka City Council is expected to approve Perez’s contract during a May 14 meeting. The one-year contract includes Perez’s base salary, which will be $255,000, according to a press release.
Perez’s start date in Topeka is still being finalized but is expected to be between late June and early July.
“The Governing Body invested considerable time and effort into their selection process, and we’re excited that Dr. Perez has been selected,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead the City of Topeka and guide us toward our strategic goals.”
Perez was named among two finalists for the city manager job in Topeka last month.
In Dallas, Perez is responsible for helping to oversee 311, Dallas Animal Services, Code Compliance, Sanitation Services, and the Office of Homeless Solutions.
Prior to being appointed Dallas’ Assistant City Manager, Robert served as Dallas’ Director and Assistant Director of Public Works. Before joining the City of Dallas, Robert worked for the City of San Antonio for 16 years within the departments of Public Works, the Office of Management and Budget, the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and Community Initiatives.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to begin leading the City of Topeka as its next city manager,” Perez said. “Public service is important to me, and I look forward to getting to know and serving the community in the near future.”
The announcement of Perez’s selection for the city manager job in Topeka comes the same week former Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax started as Austin’s city manager and amid reports that Austin and Houston are interested in potentially hiring Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia for the same role.
