Michelle Rivera is the new deputy city manager for the City of McAllen, effective June 1. Rivera brings to the role a 30-year career in public service across the Rio Grande Valley, with experience in the cities of Harlingen, Mercedes and McAllen, where she has served as assistant city manager since 2014.

Known for her collaborative leadership, business-minded approach, and results-driven strategies, Rivera has built a legacy of innovation, fiscal responsibility, and community development throughout South Texas.

“Michelle is a professional collaborator, a strategic thinker and a business-minded leader. Her deep knowledge of development, her professionalism and her unwavering dedication to the public good make her the ideal choice for deputy city manager,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Her experience in economic development, fiscal management and community building makes her an invaluable asset to the City of McAllen.”

In her new role, Rivera will continue overseeing development services while expanding her leadership across citywide initiatives focusing on infrastructure, economic growth, community development and fiscal sustainability.

“I am honored and grateful for the trust placed in me by City Manager Tawil,” said Rivera. “It has been a privilege to serve McAllen and help shape its bright future. As deputy city manager, I look forward to new challenges and growth. I also will continue working with our incredible team and community partners to drive progress, strengthen our neighborhoods, and ensure McAllen remains the most dynamic and livable city in Texas.”

Rivera is a credentialed manager with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), a Certified Public Manager, a Certified Grant Writer, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, as well as other municipal and planning organizations. She holds a Master of City & Regional Planning from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Urban Planning from Arizona State University.

In 2025, she was honored as the Texas City Manager’s Association Assistant of the Year and currently serves as Region-10 Representative for TCMA.