The Topeka City Council in Kansas has chosen Robert Perez, Dallas’ assistant city manager, to become its new city manager.
“I’m extremely honored and excited to begin leading the City of Topeka as its next city manager,” Perez said in a press release. “Public service is important to me, and I look forward to getting to know and serving the community in the near future.”
Perez wears many hats in Dallas. His office administers the Office of Homeless Solutions, 311, Sanitation, Animal Services, and Code Compliance. He provides executive leadership to Building Services, Equipment & Fleet Management, Public Works, Transportation, and the Office of Bond & Construction Management, according to his profile.
“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, per the press release. “I have full confidence in his ability to lead the City of Topeka and guide us toward our strategic goals.”
Perez’s start date is still being decided, but Topeka expects him to begin working in late June or early July. His salary will be $255,000, and he will be moving with his wife, Harim, and their miniature schnauzer, Sebastian.
He was selected from a pool of 40 applicants. On April 8, Topeka’s mayor, city council members, and community stakeholders interviewed the applicants in a series of interviews. The pool of candidates was then narrowed to two before follow-up interviews were conducted.
Perez’s departure is just the latest in a major upheaval in Dallas’ municipal leadership. Former City Manager T.C. Broadnax resigned earlier this month to take the same position in Austin, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Broadnax oversaw several years of increased crime, tax collection, and City spending in Dallas but will still likely take with him a full year’s salary as severance.
Another assistant city manager in Dallas, Majed Al-Ghafry, is reported to be on the shortlist to become DeSoto’s city manager, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Perez has been the assistant city manager for two years and has been in public service for more than 20. Before joining the City of Dallas, he worked for San Antonio for 16 years.
He will replace Stephen Wade, who was fired ten months after taking the job as Topeka city manager amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, reported D Magazine.