LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Daniel Valenzuela was hired as city manager in 2012, making him one of the longest serving city managers in the cities history. Since that time he has served alongside four mayors; Alvin New, Dwain Morrison, Brenda Gunter, and Tom Thompson, and many more city councilors, overseeing several major changes and modernizations to the city.
He announced his retirement in August of 2025, and gave his farewell to council, staff, and residents at the opening of Tuesday’s meeting. The council will finalize their appointment of Phillip Urrutia to the post during executive session.
“Over the past 13 years he has provided steady leadership,” Mayor Thompson said, “In today’s environment, the role of city manager has become one of the most demanding and at times least desirable jobs in public service…it’s no surprise that many city managers only serve two to three years before moving on.
“Thats what makes Daniel’s almost 14 dedicated years to one community so extraordinary.”
Valenzuela delivered a brief thank you to his family and staff:
Valenzuela thanked his wife: “My cheerleader, and that person I could go home to and talk to. This job is a very stressful job…I can tell you that my wife has been instrumental in getting me through so much of that.
“I’ve had the chance to meet with our future city manager, I think our staff will be in great hands, and that makes me feel so much better.” He thanked the community also, for their generosity and care throughout their time in San Angelo.
Both the Mayor and Valenzuela’s remarks were twinged with a bit of emotion, and it was obvious that many city councilors and city staffers were emotional about the departure as well. Valenzuela says that after taking some time off for travel, he and his wife plan to remain in San Angelo.
