About The City Manager's Office

The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, is the City's chief administrative officer. The City Manager’s Office primary responsibilities are providing for the effective implementation of the City Council’s policies and priorities, coordinating the activities of all City departments, and ensuring responsible organizational and fiscal management.

PETER H. VARGAS, City Manager

Appointed by the City Council in January 1999, Mr. Vargas is the City’s Chief Administrative Officer. With more than 33 years of municipal experience, Mr. Vargas is responsible for the daily activities and services of the City, as well as implementing policies set by the City Council.

On February 26, 2010, City Manager Vargas received the Public Administrator of the Year Award from the North Texas American Society for Public Administration.  The award is given for sustained contributions to the public administration profession.  The Society noted that he exemplifies a high degree of commitment to ethical standards and excellence in public service.

Mr. Vargas and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Allen. They have one daughter.

Previous Experience:
Executive Director - City of Dallas’ Trinity River Corridor Project
City Manager - Laredo, Texas
Assistant City Manager - Englewood, Colorado
Assistant to the City Manager - Arvada, Colorado

Education: 
MPA, University of Colorado
BA, University of Northern Colorado

Council-Manager Form of Government

The council-manager system combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a council or other governing body, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. The form establishes a representative system where all power is concentrated in the elected council and where the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee the delivery of public services.

City’s Executive Team

The City Manager appoints a professional staff to help manage the organization. The City’s Executive Management Team includes:

City Manager	Assistant to the City Manager
Chief Building Official	City Secretary
Community Services Director	Engineering Director
Finance Director	Fire Chief
Human Resources Director	Information Technology Director
Library Director	Parks and Recreation Director
Planning and Development Director	Police Chief
Public and Media Relations Officer