City of Kansas City names Mario Vasquez new City Manager
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The City of Kansas City has a new city manager.
On Thursday, Mayor Quinton Lucas and the city council recommended and approved Mario Vasquez as the city’s newest city manager.
“After interviewing all qualified candidates, Mario Vasquez emerged as the clear choice to lead our city administration,” said Mayor Lucas. “His extensive experience in urban planning, economic development, and project management, combined with his 28-year dedication to Kansas City, made him the ideal candidate to guide our city forward.”
Vasquez was one of three finalists for the job, which has been open since former City Manager Brian Platt was fired in a unanimous decision by Lucas and the city council. Vasquez previously held the position of Assistant City Manager and Director of City Planning.
With the World Cup coming to Kansas City next summer, a south loop project and potential negotiations for stadiums upcoming, Vasquez has his work cut out for him.
“I penned a quick email to the mayor and council and I said, ‘I would say I’m ready to roll up my sleeves, but my sleeves were already rolled up,’” Vasquez told reporters at City Hall. “So I’m ready to go.”
He was selected in favor of Interim City Manager Kimiko Black Gilmore and former Assistant City Manager and Aviation Director Patrick Klein.
The City Council gave 11 “yes” votes and two “no” votes after Lucas’ recommendation Thursday.
“I am honored to be selected for the important position of city manager,” Vasquez said in a press release shared by the city. “Throughout my career, I have worked to bring people together, navigate diverse perspectives, build trust, and foster collaboration across departments and sectors. I know this community, its history, and its aspirations, and I am ready to guide Kansas City forward with purpose and resolve.”
Lucas thanked Gilmore for her “steady leadership” while serving as the interim city manager.
“Kimiko is an incredible public servant who’s done great work in our city,” Lucas said.
He’ll make $265,000 per year, according to a recommendation by Lucas at Thursday’s city council meeting. That’s considerably less than the amount the city was paying Platt previously.
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