Coral Gables city officials are moving forward with appointing José “Joe” Gómez as the next city manager. Currently serving as Coral Gables’ deputy city manager, Mr. Gómez will assume the city manager role Jan. 8, 2027, when current City Manager Peter Iglesias is scheduled to step down afte r announcing his resignation in May. “I think he’s demonstrated that he’s ready to take on this challenge. I think his professional judgment, his leadership, his commitment, everything is there,” Mr. Iglesias said during Tuesday’s city commission meeting. “I think the city is in very capable hands,” Mr. Iglesias said. “I think that having a smooth transition – and when I came back, it was not to stay for a long time, but I did want to take care of some things that I started. So, I highly recommend Joe Gomez as city manager. I think that a two-year interview is better than a one-hour interview, and so we know exactly what we’re getting with Joe, which is a great engineer and great person.” Commissioner Melissa Castro, who sponsored a resolution calling for a national search for a city manager, said the city is not facing an immediate vacancy and the commission has about four months to decide, compared with previous city manager searches that were conducted under more immediate circumstances. “Now, we have time to actually conduct a national search, and I’m pretty sure that maybe, yeah, Joe would be the first one most qualified to continue leading our city, but why not engage in a national search?” she asked the commission. On May 27, 2025, the commission brought Mr. Iglesias back as manager after the city had gone through two other managers since Mr. Iglesias was ousted in February 2024. Mr. Gómez briefly served as acting city manager after Alberto Parjus resigned from the role during a May 6, 2025, special city commission meeting. Initially, Mr. Parjus stepped in after Amos Rojas Jr. resigned as city manager and Mr. Iglesias’ replacement in February 2025. At the time of Mr. Iglesias’ reappointment, Mayor Vince Lago said he would fully support a formal search for a new city manager if the commission desired to do so. With Tuesday’s 3-1 majority vote in favor of Mr. Gómez’s appointment, the national search was scrapped. “I believe that we are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Gómez’s caliber already here and ready to lead,” Mayor Vince Lago said. “Joe knows Coral Gables. He knows our team. He knows the projects on the way, and most importantly, he understands this community and the high standards our residents expect.” Working for the city has been a highlight of his professional career, said Mr. Gómez, who has served as deputy city manager since February 2025. “This is an exceptional community, and I have been fortunate to work alongside talented professionals who care deeply about the city and the people we serve,” he said. “I want to thank City Manager Peter Iglesias for his confidence, mentorship and, above all, his friendship. I have learned a great deal from him, and I appreciate his commitment to ensuring a thoughtful and orderly transition.” The post Coral Gables taps deputy to become city manager appeared first on Miami Today. ...read more read less