Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas announced today that Mario Vasquez has been appointed as the new City Manager following a comprehensive selection process and two straw-poll votes of City Council. The appointment was made after careful deliberation following public interviews with finalists held on May 1, 2025.
"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, who currently serves as Director of City Planning and Development and Assistant City Manager, was one of three finalists. With 28 years of service to Kansas City, Vasquez has built a distinguished career, advancing from an entry-level planner in 1997 to leadership roles shaping the city's development. He has led initiatives in comprehensive planning, strategic infrastructure investment, and catalytic economic development throughout his tenure. In his current role as assistant city manager, he has overseen more than $600 million in public-private development initiatives and capital projects.
"I am honored to be selected for the important position of city manager," said Vasquez. "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."
The appointment of Vasquez comes after an interview process in which the city interviewed three internal candidates including interim city manager Kimiko Black Gilmore.
Throughout her tenure with Kansas City, Gilmore has provided oversight in crucial areas, including housing, health, human relations, legislative affairs, emergency management, corrections, and neighborhoods. She played key leadership roles in several high-profile city initiatives, including the 2012 MLB All-Star Game and Events and the Royals 2015 World Series Parade. She worked closely with the Kansas City Sports Commission to craft the City's successful bids for the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Kimiko is an incredible public servant who’s done great work in our city,” said Mayor Lucas. I am thankful for her steady leadership throughout her time as Interim City Manager and look forward to her continued work on behalf of the people of Kansas City.”
As City Manager, Vasquez will oversee all city departments and operations, manage a workforce of thousands of employees, and manage a multi-billion-dollar budget.