About City Government

The Citizens adopted the Home Rule Charter for the City of South Padre Island at an election held on November 3, 2009.  The benefits of local government outlined in the Home Rule Charter affirm the values of representative democracy, professional management, strong political leadership, citizen participation and regional cooperation through the Council-Manager form of government.

The City Council consisting of the Mayor and Five Council Members and the City Manager's Office comprised of the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Secretary and Executive Assistant form the City's strategic team.  These two bodies are responsible for the formulation and communication of public policy to meet community needs, assure orderly development in the City, and provide for the general administration of the City.

The City Council appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Court Judge and various citizen boards and commissions.  The City Council's public policy activities include:  1)financial management of the City by adopting the City's annual budget, establishing general objectives and provide for an annual independent audit of the City's financial records; 2)reviewing and adopting all ordinances and resolutions; and 3)establish programmatic goals and strategic direction for the City.

The strategic team has identified two major economic drivers for the local economy which includes the beach and the convention center.  The City's efforts to manage the beach is highlighted by the staffing of a Shoreline Director who oversees the delicate balance of maintaining a pristine beach to attract tourist while implementing ecologically sound best practices regarding beach maintenance.  The unique organizational structure empowers the Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau to implement a progressive marketing plan for the community and to maintain a space to attract conventions to the Island.