Kansas City has entered a new chapter in its leadership with the official appointment of Mario Vasquez as the city’s new manager. Selected by the City Council, Vasquez brings deep institutional knowledge, strong community ties, and a renewed vision for progress and transparency in City Hall.

As a longtime public servant and Kansas City native, Vasquez’s career spans nearly two decades in public works and city operations. Most recently serving as assistant city manager, he has built a reputation for results-oriented leadership and collaborative problem-solving.

Vasquez laid out his priorities for the coming months, which include addressing Kansas City’s ongoing challenges around affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure investment, and fiscal responsibility. But more than just policy, he emphasized the importance of listening — to residents, to city staff, and to stakeholders across neighborhoods.

Read more about Vasquez’s vision for the city here.