Based on her 15-year record of leadership and excellence with the “Show Me City”, Jennifer Thomas Gomez has been promoted to be the new Director of Development Services. Gomez, who had served as the Interim Director since January, was promoted to the top spot on May 3.
Director Gomez has a passion for city planning and for contributing to the success of communities. She is an expert in the City’s development policies, having managed or facilitated the process for most of the private development that has occurred in Missouri City throughout her tenure.
As Director of Development Services, Gomez oversees 30 employees in the following units: Code Enforcement & Health, Inspections & Permits, Planning & Development, and Community Development, which administers the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. She is responsible for a budget of $2.5 million.
Gomez’s promotion was announced by Interim City Manager Bill Atkinson at the May 3 Special City Council Meeting. Then, at that evening’s Regular City Council Meeting, Director Gomez expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’d like to say thank you to Council, to the [interim] city manager and to everyone for their confidence in me.”
“You deserved it,” said Mayor Robin Elackatt. Councilmember Vashaundra Edwards, At-Large Position #1, concurred that Director Gomez’s new position was “well-deserved.”
“Missouri City is a great community that has been intentional in establishing regulations and policies that have shaped its growth,” said Gomez. “I am fortunate to be part of this community and to serve in a position that helps to put the pieces together for a stronger future.”
Director Gomez began her career with Missouri City in 2006 in the Planning Department, where she held several positions as a Planner I, Planner II, Planning Manager and Interim Assistant Director. She has worked on various development plans, ordinances and policies, including updating the City’s 2017 Comprehensive Plan; updating the City’s subdivision ordinance to comply with laws resulting from the 86th Texas Legislative Session; leading the City’s conversion from the MUNIS permitting software to EnerGov; determining Planning project schedules and priorities; and interfacing with residents, builders, HOAs and other community stakeholders. Gomez managed all this while leading, mentoring and building her team to ensure fair and consistent practices and communication.
Prior to joining Missouri City, Director Gomez worked for a private planning firm in the Kansas City area and for the U.S. Census Bureau. She is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Gomez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Spelman College and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Kansas.
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