EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Las Cruces City Council made a “tentative offer” to Ikani Taumoepeau, the current assistant city manager, to serve as the city manager beginning April 1, the City of Las Cruces announced via Facebook Thursday, Match 21.
“City Council chose Ikani for his experience, knowledge, and his ability to work well with the community, organization, and with Mayor and Council,” said Mayor Eric Enriquez. “Since he joined us three years ago, Ikani has shown that he cares for the people in the organization and the community. We have seen his leadership displayed during his time as Assistant City Manager and are excited to see his leadership skills grow and flourish as our City Manager.
“The decision was not easy, as both finalists Sonya Delgado and David Sedillo are also very strong leaders,” Enriquez added. “It is a testament to the leadership in this organization that we had the difficult task of choosing between so many qualified candidates.”
“I am honored to be chosen as Las Cruces City Manager. I have had the privilege to work with City Council, City staff, and the community in the last several years and am proud of the work we have done so far. I look forward to continuing to implement the vision of City Council and make Las Cruces the community that we all want to live and thrive in. I am lucky to work with talented and dedicated people who are committed to serving the community with cariño!” Taumoepeau said.
Taumoepeau began working with the City of Las Cruces as assistant city manager in January 2021.
The City of Las Cruces says that in his time as assistant city manager, Taumoepeau has overseen projects such as the implementation of GO Bond Parks Improvements, moved RoadRUNNER Transit to zero-fare, rolled out a new Visit Las Cruces brand campaign and offered the City’s first airshow at Las Cruces International Airport.
Taumoepeau previously served as city manager in Clayton, Calif., assistant city manager in Santa Paula, Calif., deputy city manager in Morro Bay, Calif. and economic development director in Eagle Mountain, Utah, according to the City of Las Cruces.
The City of Las Cruces says Taumoepeau earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, with a minor in Spanish, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Taumoepeau is also bilingual, speaking English and Spanish.
“Taumoepeau’s contract will be available for review when the City Council agenda is published next week. The proposed contract will be voted on by City Council at its April 1, 2024, regular meeting,” according to the City of Las Cruces.
As city manager, Taumoepeau is the only city employee hired by city council.
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