Rosa Cortez has made history by becoming the first Latina deputy city manager of Las Vegas. Her appointment was unanimously ratified by the City Council on August 20, 2023. This milestone was celebrated by a supportive crowd of coworkers, who expressed their enthusiasm during the council meeting.
Cortez’s journey to this significant role is marked by resilience and dedication. Growing up in an affordable housing development in east Las Vegas, she dreamed of becoming a math teacher. Her path took a transformative turn when she pursued a degree in civil engineering at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Reflecting on her rise within the city’s ranks, Cortez remarked, “I worked hard: I understood what my responsibility was as a government employee, as a civil servant: to serve our community.”
In her new position, Cortez oversees several critical departments, including the Office of Emergency Management and the departments of public works and parks and recreation. She currently earns an annual base salary of approximately $229,000, according to city records.
City Manager Mike Janssen highlighted Cortez’s accomplishments during her promotion announcement, noting her instrumental role in major city developments. He stated, “It’s fair to say that she’s been instrumental in the development of huge areas of our city and billions — I say billions of dollars — in infrastructure.”
Cortez’s contributions to the city have been significant. She has been involved in around 50 city projects, including the installation of trails and flood mitigation efforts at Floyd Lamb Park. She expressed pride in her work, particularly in the recently inaugurated Civic Center & Plaza.
Community Focus and Future Goals
Cortez is also focused on finalizing Las Vegas’ multi-year strategic goals and priorities. She explained that public safety, health care, and economic diversification have remained consistent objectives since 2020. Additionally, housing and homelessness will be added to the new plan, which is set to be presented to the City Council in the summer of 2024. “That’s going to lead us into the next three to five years of a better city,” Cortez stated.
Cortez’s upbringing has shaped her commitment to public service. Raised by Mexican immigrants, she credits her parents as her greatest role models. Her mother’s involvement in local advocacy during Cortez’s childhood sparked her interest in civil service. “I saw that, and it impacted me,” she recalled, reflecting on her mother’s activism for public safety in their neighborhood.
Impact and Representation
Cortez takes pride in her Latino heritage and views her role as a representation of diversity in leadership. “I’m proud to be a Latina, I will tell anyone. That’s who I am,” she affirmed. Her parents, who often express their pride in her achievements, have been a source of inspiration throughout her career. When they see her on television, they call her excitedly, expressing their pride in her accomplishments.
As Cortez embarks on this new chapter in her career, she aims to continue improving the city and serving its residents. Her history with Las Vegas and her commitment to community service set a powerful example for future generations aspiring to leadership roles in public service.
