A. C. Gonzalez

A.C. Gonzalez has built a strong record in municipal management for more than 32 years. Previous to his serving as Dallas City Manager, he served as the City’s First Assistant City Manager and as an Assistant City Manager. During his more than 17 years of tenure, he has spearheaded projects that have changed the face of Dallas, including the development of the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel, management of the Love Field Modernization Program, and negotiations of the Dallas Stars Reunion Arena lease, which brought the professional sports franchise to Dallas.

As City Manager (retired, January 2017), Gonzalez lead the daily operations of the City of Dallas managing a staff of approximately 13,000 employees and a budget of just over $3 billion. During that period, Dallas experienced both record economic growth and faced huge challenges. The community dealt with natural disasters, including Ebola and West Nile virus, as well as two violent attacks on the Police Department. Nationally, the City was recognized for exceptional responses to significant challenges. In addition, crime was reduced to levels not seen since the 1930’s, and in an independent survey, Citizen Satisfaction rose to record levels. In fact, the ratings by Dallas citizens were 17% higher than the national average for Citizen Satisfaction of any major city in the U.S.

In his previous role as Assistant City Manager, Gonzalez has been responsible for the Dallas Police Department, Aviation, Dallas Fire-Rescue, Municipal Courts, Office of Emergency Management, Convention and Event Services, Housing/ Community Services, Economic Development, Planning and Development Services, Libraries, and Parks and Recreation.

He also has private sector experience as the President of a privately owned investment company and has served in leadership roles in Education. He rose to Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District after serving as Deputy Superintendent (1995–2000). His most recognized achievements in education include: executing a $437 million bond program which built 11 new schools, 156 classroom additions and renovated 96 campuses; developing the district’s first historically underutilized business program; and leading the development of the district’s first joint building project with the City of Austin. This innovative initiative connected an elementary school with social services, library and park and recreation facilities.

Gonzalez has served as City Manager for three Texas communities: City of San Marcos (1979–1988); City of Carrizo Springs (1976–1979); and City of Dilley (1974–1976), where he started his career at age 23 as one of the youngest city managers in the U.S. Mr. Gonzalez earned his Bachelor’s Degree with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973 and his Masters Degree in Urban Studies from Trinity University in 1976.