BUDA, TEXAS – The Buda City Council unanimously approved a motion to direct the Buda City Attorney to negotiate an employment agreement for Interim Buda City Manager Micah Grau to serve as the new Buda City Manager during a regular meeting on June 7, 2022.
“My family and I are excited for this opportunity to continue to serve Buda in this new role as City Manager. I am appreciative of the Council entrusting me with guiding Buda into the future,” Grau said. “I look forward to continuing to work with staff to provide outstanding customer service and support to our residents and businesses, and I am eager to help the City Council execute their vision for Buda over the next several years.”
Grau, who started work with the City of Buda as assistant city manager in January 2017, has served as the City’s interim city manager and deputy city manager. Grau was also interim city manager and assistant city manager for the City of Hutto. In addition, he has served as Hutto’s Director of Finance and its Budget and Special Projects Coordinator. Grau has also served in leadership positions with the Texas City Managers Association and is a member of the International City Managers Association (ICMA). He is a Certified Mediator, ICMA Certified Manager, and attended the Strategic Government Resources Supervisor’s Academy. Grau received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas A&M University and his Master’s in Public Administration from Texas State University.
“The City Council is confident that promoting Mr. Grau provides us with a unique chance to preserve stability within the organization while providing opportunities to make improvements in the operation,” Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky said. “We are excited to be able to continue this relationship."
Before naming Grau as the sole finalist, the Buda City Council conducted an extensive nationwide recruitment effort facilitated by Baker Tilly, an executive search firm. The search yielded 89 applicants. Grau will continue serving as interim City manager until an employment agreement is mutually executed, which is anticipated to be completed in June or July.
The City of Buda is home to about 18,000 residents and has earned designations as a “Texas Main Street City,” “Tree City USA,” “Bee City Affiliate” and “Platinum Level Scenic City.” Buda is situated along the Interstate 35 corridor, has 14 parks and a historic downtown district where residents and visitors alike can shop, dine, relax, and breathe easy here.
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