EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso City Council has completed its annual performance evaluations of City Manager Dionne Mack and City Attorney Karla Nieman, a process city leaders say is aimed at reinforcing accountable leadership and the good-governance priorities outlined in the city’s FY2027-FY2028 Strategic Plan.

Under the City Charter, the city manager and city attorney are appointed by and report to the mayor and City Council. The annual evaluation process allows the council to collectively assess performance, recognize accomplishments, provide feedback, and set expectations for the coming year.

“Strong public leadership requires more than managing daily operations,” Mayor Renard U. Johnson said. “It requires the discipline to manage taxpayer resources responsibly, identify risks before they become larger problems, provide sound professional advice, and deliver services efficiently. These evaluations allow Council to recognize progress while setting clear expectations for the year ahead.”

City manager evaluation

Mack received an overall rating of 4.07 out of 5. Her evaluation covered organizational leadership, implementation of council policy, financial stewardship, operational efficiency, risk management, workforce development, communication, and delivery of essential public services.

The city said Mack’s highest scores were in professionalism, leadership, and financial management. City Council also recognized her management of essential services, fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, improved communication, and a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement.

“I appreciate Council’s feedback and remain committed to fiscal discipline, transparent reporting, community engagement and modernizing City services,” Mack said. “Our focus will remain on anticipating challenges and delivering measurable results for El Paso residents.”

City attorney evaluation

Nieman received an overall rating of 3.81 out of 5. Her evaluation addressed management of the City Attorney’s Office, litigation and risk oversight, fulfillment of Charter duties, fiscal management, legal consultation, governance support, communication, leadership, and professionalism.

City Council recognized Nieman’s leadership of what it described as an increasingly mature legal organization, along with strategic oversight of the city’s litigation portfolio and stewardship of public resources. The evaluation also cited her professionalism, independence, and legal judgment, as well as efforts to strengthen in-house expertise, manage outside counsel, and provide council with information to support decisions on complex legal matters.

“Effective legal leadership requires independent professional judgment, timely advice, and early identification of risks that could affect the City’s finances, operations, or ability to serve the public,” Nieman said. “The City Attorney’s Office will continue working to protect the City’s interests and support lawful, informed, and fiscally responsible decision-making.”

The city said council also established expectations and priorities for the next evaluation period, aligning with the strategic plan’s focus on responsive and reliable leadership, efficient government and long-term financial stability.

The mayor and City Council evaluate appointed employees in accordance with the City Charter, applicable employment agreements and state law. The city noted the evaluation process may be conducted in executive session as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, and completed evaluations are subject to release under the Texas Public Information Act.

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