This DFW official has been named to top city post in Alexandria, Virginia
An Arlington city government official is headed to a top city post near the nation’s capital.
City leaders in Alexandria, Virigina, tapped Arlington Deputy City Manager Jim Parajon to become the next city manager Jan. 18. Parajon was appointed Arlington deputy city manager for economic development and capital investment in 2015. He oversees areas including asset management, Esports Stadium Arlington, communication and legislative affairs, the fire department and economic development.
Parajon has worked with the city since 2006 and has served as community development and planning director. Before arriving in Arlington, he worked the North Carolina cities of Raleigh and Cary.
Parajon said in a video introduction he was initially drawn to Alexandria for its status as a “world-class, very diverse city.”
“I was struck by the quality of the residents and businesses as I walked the various neighborhoods in the city,” Parajon said.
Alexandria City Council spent “most of 2021” searching for a city manager, according to Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. The city government, like Arlington’s, relies on a council-manager form of government, meaning the council hires a professionally trained manager to oversee public services.
Wilson said in the video that council spent “most of 2021” searching for a manager to oversee the city of 160,000 residents. The video also included comments from Arlington city government officials who lauded Parajon’s passion for public services and building relationships.
“I found that Jim has a curiosity that really pushes him to want to understand the issues,” said Yoko Matsumoto, Arlington’s human resources and civil services director.
