Jose Guerrero

Jose M. Guerrero, P.E., a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, retired in July 2021 after a distinguished 37.5-year career with Austin Watershed Protection. He served nine months as Interim Director and 9.5 years as Assistant Director, overseeing the majority of the department’s staff and annual budget. Having spent most of his executive years providing leadership of the Field Operations Division, his teams delivered essential services, including flood early warning and response, flood risk reduction, erosion repair, water quality pond operations and maintenance, and operation and maintenance of the mile-long Waller Creek Tunnel beneath downtown Austin.

A 1984 Civil Engineering graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Jose began his career in 1985 with Austin Public Works and Transportation’s Street and Bridge division then with the Stormwater Management Division. He led and contributed to major flood mitigation and stormwater infrastructure projects, including a $3.2 million regional detention pond, guiding project phases through zoning, land acquisition, design, permitting, and construction. He also helped launch the Regional Stormwater Management Program (RSMP), advancing innovative approaches to water quantity detention compliance.

Throughout his career, Jose played key roles on the Citywide Annexation Team, Citywide Neighborhood Planning Team, Austin Development Services’ One Stop Shop, and the public-facing Code Rewrite process, participating in numerous public meetings and hearings. Following four federally declared disasters, he rallied and advised a 23-member Citizen Flood Mitigation Task Force, supported post-flood recovery at the Flood Assistance Center, and managed state-level shelters during coastal hurricane events.

Deeply familiar with Austin’s history, diverse neighborhoods, infrastructure challenges, and engaged community groups, Jose is widely respected for his collaborative leadership, operational expertise, and enduring commitment to protecting Austin’s environment, natural beauty, and unique community spirit. Jose’s most recent community organizing work includes collaborating with non-profit Central Texas Interfaith, Austin Parks & Recreation, and the Austin Independent School District to explore equitable access to Austin’s green spaces.