The Austin City Council meeting on May 8, 2025, celebrated the remarkable career of Jose Roy, who has dedicated 18 years to the city, primarily in the field of building safety. Starting as a building inspector in February 2007, Jose rose to become the city’s first building official, a role crucial for ensuring that construction projects adhere to safety codes. His leadership has significantly shaped the Development Services Department, focusing on community-responsive services that align with Austin's core values.

Jose's influence extends beyond local boundaries; he has shared his expertise internationally, teaching fire and building codes in Colombia and Mexico. His contributions were recognized statewide when he was named one of Texas' 100 influential leaders by the Business Journal in February 2024.

During the meeting, Mayor Curt Watson presented Jose with a distinguished service award, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Austin residents. In his heartfelt farewell speech, Jose expressed gratitude for his journey, highlighting the support from his family and mentors who inspired him to prioritize community safety. He emphasized that his work was driven by a genuine care for the people of Austin.

As Jose transitions to a new role with the International Code Council, he reassured attendees that he would continue to advocate for public service, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. His legacy in Austin is marked not only by the policies he helped implement but also by the deep care he showed for the community he served. The council's recognition of his service underscores the importance of dedicated public servants in fostering safe and thriving communities.