Jaime Rivas

City of Farmers Branch Mayoral Race

Posted Monday, April 6, 2026 10:35 am

Editor’s Note: The Branch Herald sent identical questionnaires to all candidates in this race. Responses are published in full and have not been edited for content, clarity or length, except for minor formatting.

This coverage is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and informed local decision-making in Farmers Branch, Addison and Carrollton.

Independent local journalism like this is supported by our readers. As part of our This Spring campaign, we are working to grow our subscriber and member base to sustain election coverage and accountability reporting year-round. Support local news coverage. Sign up for our free newsletter.

1. Name: Jaime Rivas

2. Occupation: Outside Sales

3. Education: Some college + 34 years of industry experience

4. Campaign Phone: 469-432-0551

5. Email: jaime@rivasforfb.com

6. Website: www.rivasforfb.com

7. Facebook: @rivasforfb

8. YouTube:

9. Other Social Media: IG - @rivasforfb

11. Why are you running for mayor, and why now? I am running because I believe Farmers Branch deserves steady, transparent leadership that reflects the voice of the community. Over the past few years, I have seen how important it is for residents to feel heard and informed. I care deeply about this city because my family calls it home. Now is the right time to step forward and help ensure Farmers Branch continues to move forward with clarity, accountability, and thoughtful planning.

12. What specific experiences have prepared you to serve as the mayor of Farmers

Branch? I have spent years serving our community through PTA leadership, the school bond committee, the bond oversight committee, the charter review committee, and the city events committee. Professionally, I work in sales in the construction industry, where I manage complex projects, build relationships, and bring different parties together to reach practical solutions. Those experiences have prepared me to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and focus on long term results.

13. What distinguishes you from the other candidates in this race? I bring a calm and steady approach to leadership. I focus on process, transparency, and long-term planning rather than politics. I believe leadership should reflect the community’s priorities, not personal agendas.

14. How many Farmers Branch City Council meetings have you attended or watched online

in the last year? I have attended or watched City Council meetings regularly for the past four years, both in person and online. Staying engaged has been important to me because I believe leadership begins with understanding how decisions are made.

15. What do you see as the three most important responsibilities of mayor? First, to represent Farmers Branch effectively and ensure our voice is heard in regional and local discussions. Second, to promote transparency and public trust in city government. Third, to guide thoughtful planning and responsible investment in infrastructure and long-term financial stability.

16. The mayor’s role requires significant time beyond council meetings. How many hours per week do you realistically expect to devote to this position? I expect to devote the time necessary to do the job well, likely 20 to 30 hours per week depending on city needs. The role requires consistent engagement beyond meetings, and I am prepared for that commitment.

17. Have you served on any City of Farmers Branch boards or commissions, which ones? Yes. I have served on the charter review committee and have participated in the city events committee for the past three years.

18. What other civic responsibilities have you undertaken? What other offices have you run for? When? I have been actively involved in our community for years. I have served in PTA leadership roles, worked on the school bond committee, and later served on the bond oversight committee to help ensure taxpayer dollars were spent responsibly. Through these roles, reviewed budgets, planning documents, and policy proposals while collaborating with parents, educators, and community members. I previously ran for mayor in 2023 because I felt called to serve our city at a higher level.

19. What do you see as the steepest learning curve if elected? Understanding every operational detail of city government at a deeper level will take time. I am committed to asking thoughtful questions, learning quickly, and working closely with staff and council members to lead effectively.

20. How do you build consensus among council members with differing viewpoints? I listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and focus on shared goals. Most council members want what is best for the city. By keeping discussions centered on facts, long term impact, and community input, it is possible to find common ground.

21. How do you handle public criticism? I welcome feedback. Disagreement is part of leadership. I respond calmly, consider the concern carefully, and adjust when appropriate. Constructive criticism can strengthen decision making.

22. What steps would you take to build public trust? Clear communication, proactive engagement before major decisions are made, and consistent follow through. Residents should understand what the city is doing and why. Transparency should be part of the process, not an afterthought.

23. What is your vision for Farmers Branch over the next five years? My vision is a city that is financially strong, well maintained, pedestrian friendly, and known for thoughtful leadership. I want Farmers Branch to fully participate in the growth happening across North Texas while protecting what makes our community special. That includes investing in infrastructure, strengthening our commercial tax base, and engaging effectively in regional partnerships like DART. In a system where partner cities operate by majority vote, it is important that Farmers Branch participates constructively and works with other cities to advocate for improvements that benefit everyone. Over the next five years, I want Farmers Branch to be respected regionally and trusted locally.

24. What is the biggest opportunity facing the city right now? The biggest opportunity is positioning Farmers Branch to benefit from regional growth while strengthening our own economic foundation. We have a strong location, established neighborhoods, and unique amenities that set us apart. With smart planning, infrastructure investment, and strategic engagement with regional partners, we can grow our commercial tax base and reduce long term pressure on homeowners.

25. What is the biggest risk or threat facing the city? The biggest risk is failing to plan ahead. Deferred maintenance on streets, sidewalks, and water systems can become costly over time. A declining commercial tax base can shift more burden onto homeowners. If we do not engage effectively in regional decisions, we lose influence over issues that impact our residents. Long term planning is essential to avoid these risks.

26. What are the biggest issues you have concerning DART that residents should consider? Now that the withdrawal vote is off the ballot, the focus shifts to accountability and effective participation. DART decisions are made by majority vote among partner cities, and Farmers Branch collectively with other member cities, represents 55 percent of that vote. It is important that we work constructively with those cities to advocate for improvements that benefit all communities. Residents deserve clear communication about how DART serves Farmers Branch and assurance that commitments are honored.

27. What principles would guide your decisions on property tax rates? Property tax decisions should reflect responsible budgeting, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Farmers Branch offers parks, amenities, and community spaces that contribute to our quality of life and property values. Those features should be maintained responsibly while protecting homeowners from unnecessary increases. Every tax decision should be clearly explained and aligned with community priorities and always have a strategic plan at hand.

28. What areas of the budget deserve closer scrutiny or potential reduction? Budget discussions should begin with priorities. Our core responsibilities include infrastructure, public safety, and financial stability. I would closely evaluate whether spending aligns with long term goals and whether programs are delivering measurable value. Regular performance reviews and clear reporting can help ensure tax dollars are being used effectively. That said, we must improve our community’s drinking water by prioritizing infrastructure improvements. We also must focus on technology that will allow our city leadership and departments to be most effective and efficient.

29. What types of businesses should Farmers Branch actively recruit? We should focus on small and mid-sized businesses that complement our community, strengthen our \ tax base, and create local jobs. Sustainable growth that fits our character is more valuable than short term gains.

30. What is your position on multi-family housing in Farmers Branch? Housing decisions should be thoughtful and aligned with infrastructure capacity and long-term planning. We need balance, quality standards, and consideration for existing neighborhoods while recognizing the importance of diverse housing options

31. What infrastructure priorities should the city focus on in the next five years?

Street maintenance, sidewalks and walkability, water and wastewater systems, and modernization of city technology systems to improve efficiency and transparency.

32. How do you describe your leadership style? My leadership style is calm, strategic, and collaborative. In my professional career I have led projects and managed relationships where steady decision making and clear communication are critical. I approach issues thoughtfully, gather information, and weigh options fairly before making decisions. Strong leadership is steady and respectful, and it brings people together to find common ground.

33. How would you handle disagreement with fellow council members? Disagreement is part of public service. I would handle it with respect and professionalism. I would seek to understand differing perspectives, focus on facts and long-term impact, and work toward solutions that reflect the broader interests of Farmers Branch.

34. Describe a time when you changed your mind after hearing opposing viewpoints. While serving on the school bond committee, I initially supported prioritizing one large capital project because it addressed a visible need. After hearing concerns about long term maintenance costs and future capacity planning, I reconsidered. The discussion made it clear that a phased approach would better serve students and taxpayers over time. That experience reinforced the value of listening and adjusting when new information is presented.

35. What is one recent City Council decision you disagree with, and why? I agreed with the decision to remove the DART item from the ballot, but I would have preferred more open discussion before the final action was taken. Major issues benefit from clear public communication. In addition, the frequent use of executive session

can leave residents feeling disconnected from the process. Even when executive sessions are appropriate, public explanation afterward helps maintain trust.

36. What measurable outcomes would tell voters you were successful at the end of your term? Success would include measurable improvements in infrastructure conditions, stabilization or growth in commercial tax revenue, improved public communication from City Hall, and greater resident engagement in city decisions. If residents feel informed, confident in the direction of the city, and proud of how Farmers Branch is being led, that would be a meaningful measure of success..

Jaime Rivas

City of Farmers Branch Mayoral Race

Chili cookoff spices up Carrollton American Legion

Hiatus Day Spa expands in Addison with new spa, …

Carrollton renews $1.2 million Flock contract amid …

Internet gap affects 1 in 10 Farmers Branch children, …