Daniel Dorgan brings proficiency in public sector management, budgeting, and strategic planning across state and municipal environments. His background includes government finance, crossdepartmental coordination, and policy implementation. Dorgan has supported initiatives focused on operational efficiency, infrastructure planning, public service delivery, and collaborative governance to strengthen communities and organizational performance. His work reflects a focus on measurable outcomes, collaborative leadership, and long-term institutional strength.
A Journey Rooted in Service
When I reflect on my career, I can trace the path I have taken, filled with valuable lessons, unexpected challenges, and an enduring drive to serve my community. Today, I serve as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Beeville, a role I have held since May 2024. However, my journey did not start here, and it has not followed a straight line. Every step, from my academic foundation to my time at various government agencies, has led me to this position, where I manage day-to-day operations and collaborate on long-term strategic planning for the city’s future.
My story begins at the University of Illinois at Springfield, where I earned my master’s degree in Public Administration. With my degree in hand, I started my career at the Illinois Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, gaining critical experience in policy analysis and budget management. After a year, I moved on to the City of Oklahoma City, where I served as a Senior Management and Budget Analyst for five and a half years. There, I worked on budgets for a variety of departments, including utilities, public works, parks and general services, municipal court, the city manager’s office, development services, human resources, the municipal counselor’s office, the planning department, and parking and transportation. This experience gave me a broad understanding of how local government operates.
It was in Oklahoma City that I truly learned the importance of fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, skills that would later serve me well in Beeville. My career then took a new direction when I joined the City of Beeville as Assistant City Manager. In this role, I was responsible for overseeing several critical departments, including public works, parks, the volunteer fire department, the golf course, and animal control. While the responsibilities were significant, I welcomed the opportunity to make a difference in the community and help guide Beeville’s growth into the future.
Managing the Present and Planning for the Future
In my current role, I balance immediate operational needs with long-term strategic goals. On a day-to-day basis, I am deeply involved in problem-solving and managing the performance of key city departments. Whether preparing updates for the city manager or coordinating with department heads, my role requires constant communication and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Long-term planning is another crucial component of my responsibilities. I work closely with city leadership and department directors to ensure that our actions align with Beeville’s master plans and the priorities set by the city council. Every decision, whether large or small, is viewed through a strategic lens. The question I consistently ask is how each decision impacts the city’s long-term vision.
At the center of this process is our Strategic Business Plan, which outlines goals and priorities for economic development, public safety, and infrastructure. This plan is not a static document. It is a living, evolving blueprint that guides the city’s growth. We regularly update it with input from the city council, department heads, and the community to ensure it reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.
In my role as Assistant City Manager, I have had the opportunity to help identify a secondary water source for the City of Beeville. At present, the city relies on purchasing water and water rights from Lake Corpus Christi and Choke Canyon Lake, both owned by the City of Corpus Christi. However, these surface water sources have become increasingly unreliable due to ongoing drought conditions in Southeast Texas, resulting in historically low lake levels.
Whether it’s partnering with local businesses, regional organizations, or state agencies, collaboration is key to advancing Beeville’s priorities.
Working alongside City Administration and the Beeville City Council, we partnered with a private engineering firm to conduct an alternative water supply analysis. Through this process, we determined that drilling a new well and rehabilitating two existing wells would provide a fast and efficient short-term solution to bring additional water into our distribution system.
As part of my responsibilities, I have been involved in identifying potential options, coordinating with vendors and contractors, and ensuring that this essential project moves forward to protect public health and meet the community’s basic water needs. To support these efforts, the city issued a $33.8 million Certificate of Obligation. The roadmap for drilling the new well, and for future wells, is complete, and we are now close to fully executing that plan.
Building Trust through Collaboration
One of the central tenets of my role is fostering collaboration, both within city departments and with external partners. I believe that a strong, cohesive community is built on trust and open communication. Whether partnering with local businesses, regional organizations, or state agencies, collaboration is essential to advancing Beeville’s priorities.
Economic development is driven in part by our work with organizations such as the Beeville Area Partnership and the Beeville Development Authority. By aligning our efforts, we create an environment conducive to growth. This involves being proactive, listening to the needs of our partners, and finding practical solutions to challenges. Whether through facilitating permits, providing resources, or streamlining processes, we work to ensure that Beeville remains an attractive place for investment and business development.
Collaboration also extends to public safety. By working closely with the police department, fire department, and public works, we ensure that safety is a shared responsibility across the organization. This approach helps prevent issues before they escalate and builds trust between city departments and the residents we serve.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Engagement
Modernization is critical to ensuring that city operations remain efficient and responsive to residents’ needs. Over the past year, Beeville has taken significant steps to modernize its infrastructure, with a focus on digital tools and data-driven decision-making.
One of the most visible initiatives has been the installation of smart water meters throughout the city. These meters, part of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure program, allow residents to track daily water usage through an online dashboard. This empowers residents to conserve water and manage costs while helping the city detect leaks early and improve overall utility efficiency.
In addition to modernizing utility management, the city is expanding its broadband infrastructure. In 2025, Beeville became the regional headquarters for Lyte Fiber’s multi-gigabit fiber network, which will bring high-speed internet to thousands of homes and businesses. This investment in connectivity is vital to Beeville’s future, supporting remote work, access to online services, and improved service delivery for residents.
Internally, the city has also focused on strengthening its IT infrastructure. This includes upgrading email systems and providing additional training for IT staff to ensure secure and reliable services for the community.
Prioritizing Public Safety
At the core of every successful city is a strong commitment to public safety. In Beeville, this means taking a holistic approach to crime prevention and community trust. Public safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement. It involves creating an environment where residents feel safe, supported, and heard.
This approach relies on close coordination across departments. Issues such as street conditions, lighting, and drainage may not always appear directly related to public safety, but they significantly influence how residents perceive their surroundings. By sharing data and observations across departments, we can address concerns proactively and maintain a safer community.
The police department also prioritizes community engagement. Through initiatives such as National Night Out, Shop with a Cop, and partnerships with local schools, officers build strong relationships with residents and foster trust that extends beyond enforcement.
Leading with Transparency and Accountability
Leadership in local government requires more than managing operations. It requires integrity, transparency, and accountability. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the value of clear communication. Whether working with city council members, department heads, or residents, I strive to ensure that everyone understands the reasoning behind our decisions.
Transparency is essential for building trust and staying aligned with long-term goals. It involves setting realistic expectations, keeping the community informed, and recognizing progress along the way.
Transformation in municipal government is incremental and achieved step by step. By remaining consistent in our values and objectives, we ensure that each decision supports Beeville’s future.
Advice for Fellow Assistant City Managers
For those in similar roles, my advice is simple: lead with trust. Building trust with staff, elected officials, and residents is the foundation of successful transformation. Change can be challenging, but when people feel heard and respected, they are more likely to engage constructively. Transformation is not only about new policies or technology. It is about building confidence and ensuring that all voices, both internal and external, are valued.
Ultimately, leadership in municipal government is about service. It means supporting the community through daily challenges while guiding long-term progress. By staying focused on residents’ needs, we can continue to build a Beeville that is stronger, safer, and more connected.
As I look to the future, I remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead for Beeville. With a strong foundation, a clear vision, and a continued commitment to progress, I am confident that the city will continue to evolve into a place where everyone can thrive.
