Q&A with Precinct 2's Jorge Bustamante, Engineering, Planning Manager

Describe your role and how it impacts Precinct 2 residents.

I’m grateful to serve as Sr. Planning Manager at Precinct 2. I oversee the Planning Division within the Engineering Department and we channel the vision of the various Precinct 2 communities into engineering projects. This includes managing planning projects, our yearly call for partnership projects, and building strong relationships with stakeholders and community members. To be honest, this is my dream job. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I really enjoy connecting with people. Because at the end of the day, it's not about the roads, and sidewalks, and parks, it's about people. Putting people at the center of everything we do helps us make sure that those roads, and sidewalks, and parks give people the opportunity to live a good life in a prospering place.

What does Earth Day/Month mean to you?

My love for the environment was shaped at Texas A&M where I volunteered with Engineers Without Borders to work on sustainable community development in an incredibly beautiful rural area of Costa Rica. It was a transformative experience. I learned that community prosperity and a thriving environment are not in competition but support each other. Ultimately, I view my role supporting Precinct 2 communities as a way of continuing to work on sustainable community development.

More about Jorge

I’m originally from Mexico City, but I’ve been here long enough to consider myself a Houstonian. My background is in environmental engineering and all aspects of the water cycle. I left consulting engineering to follow my passion for community development. I’ve been at Precinct 2 for four years, but it feels like a blink of an eye. Time flies when you are having fun!