Economic Development Team.

Daniel Cortez serves as the Director of Economic Development & Tourism for the City of Southlake, where he leads strategic economic initiatives and oversees the City’s tourism and special events programming. With a career dedicated entirely to public service, Daniel has built a reputation for thoughtful leadership, strategic vision, and a commitment to fostering strong community and business partnerships.

Daniel began his career in local government while pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in Geography and an undergraduate certificate in Urban and Regional Planning at California State University. During his studies, he interned with the City of Riverside, California, later joining the city full-time as a Planning Technician. In 2008, Daniel relocated to Texas and joined Southlake’s Planning and Development Services Department, where he advanced through roles as Planner I, Planner II, and Principal Planner over nearly seven years. In these roles, he served as the project manager for the Southlake 2030 Comprehensive Plan, a robust policy framework addressing land use, mobility, sustainability, parks, and community facilities.

In 2015, Daniel transitioned to the City Manager’s Office as the Assistant to the City Manager, where he supported key strategic initiatives. In this role, he helped launch the Southlake Kids Interested in Leadership (SKIL) Program in partnership with Carroll ISD and the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, and he continues to serve as SKIL Program Manager today. Daniel also served as staff liaison to the Community Engagement Committee and managed the City’s Citizen Satisfaction Survey.

While serving in the City Manager’s Office, Daniel pursued his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Management at the University of North Texas, graduating in 2017. That same year, he was promoted to Deputy Director of Economic Development, where he led the development and adoption of the Southlake 2035 Economic Development Master Plan, which continues to guide the City’s economic growth strategies and implemented the first Business Climate Survey in over 20 years conducted in the City.

Daniel assumed his current role as Director of Economic Development & Tourism in July 2020, where he leads Southlake’s business recruitment and retention initiatives, supports strategic community enhancements, and oversees a robust tourism and community events portfolio. As Director, Daniel has implemented various initiatives supporting the City’s economic vitality such as the Open Rewards Consumer Incentive Program, Special Event Permit Policy, Business Relief Grant Program during COVID-19, Business Engagement Program, and leads the City’s Comprehensive Planning efforts.

Certifications and Education:

• Masters of Business Administration – Strategic Management
  • University of North Texas, Dallas
• Bachelor of Arts in Geography
  • California State University, San Bernardino
•  Certificate in Urban & Regional Planning
  • California State University, San Bernardino
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) – Certified Planner No. 026171
• Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Certified

In addition to his work experience, Daniel is also an active member of the following professional & local organizations:

• American Planning Association, Texas Chapter, Economic Development Division
• International Economic Development Council
• Texas Economic Development Council
• Southlake Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors – Ex Officio