[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 151 (Friday, August 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MICHAEL LEAVITT

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 28, 2020

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the professional 
achievements and service of Michael Leavitt, City Manager for the City 
of Highland Village, Texas. Mr. Leavitt is retiring following more than 
thirty-three years of exemplary service to the public.
  Upon graduation from Truman University in Kirksville, Missouri with a 
B.S. in Industrial Science, Mr. Leavitt worked for the cities of 
Kirksville, Missouri and Denton, Texas. In 2000, Leavitt moved to the 
City of Highland Village, first serving as the public works director 
followed by his appointed as City Manager in 2003.
  A true advocate for public safety and fiscal responsibility, Leavitt 
spearheaded the transformation from a volunteer fire department to a 
full-time professional department. Under his leadership as City 
Manager, the ad valorem tax rate was reduced, and tax exemptions 
increased by fifty per-cent for those with a disability and those over 
the age of 65. Through his capable direction, sales tax revenue has 
grown from just over $400,000 in 2003 to $4 million in 2020, 
accomplishing a goal set by the City Council to increase funding 
available for city improvement. This tremendous growth was spurred by 
the construction and development of premier dining and shopping 
districts: The Marketplace at Highland Village and The Shops at 
Highland Village.
  The quality of life for Highland Village residents has been raised 
during his tenure as City Manager. Leavitt has overseen extensive 
improvements to the City's recreation infrastructure with the addition 
and growth of the City's biking and walking trails and the purchase and 
development of the City's principal park, Doubletree Ranch Park. While 
local in nature, many of these projects also involved federal interests 
where I was honored to work with Mr. Leavitt and the City. Among these 
included the continuation and expansion of FM 2499 and the widening of 
I-35 East, a priority project I worked with Mr. Leavitt, local leaders 
and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Thomas Barrett to highlight 
during a media day from Highland Village's Copperas Branch Park. A 
couple of years later in 2010, I worked with Mr. Leavitt and the 
Highland Village Police Department to secure 707 Highland Village Road. 
Ultimately deeded to the City as an outcome of an IRS seizure involving 
federal charges of racketeering, obscenity, fraud and income tax 
evasion, it allowed City Manager Leavitt the opportunity to replace a 
home that had attracted criminal activity to this beautiful lakeside 
community with its first lakeside park. Only a couple of years later, 
the Double Tree Ranch, another city park improved in large part through 
Mr. Leavitt's coordinated efforts with myself and local officials, was 
the appropriate site in 2017 to finally celebrate the Phase 1 
completion of the I-35E project.
  Michael Leavitt has been an outstanding public servant to the 
residents and businesses of Highland Village. His professional 
leadership, innovative vision, and passion for excellent customer 
service will be missed throughout his community and all of North Texas. 
On behalf of the 26th District, I wish him the best in his next stage 
of life.

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