Matagorda, Texas
Census-designated place in the United States in Matagorda County · Not an incorporated municipality
About Matagorda
Matagorda ( ) is a census-designated place in Matagorda County, Texas, United States. It is located near the mouth of the Colorado River on the upper Texas Gulf Coast in the United States. In 2020, its population was 313. Matagorda is primarily a tourist town, with commercial and recreational fishing being the top industries. About 23 miles (37 km) of the beach are accessible by vehicle and 35 additional miles are accessible only by boat. Matagorda is at the end of State Highway 60 and the beginning of Farm to Market Road 2031, which runs over the Intracoastal Waterway and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
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How Matagorda is governed
Matagorda appears to be an unincorporated community or a census-designated place, so it may have no city government of its own — services usually come from Matagorda County and its elected officials. The chart below is a generic template; readers can correct it if Matagorda does have local officials.
Form of government not yet listed.
0 of 14 positions listed. Gray dashed boxes are placeholders waiting for a name.
Residents of Matagorda
Registered voters elect the officials below.
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Mayor
Executive
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The city's chief elected official. Presides over the executive branch, proposes the budget and represents the city.
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City Manager / Administrator
Executive
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The professional administrator who runs day-to-day operations (in some cities appointed by the council instead of the mayor).
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Police Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the police department.
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Fire Chief
Administration & departments
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Leads the fire and emergency services department.
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Public Works Director
Administration & departments
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Streets, water, sewer, and city buildings.
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Finance Director
Administration & departments
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The budget, taxes, and city accounts.
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Planning & Zoning Director
Administration & departments
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Land use, zoning, building permits.
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Parks & Recreation Director
Administration & departments
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Parks, programs, and public facilities.
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City Council
Legislative
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The elected body that passes ordinances, sets the tax rate and approves the budget.
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City Clerk
Administration & departments
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Keeps the official records, runs meeting agendas and, often, local elections.
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City Attorney
Administration & departments
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The city's lawyer; advises officials and prosecutes ordinance violations.
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Boards & Commissions
Legislative
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Citizen advisory bodies, such as planning, zoning appeals and library boards.
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Municipal Court
Judicial
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Hears traffic, ordinance and other minor cases.
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Municipal Judge
Judicial
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Presides over the municipal court.
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- Website
- matagordatexas.com
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Population over time
From 503 in 2010 to 313 in 2020 (−37.8%).
Show the numbers
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 313 |
| 2010 | 503 |
History
Matagorda is the third-oldest Anglo-American town in Texas. It was established in 1827 when Stephen F. Austin obtained permission from the Mexican government to build a town to protect incoming settlers. Elias R. Wightman, one of Austin's early surveyors, traveled to Matagorda in 1829 with 60 immigrant settlers. On August 1, 1829, Wightman, Hosea H. League, James E. B. Austin, and partners Thomas M. Duke and William Selkirk met and elected town officers. In 1830, Matagorda was incorporated.
In 1837, Matagorda served as the county seat of Matagorda County. After the Texas Revolution, the town became a shipping port and social center. Theaters and hotels were in operation by 1838.
The township of Matagorda has 24 historical markers. Matagorda was named by early Spanish settlers after the dense foliage that grew near the coast. Mata gorda means "fat thicket" in Spanish
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.