Farmington Hills, August 27, 2025
News Summary
Jim Cubera, the City Engineer of Farmington Hills, is set to retire in August 2025 after 48 years of dedicated service. Since 1977, he has played a pivotal role in transforming the city’s infrastructure. His notable projects include the Twelve Mile Road boulevard and the paving of Halsted and Drake Roads, significantly enhancing the quality of life for residents. Recognized for his contributions to civil engineering and public service, Cubera’s legacy will continue to impact the community long after his retirement.
Farmington Hills
City Engineer Jim Cubera is set to retire at the end of August 2025 after an impressive 48 years of service, marking him as the longest-serving employee of the City of Farmington Hills. Since starting as the city’s civil engineer in May 1977, Cubera has played a vital role in transforming the city from its rural roots into a modern municipality.
When Cubera began his career, Farmington Hills was primarily characterized by cornfields, gravel roads, and vacant properties. His first major project was designing Hills Tech Drive between Haggerty and Halstead Roads, where he successfully converted a stretch of rugged road into a concrete pavement that remains intact today, aside from some slab replacements.
Over the years, Cubera contributed significantly to the city’s infrastructure improvements, enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. His efforts included paving gravel roads and designing complex sewer systems, impacting the daily lives of countless people. Notable engineering projects he worked on include the Twelve Mile Road boulevard, a comprehensive drainage solution on Halsted Road, and the paving of Drake Road.
Throughout his career, Cubera has established himself as a leading figure within the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Services. He became a licensed Professional Engineer and also completed a Master of Business Administration, enhancing his expertise and commitment to the field.
His dedication has not gone unnoticed, as he has received several awards recognizing his excellence in civil engineering and public service. Moreover, the city has garnered numerous industry awards for infrastructure projects that were significantly influenced by Cubera’s work.
City Manager Gary Mekjian emphasized that although many residents might not know Cubera by name, they have reaped the benefits of his behind-the-scenes efforts in designing vital community features such as roads, sidewalks, and sewer systems.
A formal proclamation honoring Jim Cubera’s 48 years of dedicated service was made during the city council meeting on August 11, 2025. As he approaches retirement, Cubera expressed his gratitude toward his colleagues in the Department of Public Services as well as his family, including his wife Mary K, their three children, and five grandchildren.
Cubera’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the community, as the infrastructure he has helped to create sustains Farmington Hills’ growth and livability for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What projects did Jim Cubera work on during his career?
Cubera contributed to several major projects including the Twelve Mile Road boulevard, Halsted Road drainage solutions, and the paving of Drake Road.
How long has Jim Cubera worked for the City of Farmington Hills?
Jim Cubera has worked for the City of Farmington Hills for 48 years, starting in May 1977.
What honors has Jim Cubera received during his career?
Cubera has received several awards for his commitment to excellence in civil engineering and public service, contributing to numerous industry awards for the city’s infrastructure projects.
Key Features of Jim Cubera’s Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Years of Service | 48 years |
| Notable Projects | Twelve Mile Road boulevard, Halsted Road drainage solution, Drake Road paving |
| Achievements | Awards for civil engineering and public service |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Canton Township Approves Harvest Creek Housing Development
Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: City of Farmington Hills Longest Serving Employee to Retire After 48 Years
- Patch: Farmington Hills Longest Serving Employee to Retire This Month
- Hoodline: Farmington Hills Celebrates Retirement of City Engineer Jim Cubera After 48-Year Career
- C & G News: City Engineer Retires After Nearly Five Decades
- Wikipedia: Farmington Hills, Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Farmington Hills
- Google Search: Jim Cubera Farmington Hills
- Google Scholar: Civil Engineering Awards
- Google News: Farmington Hills Infrastructure
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