Before there were computers or cell phones in Farmington Hills City Hall, there was Jim Cubera, the City engineer who started his career in May 1977. Cubera adapted to new technologies and helped create the City’s infrastructure as it is today. Now as he prepares for his retirement at the end of August, the City of Farmington Hills is proud to recognize Cubera as its longest employee, with 48 years of service to the community.

Cubera started working for the City a few days before he graduated from the University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. Over the years, he established himself as a pillar in the Department of Public Services Engineering Division, became a licensed Professional Engineer, completed a Master of Business Administration, and earned several awards in recognition of his commitment to excellence in civil engineering and public service. The City also received numerous industry awards for infrastructure improvement projects on which Cubera was instrumental.

“Most people in the City have likely never heard Jim’s name but they have definitely benefitted from his exceptional work over the past 48 years designing sidewalks, sewer systems, roads and more,” said Farmington Hills City Manager Gary Mekjian. “We will miss Jim when he retires, but his legacy of excellence in public service will continue.”

Cubera’s career spanned the City’s transformation from rural farmland to modern municipality, and his work was instrumental in improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. From converting gravel roads to pavement to designing complex sewer systems, Cubera’s work has left a lasting mark on the City. His work helped shape critical infrastructure projects, including the Twelve Mile Road boulevard, the Halsted Road drainage solution and the Drake Road paving project.

“When I started in 1977 there were still cornfields, many of the roads were gravel and much of the property was vacant fields,” said Jim Cubera. “When I think of my career, I remember my first road design, Hills Tech Drive between Haggerty and Halstead Roads. I was really proud of converting that road to concrete pavement and except for some slab replacements that road pavement still exists today!”

Cubera attributes much of his success to the hard work and creativity of his colleagues in the Department of Public Services, as well as the enduring support of his wife, Mary K, their three children and five grandchildren.

A formal proclamation honoring Cubera’s career was presented at the Aug. 11 Farmington Hills City Council meeting. A video highlighting Cubera’s career is available on the City’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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