Farmington Hills, August 27, 2025

News Summary

Jim Cubera, whose 48-year career as a civil engineer transformed Farmington Hills from a rural area to a modern city, is set to retire in August 2025. His critical contributions to infrastructure projects greatly enhanced the city, leading to numerous accolades. As he reflects on his career, Cubera plans to travel and spend time with family after retirement.

Farmington Hills

Jim Cubera, the longest-serving employee of the City of Farmington Hills, is retiring after 48 years of dedicated service, effective at the end of August 2025. Starting his career as the city’s civil engineer in May 1977, Cubera has been instrumental in the city’s transformation from a largely rural landscape to a modern municipality.

When he began his role, Farmington Hills was characterized by cornfields and gravel roads. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Detroit just days before starting his job, Cubera’s first project involved designing Hills Tech Drive, a key initiative that paved over gravel roads, much of which still remains today.

Throughout his extensive career, Cubera has overseen numerous critical infrastructure projects, including the Twelve Mile Road boulevard, improvements to Halsted Road’s drainage system, and the paving of Drake Road. His efforts have notably included converting gravel roads to paved versions and designing complex sewage systems that benefit the city’s infrastructure.

In addition to his civil engineering degree, Cubera became a licensed Professional Engineer and earned a Master of Business Administration. His commitment to excellence in civil engineering and public service has earned him several prestigious awards, and his work has contributed to Farmington Hills receiving numerous industry accolades for infrastructure improvements.

City Manager Gary Mekjian noted that Cubera’s contributions may not be widely recognized by residents, yet they have greatly benefited from his behind-the-scenes work. During the city council meeting on August 11, 2025, a formal proclamation honored Cubera for his years of service.

Reflecting on his career, Cubera expressed pride in his early designs, particularly those that addressed flooding issues and improved the quality of life for residents. Looking ahead to retirement, he plans to travel extensively, aiming to visit all 50 states; to date, he has visited 37 or 38. In addition, he hopes to devote more time to gardening and supporting his grandchildren in their various activities.

Cubera expressed gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, especially from his wife, Mary K, and his colleagues in the Department of Public Services, attributing his achievements to their collaboration.

Key Contributions of Jim Cubera

• Years of Service: 48 years
• First Project: Hills Tech Drive design
• Major Infrastructure Projects: Twelve Mile Road, Halsted Road drainage, and Drake Road paving
• Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and MBA
• Awards: Multiple accolades for engineering excellence and public service
• Future Plans: Travel and spend time with family

Background Context

Throughout his tenure, Cubera has been at the forefront of a changing landscape in Farmington Hills. As the city transitioned from farmland, his engineering skills played a vital role in ensuring infrastructure met the growing demands of a larger population. His work has significantly impacted traffic management, sewage, and city planning, laying the groundwork for the city’s advancements over nearly five decades.

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Summary of Jim Cubera’s Career

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Additional Resources

• Hoodline: Jim Cubera’s Retirement
• Wikipedia: Farmington Hills
• C & G News: City Engineer Retires
• Google Search: Jim Cubera
• Hour Detroit: Senior Care
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Jim Cubera

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