Saul N. Ramirez Jr. facts for kids

Saul N. Ramirez Jr. (born October 22, 1958) is an American politician and businessman. He also served as an important official in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD is a part of the U.S. government that helps people find good homes and build strong communities.

Saul Ramirez's Story

Early Life and Education

Saul Ramirez Jr. was born on October 22, 1958, in Los Angeles, California. When he was three years old, his family moved to Laredo, Texas. His father worked as a foreman and mechanic for Douglas Aircraft. Saul grew up in Laredo and went to St. Augustine elementary and high schools, which are Roman Catholic schools.

Becoming Mayor of Laredo

In 1990, Saul Ramirez made history by becoming the youngest mayor of Laredo, Texas. Before becoming mayor, he served for eight years on the Laredo City Council. He also worked in the insurance business in Laredo for almost 20 years.

As mayor, Ramirez helped Laredo grow. He secured permission to build the World Trade Bridge, which helps with trade between the U.S. and Mexico. He also worked to build new places for the community, like:

• Four recreation centers
• Three fire stations
• A new public library

Ramirez left his position as mayor at the end of his second term in 1997. A special election was held, and Betty Flores became the new mayor.

Working for the President

After his time as mayor, Ramirez joined the Clinton administration. He worked for Andrew Cuomo, who was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

From 1997 to 1998, Ramirez was the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Community Planning and Development. This role involved helping communities plan for their growth and development. On June 19, 1998, President Clinton chose him to be the United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He served in this important role until the end of Clinton's presidency in January 2001.

During his career, Ramirez received several honors:

• In 1997, the Laredo Morning Times newspaper named him "Laredoan of the Year."
• In 1995, he was named "Mayor of the Year" by the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association.
• In 1996, Newsweek magazine recognized him as one of the 25 most dynamic mayors in the country.

In 2008, some leaders, including U.S. Representative Henry R. Cuellar, suggested that Barack Obama should choose Ramirez to be the HUD secretary. Ramirez was even part of Obama's team that helped prepare for the new presidency. However, Obama chose Shaun Donovan for the role.

Later Career and Community Work

Saul Ramirez has continued to be involved in important discussions about housing and economic development. In 2010, he spoke to the House Financial Services Committee about a plan to improve public housing.

He has spent over 20 years working as an executive in the risk management and insurance industry. Today, he is a member of advisory boards for organizations like the AFL–CIO Housing Investment Trust and the Capital One Community Renewal Fund. These groups work to help communities and support housing projects.

Personal Life

Saul Ramirez Jr. is married to Aggie Ramos. They have three children named Saul, Joaquin, and Alexis. The family lives near Washington, D.C. in Vienna, Virginia.