Takoma Park’s Assistant City Clerk Irma Nalvarte described her varied role and long tenure with the city in remarks released on Apr. 3. Nalvarte, who has worked for Takoma Park for 22 years, spoke about her responsibilities and what keeps her motivated in public service.
The work of the assistant city clerk is important to residents because it involves managing elections, maintaining official records, and helping community members access vital services such as voter registration and notarization. Nalvarte said she enjoys being busy and finds election season especially rewarding: “It’s busy, but I like to keep busy. It can be exciting,” she said. “We’re already planning this year’s election. We meet with the board of elections monthly. I love registering people to vote.”
Nalvarte began her career in Takoma Park as an assistant to then-City Manager Suzanne Ludlow before moving through roles including purchasing officer and ultimately becoming assistant city clerk under Jessie Carpenter. The office manages council meeting agendas, recruitment for boards and committees, serves as election administrator for all city elections, protects official records, and responds to resident inquiries about policies or procedures.
Born in Washington D.C., Nalvarte spent part of her childhood in Mexico before returning to attend local schools including Takoma Park Elementary School, St. John’s College High School, Montgomery College, and later graduating from Washington Adventist University with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Nalvarte also spoke about the importance of family in her life: “Family is the most important thing to me,” she said. She described enjoying crafts with her youngest daughter and supporting both daughters’ athletic activities.
Reflecting on more than two decades at City Hall, Nalvarte credited colleagues for creating a supportive workplace: “That’s why I’ve been here 22 years—my coworkers—everyone is so respectful… everyone works together and has each other’s backs,” she said.
