Mayor Julian Castro says farewell to co-workers, friends

Castro to serve as HUD secretary

SAN ANTONIO – From Mayor to Secretary, Julian Castro is leaving his hometown, San Antonio, and heading to Washington, D.C., where he'll lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Hundreds of people attended Castro's thank you reception Wednesday night. In attendance, was his mother, Rosie Castro, who couldn't be more proud of her son.

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"They try their very best to ensure they're good policies for the people of San Antonio. I think he'll do the same as HUD for the nation," said Rosie.

The reception was hosted by the Chambers of Commerce at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

San Antonio Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Richard Perez said Castro worked tirelessly for the past five years as mayor.

"Julian Castro has left the city of San Antonio better than he found it, and we're all grateful for that," said Perez.

But the mayor was quick to point out he wouldn't have been able to be the leader he is without San Antonians believing in him.

"Thank you not just for the support you've given me through the years, but for everything that you do in your professional life and in your personal life to make this city one of the greatest cities in the world, to make the city of San Antonio a city of prosperity, and also a city of character," said Castro.

It's a bittersweet goodbye from many who worked closely with him for many years.

"We don't say goodbye, we say farewell, because we know you'll be back, we know you'll do fantastic things for housing and urban development throughout the country and model the things you've done in San Antonio," said Perez.

Castro is expected to head to Washington by the end of July.