Our recent State of the City luncheon, sponsored by Texas Health Hospital Frisco, provided an exciting opportunity to showcase the significant developments and future plans for the city of Frisco. The event, which took place at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Frisco, drew a large crowd of over 500 attendees eager to learn about the progress and achievements of the community.
Mayor's Message and City Highlights
The State of the City commenced with a personal message from Mayor Jeff Cheney, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend in person. Nevertheless, Mayor Cheney’s video message highlighted the numerous accomplishments and exciting projects that have taken place in Frisco over the past year. He expressed his pride in the opening of the new state-of-the-art library, which is a $60 million investment and has quickly become a cherished asset for the community. Furthermore, Mayor Cheney celebrated Frisco’s achievement of becoming a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community and hosting events like the Academy of Country Music Awards and the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. He also mentioned the substantial economic impact these events have had on the community and the city’s expectation of even greater opportunities, such as Universal Studios bringing a theme park to Frisco.
Part of the secret ingredients to Frisco success is first and foremost public private partnerships which we do better than anyone.
Public-Private Partnerships Driving Growth
One of the key themes emphasized during the event was the importance of public-private partnerships in Frisco’s success. Mayor Cheney highlighted how these collaborations have been instrumental in the city’s growth and development. Frisco’s public-private partnerships have led to the creation of major anchors like The Star, where the Dallas Cowboys have their headquarters and practice facility, and PGA Frisco, which is expected to have an economic impact of $2.5 billion over 20 years. These large-scale projects have served as catalysts for additional investments and development in the area, including the $500 million expansion of HALL Park and the $10 billion in future developments near PGA Frisco.
Our focus on tourism and corporate innovation has allowed us to tell Frisco's story through the lens of hospitality, entertainment, and sports, which resonates with people on a personal level.
Revitalizing the Downtown Rail District
Significant discussion during the event also centered on the city’s efforts to revitalize the Downtown Rail District. Frisco is placing a strong emphasis on transforming the Rail District into a vibrant and unique destination within the city. The city’s investment of nearly $50 million in infrastructure projects, including roadway improvements, increased sidewalk space, and the event-focused Fourth Street Plaza, is expected to create a more walkable and inviting downtown environment. Additionally, the recent approval of a bond to construct a parking garage in the downtown area will address the growing parking needs and further support its development as a thriving hub of activity.
Having a vibrant downtown area, like the Rail District, is key in attracting tourists and creating a unique atmosphere for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Key Voices: Perspectives from Panelists
The panelists, including Marla Roe, Executive Director of Visit Frisco, Wes Pierson, City Manager from the City of Frisco, and Jason Ford, President of the Economic Development Corporation, each highlighted the importance of their respective organizations’ roles in promoting Frisco’s economic growth and success. They emphasized the significance of tourism, corporate innovation, and job creation in Frisco’s economic development strategy. They also discussed ongoing efforts to attract businesses to the city, encourage local entrepreneurship, and foster a strong sense of community, all of which contribute to the city’s continued growth.
A Comprehensive Overview of Frisco's Future
The State of the City provided a comprehensive overview of the achievements, upcoming projects, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of Frisco. As the city continues to grow and prosper, the focus on public-private partnerships, downtown revitalization, and attracting major events and businesses will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining Frisco’s position as a dynamic and innovative community. The event served not only as a celebration of the city’s achievements but also as an opportunity to inspire and engage residents and stakeholders in the ongoing progress of Frisco.
We need to make sure that we maintain an appropriate perspective, be grateful, and not become complacent as we continue to push the momentum of Frisco's success.
A Shared Vision for Frisco's Prosperous Future
The State of the City event demonstrated the shared vision and dedication of Frisco’s leaders, organizations, and community members in driving the city’s continued progress. With their strategic focus on economic development, downtown revitalization, and fostering a strong sense of community, Frisco is poised for a bright and prosperous future.
