A Long Journey
When Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney entered public service, he, too, was a young professional! That was 18 years ago! Little did he know that his decision to run for a seat on the Frisco City Council was the first step in a journey that would transform his life and the city he came to serve. Fast-forward to the present, and Mayor Cheney, now in his final term as Mayor, hasn’t just led Frisco; he’s grown with it.
On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, Mayor Cheney visited with over 80 young professionals at an event by the Frisco Young Professionals, a program of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce. The sold-out event, “I Had Lunch with the Mayor,” was hosted at CORE Construction.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Mayor shared candid tales from his tenure, highlighting not just the achievements but the hurdles too. He spoke of the PGA project’s complexities as a challenging yet rewarding feat. He recounted how the Frisco Public Library’s expansion during the COVID pandemic was a bold move that saved the city millions. This 60 million dollar project would have cost over $100 million had construction been delayed. Frisco now enjoys ten percent open space for new commercial construction and has set the bar for other cities. In addition, the Mayor touched on the amazing partnership with the school district, something rare in other cities.
Other questions centered around downtown redevelopment, public transportation, and Frisco’s innovative culture, which involves both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups.
Role Model
Not only did the young professionals get an inside look at public service, but they also got to know Mayor Cheney on a more personal level. He may no longer fit within the age demographic. Still, he is certainly young at heart and, as a business owner and public servant, definitely a role model to this generation of up-and-coming leaders.
This event was sponsored by Innovator Sponsors, FreeForm Chiropractic and Moss Utilities, and Influencer Sponsor, AI CONNEX.
Next Up?
The next Frisco Young Professionals event will be on April 17, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This next event, “Bingo and Brews,” will be held at Three Empires Brewing Company in the Rail District in Frisco. Registration is required as space is limited.
