Community Impact will expand its Texas footprint in 2026, launching three new markets: Denton, Bryan-College Station and Allen. The expansion will bring hyperlocal news to 150,000 additional residences across Texas.
Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, Community Impact was created to keep Texans informed about the places they call home. Today, the organization serves more than 2 million readers across over 40 markets and 80 communities in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio through free monthly print newspapers and daily digital email. Through this reach, it advances its vision to become the most trusted source of local news in Texas.
The growing need for hyperlocal news
The demand for trusted, localized reporting is at an all-time high. Across Texas, many communities face shrinking coverage, leaving residents without reliable information.
“Right now, the only way the City of Allen can affordably inform residents—outside of their website and social media—is through the water bill,” said Miranda Talley, Allen General Manager at Community Impact.
Community Impact will expand that reach by delivering trusted local news and public information directly to Allen households.
Similar challenges exist in Denton and Bryan-College Station, where rapid growth and evolving local issues outpace traditional news coverage.
By expanding into these three markets, Community Impact aims to fill these gaps, keeping residents connected to local news.
Denton: Meeting the local news need
For years, Denton has stood out as a vibrant, fast-growing city without dedicated hyperlocal news coverage. Home to two universities and major corporate headquarters, its population grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2023, according to the Census Bureau, intensifying the demand for hyperlocal reporting.
Community Impact’s Denton market is led by General Manager Arlin Gold, who has been with the company since 2019. The digital launch began Oct. 6, and print editions will reach 42,000 mailboxes starting late February.
“The support has been incredible, with nearly 1,000 subscribers signing up for our newsletter since its announcement,” Gold said.
Early advertiser funding has come from founding sponsors including Drip Plumbing, Cambridge Homes, Denton County Transportation Authority, Denton ISD, The University of North Texas, Design House, the City of Denton and Landmark by Hillwood, showing a shared commitment to providing reliable hyperlocal news to the community.
“In a region as dynamic as North Texas, Denton stands out as a unique intersection of education, industry and history,” said Dustin Sternbeck, City of Denton Chief Communications Officer. “Having Community Impact as a part of our community brings a specific connectivity that goes beyond traditional reporting. CI excels at translating rapid growth into resident reality and strengthening civic participation but also is committed to preserving Denton's unique identity.”
For more specific news on Denton related updates follow Community Impact’s Dallas Fort-Worth Facebook and Instagram pages.
Bryan-College Station: Two cities, one growing region
Bryan and College Station have similarly caught the attention of Houston President Jason Culpepper, with the population rising 9%, or about 25,000 residents, since 2019, according to Culpepper.
The newsletter and website launch is set for Feb. 16, with print editions arriving early May in about 55,000 single-family homes.
“With daily reporting, our team will take a humble, listening approach to provide the explanatory coverage residents need to stay informed and make decisions,” Culpepper said.
Bryan–College Station has secured five of its eight founding sponsors, including First Financial Bank, Baylor Scott and White-College Station, The Carlson Law Firm, Wildtree by Shea Homes and Caldwell Companies’ Mission Ranch.
“The Bryan-College Station community is dynamic and growing, with two cities, two independent school districts, county government, Texas A&M and a broad mix of business enterprises, there’s a great deal of news and content to be shared,” said Austin Bryan, First Financial Bank Bryan-College Station Regional President. “When you mix that with residents that maintain a great deal of community pride, Community Impact will prove to be a trusted and reliable delivery vehicle for the information that the community wants to be shared.”
To stay informed on Bryan-College Station launch news and related updates follow BCS on Facebook and Instagram pages.
Allen: Long requested news demand
Community Impact is responding to strong demand from Allen residents, business leaders and city officials for local coverage. With nearby markets in McKinney, Frisco, and Plano established, expanding into Allen was a natural next step.
“Chelsey Aprill with the City of Allen said one of her 2025 goals was to start a newspaper or bring Community Impact to Allen because there’s a real need,” Talley said. “Allen is a tight-knit community, soon to celebrate 150 years, with a lot of pride. That pride fuels a strong desire to know what’s happening in their own backyard, and we’ll meet that need.”
Talley, General Manager in McKinney since 2023, will lead the Allen expansion, bringing extensive experience and area familiarity. The expansion into Allen will begin Jan. 20 with the website launch. The first newsletter will follow on Feb. 2, and starting early April, the newspaper will be distributed to over 41,000 mailboxes.
The community has shown enthusiastic support, with founding sponsors including the City of Allen, Collin College, Commercial Bank of Texas, Allen ISD, Allen Economic Development Corporation and The Farm Development Corporation helping launch the market.
“Community Impact makes city news and updates easy to access—no paywalls, no barriers—and will soon deliver print editions to every home in Allen,” said Chelsey Aprill, City of Allen Director of Public and Media Relations. “That kind of reach and inclusivity means more residents stay informed, and that’s something we’re proud to support.”
For more details on the Allen launch or other related updates follow Community Impact’s Dallas Fort-Worth Facebook and Instagram pages.
Stay informed and connected
With the addition of Denton, Bryan–College Station and Allen, Community Impact continues its mission to strengthen Texas communities through reliable, locally focused journalism.
Residents can subscribe to the Denton, Bryan-College Station, and Allen newsletters to get the latest local news delivered straight to their inbox.
As Community Impact continues to grow, community support remains essential. For continued coverage and local updates, readers are encouraged to follow Community Impact’s Austin, Dallas Fort-Worth, Houston and San Antonio metro and X pages. Each page provides market-specific reporting, community information and updates as new markets launch.
Businesses can learn more about advertising with Community Impact by clicking here.
If you live or work in a city and want Community Impact to expand there next, email us at [email protected].
To support Community Impact, join the community-supported membership program, CI InCIder. Monthly or annual gifts help fund free, fact-based, hyperlocal news across Texas. Click here to learn more and join.
