Williams’ job description includes acting as a liaison and go-between for city officials and the business community in Frisco’s historic downtown, which is currently undergoing a multi-year, multimillion-dollar redevelopment.
Despite construction, The Rail District is “very much open for business,” Williams said.
“The best way to support Rail District businesses is by shopping locally,” she said. “Come out to The Rail District to eat at the restaurants, shop in the stores, take advantage of the services and enjoy the curated experiences these businesses offer.”
Williams shared some information about the new position with Community Impact as well as what she wants to achieve as The Rail District’s liaison in the coming years. Answers have been edited for length, style and clarity.
What does a Rail District liaison do?
As liaison for downtown, I work collaboratively with partners across the city’s Engineering and Planning departments, the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau, Visit Frisco, and the Frisco Chamber of Commerce to support downtown businesses. I serve as a conduit between these groups and Rail District business owners, ensuring our efforts towards redevelopment are coordinated and impactful.
My work will include implementation of the newly created Frisco Rail District brand: Good to be Here; coordinate community outreach efforts; administration of the Frisco Rail District Investment Zone Pilot Program grants; facilitate the retention and expansion of downtown business, and recruitment of new business into downtown.
Why was the position created?
Over the last several years, Frisco community members have vocalized a desire and need for additional city support in Downtown Frisco, specifically a downtown liaison to work closely with downtown businesses to navigate revitalization in the district. In response, the mayor and city council [members] have kept downtown improvements on their top 10 priorities since 2022.
To date, the City Council has made an investment of more than $200 million in various Rail District redevelopment efforts to enhance the Frisco Rail District and make it a destination. My role as manager of downtown service and real estate was created to provide dedicated support through existing resources and new programs to businesses in downtown Frisco during redevelopment, specifically the construction of Main Street and the new Fourth Street Plaza.
What are the long-term goals of the position?
Long-term, my primary goal is to ensure the Frisco Rail District is a vibrant and thriving destination for residents, tourists and businesses. This work will be accomplished through proactive efforts to support our existing small businesses, recruit new business, enhance tourism and facilitate the development and management of new real estate downtown.
As part of the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, my position supports the EDC’s broader mission of attracting and retaining Type A businesses like corporate headquarters and tech companies to drive economic growth and job creation for Frisco residents. My role in supporting downtown during redevelopment contributes to the city’s long-term economic sustainability.
What is the long-term vision of the Rail District, and how does the Frisco Economic Development Corporation fit in that?
The long-term vision for the Rail District is for it to be a vibrant, thriving, pedestrian-centric district that is welcoming to all generations. We are making efforts to establish an '18-hour' district that is activated the majority of the day. We hope to see additional retail operators and new offices come to the area to attract a vibrant daytime economy to downtown.
Our primary focus at the Frisco EDC is job creation, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life for all Frisco residents. The EDC is also strongly focused on the retention and expansion of businesses to keep unemployment low and widen the city’s property tax base. The Frisco EDC is taking a proactive stance in ensuring this mission is carried out across the entire city, especially downtown during the construction process.
What personal goals or impact do you hope to have on The Rail District?
Personally, I look forward to being a part of the “dream team” who led efforts to transform the district. Downtown is the heart of our community, and it is where Frisco got its start. What an honor it will be to reimagine this space alongside the community, establishing it as another one of Frisco’s gems and attracting visitors from across the region.
As our mayor has shared, every world-class city has a great downtown. Frisco has accomplished so much, especially over the last 25 years, but we have only scratched the surface. The Rail District is one of the many projects setting Frisco up for continued success for the next 25 years and beyond.
Also of note
The city provides updates on construction progress as well as a map of available parking places on its website.
Another way for residents to support downtown businesses is through the Frisco Chamber of Commerce's Receipt Race. Customers purchasing anything in The Rail District can save their receipts and turn them in to their children’s school’s Parent Teacher Association.
The PTAs with the most receipts collected, regardless of value, will then be awarded $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $1,000 for three third place spots. The race is open from Sept. 12 to Dec. 31 with receipts due no later than Jan. 15, 2025.
All PTAs are eligible to participate in this competition, not just those within Frisco ISD, Williams said. More details on this program can be found at the chamber's website.
