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Check out some recent government updates in Plano, including $20 million in economic incentives for the new AT&T headquarters and discussions about moving the Dallas Stars to The Shops at Willow Bend.
This list is not comprehensive.
1. Dallas Stars, Plano in talks to move team to Willow Bend Mall
Plano could become the new home of the Dallas Stars, as the city confirmed that it has been in “earnest discussions” with the hockey team.
The National Hockey League team is eyeing The Shops at Willow Bend, at 6121 W. Park Blvd. in Plano, as a potential site for a "new arena district," according to a statement from the city. The Stars lease at the American Airlines Center in Dallas is expiring in 2031.
2. Plano to stay with DART, officials cancel withdrawal election
Plano residents will no longer vote on staying in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system this May.
At their Feb. 23 meeting, Plano City Council voted to rescind the call for a withdrawal election from the transit agency after several months of negotiations. Instead, the city and DART are coming to a new agreement geared towards promoting local transportation projects.
Plano City Council approved four items related to the withdrawal election, including a new interlocal agreement that will return approximately $61 million to Plano over the course of six years, according to DART meeting documents.
3. Plano OKs $20M in economic incentives for new AT&T headquarters
Plans for AT&T’s new $1.35 billion global headquarters in Plano are moving forward.
Plano City Council approved two economic development agreements Feb. 23 that would offer $20 million in financial incentives to AT&T in exchange for establishing the company’s global headquarters in Plano’s Legacy District.
The agreements would support the redevelopment of the former Electronic Data Systems campus, marking Plano’s first major corporate headquarters redevelopment project.
4. Shun Thomas sworn in as newest Plano City Council member
Shun Thomas was sworn in as Plano City Council’s newest member Feb. 9.
Council unanimously voted to canvass election results from the Jan. 31 special election, in which Thomas defeated Colleen Aguilar-Epstein in a race for the Place 7 council seat.
Thomas replaces former Place 7 council member Julie Holmer, who announced her resignation last November to pursue a seat on the Collin County Commissioners Court.
5. NTxBio’s $31M expansion to Plano’s Legacy district on pause
Plans to build a $31 million biomanufacturing facility in Plano’s Legacy district are on pause, according to a statement from NTxBio CEO Joan Haab.
The project, supported by a $1.48 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant, was expected to create more than 170 jobs according to a news release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office.
“At this time, NTxBio is continuing to evaluate its long-term growth strategy, including potential expansion opportunities in North Texas,” Haab said. “While Plano has been an important part of those discussions, we are currently pausing our expansion plans there in 2026.”
