City & County updates The 2016-17 Frisco City Council, back row, from left: Bill Woodard, Tim Nelson, Will Sowell and Shona Huffman; front row: Scott Johnson, Mayor Maher Maso and Bob Allen[/caption]

Big decisions made in 2016

  • City signs power lines agreement The city of Frisco entered a stipulation agreement in February that would allow planned power lines in West Frisco to be buried under Main Street. In May, The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved an amended version of the agreement, which calls for a portion of the power lines route to be built overhead, and the city would pay more than $12 million toward the project’s cost.
  • City to buy conference center at Stonebriar Centre hotel Frisco City Council approved an agreement to buy the Hyatt Regency Hotel’s conference center, which will be attached to Stonebriar Centre. The conference center, which the city will purchase for $10.5 million, is expected to be at least 50,000 square feet.
  • Oncor substation approved In December, Frisco City Council approved a specific-use permit for a proposed Oncor Substation on 4th Army Drive. Oncor originally proposed a location on Legacy Drive, which the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission denied in August.

Top issues for 2017

  • New mayor, council members to be elected Voters will elect a new mayor and council members this year. The first election will take place Feb. 18 to choose a council member for the unexpired Place 1 term. In May, voters will select the city’s next mayor and council member for Place 6.
  • City prepares for Texas legislative session According to the city’s proposed legislative agenda, Frisco’s top legislative priority is to oppose any legislation that would erode the city’s current municipal authority, impose additional costs or reduce revenue. Other priorities include supporting the Texas Enterprise Fund and a uniform municipal runoff election date.
  • Frisco seeks to attract business For years, one of the City Council’s top priorities has been to attract a Fortune 100 company to Frisco. To do this, the city and developers have been creating office space. The council is expected to review plans at the beginning of this year for Frisco Park 25, a 216-acre industrial and business park in North Frisco.

A question for  Maher Maso, Mayor

What is one thing Frisco residents should look forward to in 2017?

Expect us to work to improve upon what’s in place today. Expect us to promote partnerships and collaborate to create a balanced community.  We’ll take a proactive approach so “we’re ready” for whatever exciting, new opportunity comes our way.  We hope to attract new businesses, focus on job creation and keep taxes low—all while delivering excellent city services and high quality of life for our residents and visitors.