For many Denton residents, the question is simple: Where did our tax dollars go this year?
City leaders said the answer is visible across town: in smoother roads, safer neighborhoods, well-used public spaces and more. During fiscal year 2024-25, Denton invested heavily in infrastructure and core services while preparing for continued growth. The annual review helps shift the focus from cost to impact.
“We’re proud of every single one of the city’s accomplishments,” Chief Communications Officer Dustin Sternbeck said. “They move the conversation from ‘Where did all of the money go?’ to ‘Look at what we’ve built together.’”
$149 million invested in capital projects
Denton directed $149 million toward capital projects, including improvements to more than 134 lane miles of roadway and repairs to more than 25,000 square feet of sidewalks. That means fewer potholes, safer travel, smoother neighborhood walks and infrastructure built to last, not temporary fixes.
Projects are carefully sequenced so underground utilities are replaced before roads are resurfaced, preventing costly rework later. That coordination protects taxpayer dollars over the long term.
The investments also position Denton for growth. Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications Kayla Herrod said the city’s population is now estimated at more than 166,000 residents. Projections show continued expansion in the coming years.
Maintaining financial stability while investing at this scale remains central to the strategy. Balanced budgets and strong credit ratings allow Denton to borrow at lower costs, reducing the financial burden on residents over time.
“Fiscal stewardship ... is the foundational element of building this long-term, resilient and thriving community,” Sternbeck said.
1 million recreation facility visits and 1 million library checkouts
Infrastructure may form the foundation of a city, but quality-of-life investments are what make Denton feel like Denton.
This year, park recreation facilities recorded more than 1 million visits, an all-time high. Libraries surpassed 1 million materials checked out. Parks and Recreation also hosted more than 2,600 programs.
Those numbers reflect more than usage; they point to community connection.
“We want to build community connectivity through our programming,” Sternbeck said. “It’s not going to be through a sterile, cookie-cutter approach. We really are focused on diverse programming that speaks to our community, and the numbers are telling us that what we’re doing is resonating with our community base.”
As Denton grows, officials have emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s character, such as its green space, recreational center and strong sense of identity.
By investing in public spaces and programming, leaders are reinforcing the elements residents value most, even as development continues.
Top 1% public safety, and 94% employee satisfaction
The year also brought national recognition for Denton’s public safety departments. The Denton Fire Department earned an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Class 1 rating, placing it in the top 1% of fire departments nationwide. Additionally, their Emergency Medical Services department received a Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) accreditation, meaning they set a gold standard for the ambulance service industry.
For residents, that distinction translates into faster response times and confidence in emergency preparedness.
Internally, 94% of city staff reported that Denton is a great place to work.
“That says a lot,” Sternbeck said. “We want the people working in our city to be passionate about the city.”
With upcoming council transitions and a new city manager on the horizon, officials acknowledge that leadership will evolve. What they said will not change is the standard.
“I think this sets a new standard of excellence that we continue to strive for,” Sternbeck said. “We want people to really be proud that they live and work in this community.”
Click here to learn more about Denton’s FY 2024-25 accomplishments today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
