Plano officials hosted the city’s annual State of the City on Feb. 3, reflecting on Plano’s “next chapter of excellence” and milestones from the past year.

What happened

Mayor John Muns said the city has focused on economic development in 2025, highlighting corporate relocations to Plano throughout the year, including Sally Beauty, Ryan, USAA and most recently, AT&T.

“Companies have big choices, and they’re choosing Plano,” Muns said. “That says a lot about who we are.”

AT&T’s new headquarters will be located at 5400 Legacy Drive, which is part of the former Ross Perot Electronic Data Systems campus at the intersection of Parkwood Boulevard and Legacy Drive.

The city of Plano and developer NexPoint were in the process of redeveloping the site as the Texas Research Quarter, a planned life sciences and innovation district.

“With more projects like AT&T and Texas Research Quarter coming our way, Plano’s next chapter will continue to set the standard for regional leadership as a model of growth and sustainability,” Muns said.

A representative from NexPoint declined to comment on how the relocation affects plans for the research quarter. However, Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners recently approved a zoning change for the site ahead of AT&T’s relocation.

Zooming in

Muns also made note of Plano’s upcoming withdrawal election from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, stating “the way people move is changing.”

“It’s been over 40 years since Plano joined DART,” Muns said. “The question now is does today’s system serve the Plano of the future?”

Since Plano City Council voted to call the special election, nearly half of DART’s 13 member cities have now scheduled withdrawal elections, including Highland Park, University Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and Addison.

“These are decisions that belong to our residents, and we want everyone to be informed about transit options ahead of this year’s election,” Muns said.

Over the last several months, Plano officials have been working to create an alternative microtransit and paratransit system in the city. According to city documents, Plano City Council is set to consider a contract with Via, a “one-stop shop” for microtransit and paratransit services, at its Feb. 9 meeting.

One more thing

Muns and other Plano leaders also highlighted the city’s investment in infrastructure and public safety over the past year, including: