Plano Mayor John Muns listens to a question from Shayne Carter, representing Toyota North America, in relation to the successful growth in Plano as well as the future outlook. The State of Business Address examined “The Power of Partnerships” between business, government and education leaders and how collaboration is driving Plano’s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.
Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News
Between securing AT&T’s new headquarters and flirting with a potential new arena for the Dallas Stars, it’s been a big year for Plano — built on a legacy of success leaders attribute to strong partnerships between the city, business community and school district.
At the annual State of Business Address hosted by the Plano Chamber of Commerce Thursday, local officials, members of Plano’s business community, lawmakers and school district leaders convened just blocks away from Ross Perot’s former Electronic Data Systems building, where demolition crews are setting up to start work on AT&T’s new headquarters.
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The telecommunications giant announced this year it’s heading north from downtown Dallas, a move Mayor John Muns said took over a year of work from his city’s staff. It’s yet another jewel in the crown for a city that’s attracted companies from across the country and the world, like Toyota Motor North America and Perot’s Electronic Data Systems.
Muns in his address Thursday credited Plano’s high quality of life for its success. Strong public safety, education and healthcare make the city attractive to corporations looking for their next home.
When it comes to incentives for businesses, Plano is “probably not going to be the one who gives the most money,” Muns said in his remarks. Plano’s largest incentive package in its history went to AT&T this year — $20 million and a lengthy tax rebate.
Moderator Kelle Marsalis (left), president and CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, listens to Plano ISD Superintendent Theresa Williams (right) as she expounds on the importance of collaboration and Plano City Manager Mark Israelson listens. The State of Business Address was about “The Power of Partnerships” between business, government and education leaders and how collaboration is driving Plano’s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.
Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News
But the city is limited in its funds for economic development, Muns said, with “certain obligations when it comes to transportation.”
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As a member of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the city pays a one-cent sales tax to the public transportation agency.
City leaders called – then abandoned – an election to leave DART this year over concerns the agency’s service in the suburb does not match Plano’s more than $110 million annual contribution. The city reached compromises over governance, funding and legislative priorities on changing how public transportation is provided in North Texas.
“We look forward to that relationship continuing, and we’re hoping that quality of service continues to grow in our city,” Muns said to dozens of attendees.
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City Manager Mark Israelson said Plano has nevertheless been successful, in its partnership with DART and in providing public services “at a level that we think can compete with anybody in North Texas or in the country.”
Mihaela Plesa listens to a panel discussion during the State of Business Address between business, government and education leaders about how collaboration is driving Plano’s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.
Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News
Those services, leaders said Thursday, include the city’s workforce and educational institutions.
“These issues are critical to the things that we’re working on in the legislative session,” said Mihaela Plesa, who represents parts of Plano in the Texas House and attended the address Thursday. “We want to make sure that we have really strong partnerships for workforce development, for our educational pipelines.”
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Muns said the qualified workforce in North Texas is “second to none.” Plano Independent School District, the University of Texas at Dallas and Collin College provide education in or near Plano. Leaders also touted the city’s internship programming and PISD’s Career and Technical Education center and its courses.
“Strong schools make for strong communities and strong communities build great economic development,” said PISD Superintendent Theresa Williams in her remarks.
And while Plano has no beaches or mountains, Muns said, it has a top-ranked park system, deemed the best in the state this year by the Trust for Public Land — green space “that our corporate community really values,” the mayor said.
A large crowd was in attendance at the State of Business Address about “The Power of Partnerships” between business, government and education leaders as well as how collaboration is driving Plano’s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.
Steve Hamm/The Dallas Morning News
A corporation’s engagement with the city starts with Plano’s economic development team, Israelson said. But then it extends to the city’s schools, libraries and parks.
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“We don’t just want you to come here and do business,” Israelson said. “We want you to be part of the community.”
Plesa said Plano’s “success story” is evident in its schools and parks, but its continued success will rely on a commitment to maintaining infrastructure to support a thriving city.
“We need to make massive investments in infrastructure development,” Plesa said. “We need roads, we need water, we need new forms of public transit … Those are going to be the issues coming to the Legislature next session.”
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Email tips on all things Collin County to lilly.kersh@dallasnews.com.