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Plano Mayor John Muns listens to a question from\u00a0Shayne 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 \u201cThe Power of Partnerships\u201d between business, government and education leaders and how collaboration is driving\u00a0Plano\u2019s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.<\/p>\n
Steve Hamm\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n
Between securing AT&T\u2019s new headquarters<\/a> and flirting with a potential new arena<\/a> for the Dallas Stars, it’s been a big year for Plano \u2014 built on a legacy of success leaders attribute to strong partnerships between the city, business community and school district.\u00a0<\/p>\n At the annual State of Business Address hosted by the Plano Chamber of Commerce Thursday, local officials, members of Plano\u2019s business community, lawmakers and school district leaders convened just blocks away from Ross Perot\u2019s former Electronic Data Systems building, where demolition crews are setting up to start work on AT&T\u2019s new headquarters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The telecommunications giant announced this year it\u2019s heading north from downtown Dallas, a move Mayor John Muns said<\/a> took over a year of work from his city\u2019s staff. It\u2019s yet another jewel in the crown for a city that\u2019s attracted companies from across the country and the world, like Toyota Motor North America and Perot\u2019s Electronic Data Systems.<\/p>\n Muns in his address Thursday credited Plano\u2019s\u00a0high quality of life for its success<\/a>. Strong public safety, education and healthcare make the city attractive to corporations looking for their next home.<\/p>\n When it comes to incentives for businesses, Plano is \u201cprobably not going to be the one who gives the most money,\u201d Muns said in his remarks. Plano\u2019s largest incentive package<\/a> in its history went to AT&T this year \u2014 $20 million and a lengthy tax rebate.<\/p>\n Moderator Kelle Marsalis (left), president and CEO of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, listens to\u00a0Plano 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 \u201cThe Power of Partnerships\u201d between business, government and education leaders and how collaboration is driving\u00a0Plano\u2019s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.<\/p>\n Steve Hamm\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n But the city is limited in its funds for economic development, Muns said, with \u201ccertain obligations when it comes to transportation<\/a>.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n As a member of Dallas Area Rapid Transit<\/a>, the city pays a one-cent sales tax to the public transportation agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n City leaders called \u2013 then abandoned \u2013 an election to leave DART this year over concerns the agency\u2019s service in the suburb does not match Plano\u2019s more than $110 million annual contribution. The city reached compromises over<\/a> governance, funding and legislative priorities on changing how public transportation is provided in North Texas.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to that relationship continuing, and we’re hoping that quality of service<\/a> continues to grow in our city,\u201d Muns said to dozens of attendees.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n City Manager Mark Israelson said Plano has nevertheless<\/a> been successful, in its partnership with DART and in providing public services \u201cat a level that we think can compete with anybody in North Texas or in the country.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s growth and success. The address was held at the Marriott Legacy Town Center in Plano on May 21, 2026.<\/p>\n Steve Hamm\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n Those services, leaders said Thursday, include the city\u2019s workforce and educational institutions.<\/p>\n \u201cThese issues are critical to the things that we’re working on in the legislative session,\u201d said Mihaela Plesa<\/a>, who represents parts of Plano in the Texas House and attended the address Thursday. \u201cWe want to make sure that we have really strong partnerships for workforce development, for our educational pipelines.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Muns said the qualified workforce in North Texas is \u201csecond to none.\u201d Plano Independent School District, the University of Texas at Dallas and Collin College provide education in or near Plano<\/a>. Leaders also touted the city\u2019s internship programming and PISD\u2019s Career and Technical Education center and its courses.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cStrong schools make for strong communities and strong communities build great economic development,\u201d said PISD Superintendent Theresa Williams in her remarks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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