Plano is changing. Fast. If you’ve driven down Legacy Drive recently, you know exactly what I mean. It isn't just the orange cones or the endless "coming soon" signs. There is a fundamental shift happening in the way this city operates, from its leadership to its very infrastructure. Honestly, staying on top of city of plano news has become a part-time job lately.
You’ve probably heard about the big corporate moves. Everyone talks about the AT&T headquarters relocation or the new 23-story Ryan building at Legacy West. But that’s only half the story.
The Special Election Nobody Is Talking About (But Should)
Right now, the biggest piece of news is tucked away on a January calendar. On January 31, 2026, Plano is holding a special election for City Council Place 7. Why? Because the seat is open, and the outcome will dictate the city’s stance on high-stakes issues like density and public transit.
We’re looking at two main contenders: Colleen Aguilar-Epstein and Shun Thomas.
Early voting starts next week. It’s one of those "blink and you’ll miss it" elections that actually changes your property taxes or how your neighborhood is zoned. You've got two people with very different visions for what "suburban" means in 2026. Most people won't show up. You should.
The DART Drama
While we're talking about the council, we have to talk about DART. For months, Plano has been in a bit of a standoff with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit agency. There’s been talk of withdrawing or significantly cutting funding. The city basically wants more for its money. They want "Transit Transformed," which is the city's internal branding for a more connected, reliable system.
It’s a messy, bureaucratic fight, but it’s real. If Plano pulls back, your commute or your employees' commutes change forever.
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Beyond the Boardroom: Crime and Reality
Look, we can't ignore the headlines that actually make people pause their scrolling. Earlier this week, on January 12, a shooting happened in the 4500 block of Sandy Water Lane. It was a domestic situation—a 15-year-old allegedly shot his father.
It’s heavy. It’s the kind of news that reminds you that even "America’s Safest City" (a title Plano loves to tout) isn't a bubble. The victim is expected to be okay, but the teen is facing a First-Degree Felony charge of Aggravated Assault-Family Violence.
Then there’s the hammer attack in Bob Woodruff Park from late last year. A woman was jogging and got jumped by a 17-year-old with a hammer.
These aren't "trends" in the sense that crime is skyrocketing—Plano still has some of the best safety metrics in the country—but they are a wake-up call. The police department is currently running its Annual Citizen Survey. They actually want to know if you feel safe. If you don't, now is the time to tell them before the 2026 budget is finalized.
Construction: The 2026 Roadmap
If you hate traffic, I have bad news. The Summer of 2026 is going to be a nightmare for your tires.
The city just released its 2026 Asphalt Overlay map. Basically, they’re resurfacing everything. We are talking about Independence Parkway (Spring Creek to Parker), Legacy Drive (Coit to Custer), and Park Boulevard (Midway to Preston).
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- Summer 2026: Heavy construction starts on major arterials.
- Fall 2026: Estimated completion for the first wave of overlays.
- Ongoing: The Legacy Drive/Independence Parkway intersection improvements.
Also, the Plano ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is still a massive skeleton of steel and dirt. It’s a $72.2 million project funded by the 2022 bond. It’s set to open its doors later this year/early next, and it’s going to be a game-changer for kids who don’t want the traditional four-year college route.
Economic Growth: It’s Not Just Toyota Anymore
Plano's economic engine is shifting from "big corporate campuses" to "innovation hubs." Doug McDonald, the former Economic Development Director, was recently promoted to Deputy City Manager. That move matters. It signals that the city is prioritizing growth and infrastructure as a single, unified strategy.
Have you seen the Miyako Hybrid Hotel? It’s a $117 million Japanese luxury hotel going up near the old JCPenney headquarters. It won't open until fall 2027, but the construction is already altering the skyline in northwest Plano.
Then you have companies like Argano moving into HQs that have full-sized kitchens and basketball courts. The "office" isn't dead in Plano; it’s just becoming a country club.
The 2026 Innovation Awards
Ross Perot Jr. was just named the first "Legacy of Innovation" honoree. This isn't just a trophy for a billionaire; it’s a branding exercise for the city. They want the world to see Plano as the Silicon Prairie. Whether that's true or just good PR is up for debate, but the money flowing into tech labs and factory floors here is staggering.
Small Wins and Local Flavor
In the middle of all this high-level talk, there are things that actually affect your daily life.
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- Water Bills: If yours is soaring, the city is offering free sprinkler system evaluations. Seriously. Use it.
- Library Closures: Just a heads up—all libraries are closed this Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Olympic Pride: Plano native Amber Glenn just made the U.S. Figure Skating Team for the Winter Olympics.
It’s easy to get lost in the city of plano news cycle and think it’s all about taxes and traffic. But it’s also about kids getting patents—like Shriya Viswanathan and Saura Agarwal, two local seniors who just patented a UV monitoring app.
What You Should Actually Do Now
Don't just read the news; navigate it. The city is at a crossroads where the "old" suburban feel is clashing with a dense, urban future.
Check your voter registration for the January 31 special election. If you live near Park Blvd or Independence, plan your commute for the summer now, or start looking for those side streets. And honestly, if you haven't filled out that Police Citizen Survey yet, do it. It’s one of the few ways to get your voice heard without standing at a podium for three minutes at a council meeting.
Plano is growing up. It’s louder, busier, and more expensive. But it’s still home.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Verify your polling location for the January 31 Special Election for City Council Place 7.
- Request a free WaterWise evaluation via the Plano.gov website if your utility bill has spiked.
- Review the 2026 Asphalt Overlay Map to see if your primary commute route is scheduled for resurfacing this summer.