Mark Hill, Frisco’s newly elected mayor, addressed more than 600 business and community leaders during his inaugural State of the City event on August 21 at the Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel Conference Center. Hill secured the mayoral office in June after defeating Rod Vilhauer in a runoff election.
A longtime Collin County corporate attorney, former Frisco Independent School District trustee, and board president, Hill began his remarks by reflecting on the city’s origins. He read excerpts from the 2002 book "Frisco: The First 100 Years," compiled by Steve Quinn and the Frisco Heritage Association, which traces the area’s evolution from a railway community to a modern hub.
Hill emphasized the importance of The Rail District, Frisco’s historic downtown, as a center for commerce and tourism. He noted that new construction, including an upcoming plaza, signals a return to the city’s tighter-knit roots. Hill stated that activating this area is essential for attracting business investment and creating a unique destination for residents and visitors alike.
The mayor highlighted Frisco’s population surge from approximately 40,000 to 250,000 over the past 25 years. He credited much of this expansion to the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, established through a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in the 1990s. This funding helped bring in major developments like Stonebriar Centre, boosting sales tax revenue and attracting new residents.
To maintain this momentum, Hill argued for continuing the city’s reliance on economic development and sales tax generation rather than increasing property taxes. He stated that reducing the burden on residential homeowners is critical to preserving a high quality of life as costs rise.
