Celina · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Celina public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
CDC five-year investment priorities
The CDC's half-cent sales tax has historically gone almost entirely to parks. Council and the CDC board are now deciding how to balance parks against land buys, downtown, tourism, and business projects over the next five years — which shapes what gets built in your community.
Rodeo Soccer Club stadium and TIRZ district proposal
A pro soccer club wants to build a 6,000-seat stadium anchoring a 130-acre district with hotel, office, and retail. They're asking the city for a TIRZ to reimburse the developer and $4.2 million for land — a deal that could bring concerts, jobs, and tourism but also carries public financing risk.
Citywide Landscaping and Xeriscape Code Amendments
Celina is updating its landscaping rules to mandate water-smart xeriscaping in commercial areas and HOA common spaces while giving homeowners more freedom to ditch traditional lawns.
Mac Haik Chevrolet Dealership Development
A developer is seeking to build a major new Kia dealership at Dallas Parkway and Cobb Street, bringing new jobs and community support but requiring changes to existing zoning rules.
Willock Master Plan
The EDC reviewed a comprehensive master plan for the 32-acre Willick property near downtown, featuring retail, dining, a boutique hotel, and open space along Doe Branch Creek.
TIRZ No. 13 Tax Year 2026 Expenditure Authorization
The board considered releasing $517,887 in tax increment funds to cover administrative costs and infrastructure grants for the Legacy Hills development. Board members rejected the funding after raising concerns that the developer hasn't built promised school sites or provided public access to the golf course.
Special Events Planning and Budget
The council reviewed vendor guidelines for city-produced events, sparking discussion about whether political and non-profit groups should be permitted booth spaces. City staff noted that allowing political advocacy would legally turn festival grounds into open public forums, complicating event management.
Library Operations and Community Support
Library circulation, growth, and program engagement have all increased significantly over the past year, and adult programming is expanding.
FY 2026 Public Art Annual Plan
The board reviewed ongoing public art initiatives for Fire Station #4, the Downtown Center, and Parks Administration. These projects aim to integrate local culture and visual arts into municipal buildings as the city grows.
Community Events and Promotion
Members discussed updating the city's Arts and Culture Master Plan and voted to reschedule an upcoming art exhibition so it can take place inside the new Downtown Center.
FY 2026-2028 Strategic Plan and Future Priority Objectives
The city is planning its economic strategy for downtown to guide future growth and business investments. This plan will help shape what downtown Celina looks like and how it supports local businesses.
State Bill 785 Agricultural and Mobile Home Regulations
The city is updating its zoning use charts for agricultural districts to ensure full compliance with state law under SB 785 regarding mobile home allowances for affordable housing.
Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Planning
The board coordinated upcoming volunteer events like the Volunteer Fair and Life Connected Service Day to boost resident participation in keeping Celina clean and green.
Cordoba Estates Development Agreement
A 98-acre development agreement near Custer Road will establish 66 large estate residential lots and correct a dangerous roadway jog to improve traffic safety.
Spring Beautification Projects
The city is moving forward with a revised plan to replace dead trees along Preston Road and upgrade to smart irrigation controllers to conserve water. The project reduces tree removal numbers by about 32% and aims to improve safety and corridor aesthetics.
Celina Stone Tract Development Agreement
A 40-acre property at FM 455 and J Fred Smith Parkway will be developed under a new agreement allowing commercial uses at the hard corner, light industrial uses, a gas station by right, and limited self-storage.
Hazard Mitigation Planning
Celina's got a brand new police headquarters! This upgrade means our officers will have better tools to do their jobs, aiming to make our city a safer place for everyone.
Dallas North Tollway Overlay District Development Strategy
Officials are reviewing long-term growth projections and site scoring to guide commercial development along the Tollway corridor. The study helps city leaders understand where office, retail, and industrial spaces are most feasible.
Project 151 Downtown Economic Development Agreement
The city is evaluating potential economic development incentives and negotiations for Project Kingsmen 2.0, which could bring new growth or business investment to the area.
Park Developments (Ousley Park and Wilson Creek Park)
The board toured the new Parks Administration Building to check on construction progress and see the new facilities.
TIRZ No. 11 Sales Tax Contribution Clarification
The city clarified how sales tax splits work when businesses inside the TIRZ have separate economic development reimbursement agreements. This ensures the CDC and EDC do not get squeezed into paying twice out of the same revenue stream.
Athletic Operations Study
Celina is reviewing how it manages athletic programs and facilities to keep up with rapid community growth.
CEDC Operational Restructuring
The EDC is transferring payroll, HR, and general accounting operations to the City of Celina while keeping board control over strategic projects and budgets. This change aims to streamline operations and administrative support.
Commercial and Residential Land-Use Approvals
About 4 acres near Preston Road and Sunset Boulevard were rezoned to commercial use to align with the city's future land use plan.
Personnel Appointment
Celina's got a new Parks & Rec boss, Steve Walsh! Get ready for potential new park projects or shifts in how our beloved green spaces are handled.
Mission Statement Revision
Celina voters just approved 10 big changes to how their city runs! These charter amendments could shake things up, so it's good to know what's on the table.
Library Board Leadership
The Library Board will receive governance and procedural training from the City Secretary's Office alongside routine monthly updates from library staff and the Friends of the Library.
Celina 150th Anniversary Celebration
The board discussed ways to weave local art into the upcoming Celina 150 anniversary celebrations.
Trackside Junction Downtown Mixed-Use Development
NAC Development LLC is bringing a major mixed-use project called Trackside Junction to the downtown lumberyard site, adding retail, restaurants, co-working space, and residences while preserving public parking.
CCDC Governance and Operations
City officials reviewed the updated governance framework and board structure for the Celina Community Development Corporation following recent City Council amendments. These changes ensure board members are Celina residents and align representation across various city boards and commissions.
Robinson 528-Acre Planned Development
Residents from the North Sky neighborhood voiced concerns about the massive 528-acre Robinson development bordering their backyards, asking for adequate landscape buffers, traffic protection, and preservation of agricultural character.
Downtown Center Retail Store RFP
The EDC plans to issue an RFP for a private operator to run a downtown retail store and visitor center, helping promote local businesses and tourism without direct city staffing costs.
Lightbridge Academy Daycare SUP
A developer wants to build a two-acre child care center near Legacy Drive and Frontier Parkway, prompting local concerns about noise, traffic, and privacy fences.
Median Landscape Pattern Book Adoption
The council adopted a new median landscape pattern book designed to eliminate turf grass in divided medians, cutting irrigation water demand by 60% and utilizing rock aggregate and drought-tolerant plants.
Project Earthman Land Swap
The CDC considered exchanging the Earthman Property at Carey Road and Smiley Road for Prosper ISD land near the Mosaic development, aiming to expand Celina's public park system using Type B sales tax funds.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 CEDC Budget and Sales Tax Projections
The EDC is planning its upcoming budget with projected sales tax revenues reaching $4.2 million, driven in part by major retailers like Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Costco. Board members are closely monitoring operating expense growth and capital outlays, including land purchases and downtown incentives.
North Texas Community Clean-Up Challenge
City staff proposed combining the May 23rd downtown clean-up into Life Connected Service Day to streamline volunteer efforts and account for weather concerns.
City Council Attendance at Town Hall
The City Council may attend a joint town hall with the Celina ISD. This is an informational event, and no official votes or decisions will happen.
City Council Attendance at Town Hall
Celina's City Council Place 5 race is heating up, and you've got a choice to make! We've got the lowdown on the candidates and what they stand for, so you can make an informed decision.
Event Center Specific Use Permit
A permit was requested for an event center, which falls under 'Assembly, Other' use. This allows for a new type of business in a commercial area.
Traffic Safety Technology
Celina is partnering with Waze to bring you real-time traffic updates and hazard alerts. This means less time stuck in traffic and a heads-up on potential dangers on the road.
Project Southland Economic Development Negotiations
The board discussed economic development negotiations in a closed executive session regarding Project Southland, seeking legal guidance from the city attorney.
Costco Infrastructure Agreement Assignment
The economic development corporation is transferring the final $1.25 million infrastructure reimbursement obligation for the Costco development over to the city of Celina.
Unattended Minor Policy
The library is establishing clear rules about when parents or guardians need to supervise children. This policy aims to ensure kids are safe and staff aren't responsible for childcare.
Elections
Celina voters, get ready! The May elections are coming up, and you'll decide who represents you on the City Council and the school board. It's your chance to pick the leaders who will shape our community's future.
Project Kingsmen Discussion
The board entered executive session to discuss 'Project Kingsmen,' a confidential economic development negotiation. Details are not public, but it relates to potential future business or development in the city.
Police Department Grants
The council authorized the police department to apply for grants to acquire new equipment, including crisis negotiation tools and scanning equipment.
Cybersecurity Services
The city renewed its contract for cybersecurity services to protect its digital infrastructure.
Transportation Funding
Celina once tried to buy its own highway! This D Magazine article looks back at the city's wild 2010 plan to take control of its own transportation future.
Mayor under investigation
Celina's mayor, Sean Terry, is in hot water! The FBI reportedly raided his home as part of an investigation. This could shake up local politics big time.