Irving mayor touts jobs, major developments and community programs at 2020 State of the City

Mayor Rick Stover used the Greater Irving–Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 State of the City address to frame Irving’s progress around a theme of being "Irving inspired," spotlighting business growth, community programs and planned infrastructure investments.

Stover pointed to a strong year for the city’s economy, saying Irving recorded a $751,000,000 increase in taxable property value from new construction and noting several employer expansions: "Allstate has stepped up and moved forward where they are, looking at about, 1200 new jobs," and Microsoft ‘‘is bringing in a tremendous amount over 500 new jobs to this area." He added that Irving now hosts many Fortune 1000 companies and international corporations that supply family-supporting jobs.

The mayor highlighted two large private projects as examples of local development: a Mars distribution center described in the program as roughly 1.5 million square feet (34 acres under roof) and associated with approximately 1,500 jobs; and a high-end Pioneer building development discussed as a major commercial real-estate transaction. A separate regional transport note pointed to expansion at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, including a sixth terminal and new gates that speakers said will bring additional routes to the area.

On infrastructure, Stover said the city has made "a conscious effort" to invest in streets and related underground work, citing a target of at least $20,000,000 per year for street projects and naming concurrent investments in water, sewer and recreational facilities (the transcript references two recreational facilities with $1,000,000-plus renovations and a roughly $6,000,000 golf-course investment).

Public safety initiatives drew attention as well. Stover described a mental-health training program for officers and an operational four-officer team to respond to mental-health incidents, and outlined a "blocker" tactic to protect first-responder equipment and personnel at scenes. He praised police and fire personnel for their work in the community.

Stover and panelists also emphasized community programs that began in Irving and scaled nationally, including Clear the Shelters and the North Texas Teen Book Festival, and highlighted local civic engagement efforts such as the Irving 360 Civic Academy and the Chamber’s workforce and talent initiatives.

The mayor urged residents to participate in the 2020 census, noting the city has committed dollars to Dallas County and internal outreach to help ensure an accurate count: "It is so important to the city of Irving," he said, because federal and state funding flows depend on census results.

The program also included remarks from Beth Bowman of the Chamber, sponsor remarks by Gabe Castro of TXU/Vistra Energy and moderation by Brad Watson. Bowman noted sales tax revenue was up 20% over the prior year and called attention to the Chamber’s award program. The event concluded after the mayor’s remarks and a short video presentation.

The event was largely celebratory and informational; no formal council actions, votes or ordinances were presented during the program. The moderator adjourned the program at the close of the mayor’s remarks.