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Farmers Branch touts AAA ratings, low tax rate and new facilities in State of the City
Summary
Mayor Dodd presented a State of the City report highlighting the lowest tax rate in 41 years, AAA bond ratings, the new Star Center and investments in parks, affordable housing and infrastructure.
Mayor Dodd opened Farmers Branch’s annual State of the City by calling for teamwork on the council and outlining projects the city said defined 2024 and set priorities for 2025. "Farmers Branch has so much potential," Dodd said, introducing a video that summarized the administration’s achievements.
The city said it delivered its lowest tax rate in 41 years and earned AAA bond ratings from both Fitch Ratings and S&P Global, putting Farmers Branch among a small group of Texas cities with that rating. City leaders said those results reflect a commitment to financial stewardship while pursuing local investments.
City officials highlighted the opening of the Star Center, an 81,000-square-foot multisport facility that the city said hosted the UPA World Pickleball Championships for a second year and brought economic activity to local businesses. Park work also featured prominently: the administration noted Hoya Park (a themed, so-called "glow in the dark" park) and ongoing work on other neighborhood parks as part of a portfolio of 31 city parks.
Affordable-housing initiatives described in the presentation included a minor home repair program offering up to $5,000 in income-based assistance, five capped-price homes in the Bellewood area developed with Builders of Hope, and a Dallas County replacement-home program that the city said will provide 10 mortgage-free, 1,300-square-foot homes with 15-year liens.
Infrastructure projects cited by the city included widening the Rawhide Greenbelt Trail, reconfiguring Denton Drive to add street parking and a trail, the Cooks Creek channel widening and replacement of roughly 6,600 linear feet of aging cast-iron pipe on several streets. Officials also pointed to equipment upgrades in public works and new vehicles for fire and police.
The mayor closed the presentation by urging residents to engage with councilmembers and staff at lobby stations after the event: "Your voice is important," he said, and invited residents to ask focused questions about operations and policy.
The city did not announce new ordinance changes or formal votes at the event; the presentation was positioned as a summary of 2024 results and a preview of 2025 priorities.
