“Yes, We’re Finally There!”; Frisco Reaches 100,000 Population Milestone
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The following information is distributed from the City of Frisco's News
and Information service.
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"YES, WE'RE FINALLY THERE!";
FRISCO REACHES 100,000 POPULATION MILESTONE
(April 24, 2008) "Are we there yet?" That's the question many
residents, business owners and even reporters have been asking for weeks,
and they're not inquiring about the next rest stop. In fact, it's just
the opposite. As anticipated this year, 100,000 plus people now call the
City of Frisco home!
"People continue to move to Frisco because of all we have to offer and the
quality of life we provide," said Mayor Mike Simpson, who began serving on
the Frisco City Council in 2000 and was elected Mayor in 2002. Since
then, Frisco's population has nearly doubled from 50,550 on January 1,
2002 to more than 100,000 people today.
"We offer it all," added Mayor Simpson. "From diverse housing and
excellent location to airports and major thoroughfares.to outstanding
sports venues, fantastic parks and great schools, Progress in Motion isn't
just a city motto; it's a way of life."
Frisco's Planning and Development Services Department estimates Frisco
achieved this significant milestone earlier this month; however, this is
an 'unofficial' estimate based on building permits. Once the U.S. Census
data is available in 2011, Frisco's population status will be
reclassified. The 'official' ranking will provide new opportunities for
Frisco in areas such as federal funding and grants; however, it will also
result in Frisco facing new regulations for cities with populations of
100,000 or more.
"I recall reading in the 1991 Comprehensive Plan that the City was to
reach 26,000 in 2020 and that was the high growth projection," said John
Lettelleir, Director of Planning and Development Services. "Growth came
quicker than originally anticipated. However, past and present city
leadership continues to strive towards creating a self sustaining
community where people want to live."
"Our goal is for our residents and their children to want to continue to
make Frisco their home, rather than wanting to move to the next boom town
as time passes," said George Purefoy, City Manager.
As Frisco's first and only City Manager, Purefoy has seen Frisco evolve
from a small, 'slow growth' town to a bustling, fast paced community.
Purefoy started working for the City of Frisco in 1987, when there were
fewer than 5,000 people living in Frisco. By achieving this milestone,
Frisco joins 25 other Texas cities which have populations of 100,000 or
more.
"While the population estimates show the tremendous growth which has
occurred the past few years, the challenge will be to keep the small town,
friendly atmosphere and quality public service," said Purefoy. "Growth
brings the need for building the required infrastructure, hiring
additional employees, while attempting to keep a community which is
sustainable and doesn't start aging poorly."
-MORE-
100,000 Population
2-2-2-2-2
Anticipating Frisco would reach the 100,000 milestone this spring, "Way to
Grow" was the theme of the City of Frisco's first Town Hall meeting of
2008, held in February. Nearly 300 residents who attended the Town Hall
meeting received a souvenir trowel and seed packet as a 'thank you' for
planting roots in Frisco.
Later this month, Mayor Mike Simpson will meet with key business leaders
during a breakfast meeting. The 'Road to Success' event will highlight
city accomplishments over the past six years and mark the population
milestone.
"People who move here constantly say they're impressed with our planning
and our ability to 'stick to the plan' by providing the local roads and
infrastructure to stay ahead of growth," added Mayor Simpson. "Frisco
voters are always generous in their support of bonds, which have provided
us the means to build some outstanding municipal buildings and schools."
So, yes, we may be 'there' -- but for Frisco city leaders and staff, this
is just the next phase in our "Road to Success." No time for rest stops.
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