Mayors from six North Texas cities gathered on December 3, 2025, to discuss the region’s economic growth strategies during the Dallas Regional Chamber’s annual State of the Region event. The mayors of Fort Worth, Arlington, Frisco, McKinney, Garland, and Richardson emphasized the importance of public service and collaboration in driving the area’s economic success.
The population surge in North Texas has fueled a robust economy, which the mayors attribute to their shared commitment to addressing common challenges. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker highlighted the need for collaboration among cities, stating, “Our problems up here as mayors are all very similar: dealing with infrastructure challenges and homelessness, and making sure you have police officers on the street and firefighters.” She added that a focused approach on the economic engine of each city is crucial for sustained success.
According to Dale Petroskey, president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) region has experienced over 800 significant corporate relocations and expansions since 2014, with more than 300 companies moving their headquarters to the area. This trend reflects a collective effort by city leaders to attract new businesses, as noted by Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. He remarked, “How many of you in your respective cities have been speaking with prospective businesses moving in who have made the decision that they’re coming to North Texas? They just haven’t decided what part of North Texas they’re coming to yet.”
While the mayors acknowledged the benefits of collaboration, they also recognized the competitive nature of the region as cities seek economic opportunities. Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney humorously noted the regional partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, which trains in Frisco but plays in Arlington, illustrating the blend of competition and cooperation among local governments.
The mayors also discussed governance structures, with Parker explaining that many Texas cities operate under a city manager-led system. This model allows for continuity and expertise, reducing turnover that can occur in mayoral-led systems where new administrations often bring in their own staff. “Imagine in each of your respective companies if every time you had a manager or a CEO change, everybody else went with it,” Parker said, underscoring the importance of maintaining institutional knowledge.
The discussion also turned to recent legislative efforts in Texas. The mayors criticized bills that sought to shift control from local governments to the state, arguing that such measures fail to consider the unique identities and needs of individual cities. “A lot of bills died, which was a really big win,” Parker remarked, indicating that some local concerns were addressed during the legislative sessions.
Ross emphasized the need for city leaders to prioritize public service over partisan politics, stating, “I am convinced, as I’m sitting here today, that our federal and state legislatures are more loyal to their parties than the public they serve.” His comments reflect a growing frustration among local officials regarding the impact of state-level decisions on community governance.
The insights shared at the event highlight the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and local control in ensuring the continued economic vitality of the North Texas region. As the population and economic landscape evolve, the commitment of these mayors to work together will play a critical role in shaping the future of North Texas.
