It's our safe community, community character, community unity, vibrant centers, great neighborhoods and experiences for all that make us the premier place to live in the DFW Metroplex.
These words capture the vision of Allen City Council set forth during a strategic planning process in 2020-2021. City of Allen Strategic Plan 2036 was created by elected City leaders to help prioritize projects, clarify initiatives and develop work plans and budgets for the next several years. The Plan was officially received by Allen City Council on May 11, 2021, and modified by City Council on Feb. 19, 2022. Each year a new workplan is established highlighting the priority activities for achieving each Strategic Goal.
View the 2022 Action Agenda outlining how staff and City Council will work together to achieve City of Allen Goals for 2026.
City Government Mission
The Allen City Government Mission is to provide best in class municipal services, be financially responsible and sound, plan and invest in Allen's future, engage our community, provide fair and equitable community services and city government, preserve and enhance our Allen community character and stimulate economic growth and business investment.
City of Allen Goals for 2026
Click any goal to learn more!
GOAL 1: Financially sound and transparent City government
GOAL 1: Financially sound and transparent City government
Allen should have adequate resources to support the services and service levels as defined in the Annual Budget. This includes regular investment in the maintenance and upgrade of City infrastructure and facilities, having diversified revenue sources, and delivering City services in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
Transparency should be accomplished through a proactive communications strategy and processes for informing the residents and Allen community.
NOV. 14, 2023 - Allen City Council has approved a new agreement with Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA) to provide on-demand transportation services to Allen residents who are age 65+ or have a disability. Read on...
OCT. 24, 2023 - Planning for the expansion of the northbound lanes of Chelsea Boulevard is set to begin. Council approved $210,075 for the roadway design. Total project cost is projected at $3.26 million. Construction is expected to complete in 2024.
SEPT. 26, 2023 - Council approved changes to the rates and fees for commercial and residential solid waste, recycling and HHW services. The rate adjustment is an increase of $1 per month, bringing the total monthly residential charge to $18.09 per month.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - The City of Allen’s data is even more protected after securing a three-year maintenance deal on a resilient data backup and disaster recovery platform. Read on...
SEPT. 12, 2023 - A grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will help fund new traffic signal equipment for several intersections across the city. Read on...
SEPT. 12, 2023 - Allen residents will continue enjoying one of the lowest tax rates among large Texas cities following the approval of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 tax rate and city budget. Read on...
AUG. 8, 2023 - As part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program, City of Allen will receive reimbursement from the Texas Department of Transportation traffic signal improvements at several major intersections in Allen.
AUG. 8, 2023 - Following an inspection of Allen’s bridges and bridge class culverts, there were 16 structures identified as needing remediation. Phase 1 of the repairs was approved by Council and will cost $1.06 million.
AUG. 8, 2023 - City Councilmembers called for a General Obligation Bond Election to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7. The bond election will be composed of five separate propositions. These propositions will not increase Allen’s tax rate.
AUG. 8, 2023 - Public hearings for the City’s proposed budget and tax rate have been set for Sept. 12. City staff also presented the proposed 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program, outlining large capital projects anticipated to start in the next 5 years.
AUG. 8, 2023 - The section of Ridgeview Drive from US 75 to Chelsea Boulevard will soon have additional lanes to prepare for the area’s upcoming development. The $6.6 million project will be paid for using 2016 bond funds and funds from Collin County.
JULY 11, 2023 - A new interlocal agreement has been approved by City Council, allowing the use of Collin County funds for the construction of Ridgeview Drive from Chelsea Boulevard to US 75.
JULY 11, 2023 - Fees for building permits and land development requests have received their first major update since 2012. These updated fees are intended to offset a portion of the cost of processing these requests and providing this service.
APRIL 11, 2023 - Allen Gateway Project’s second phase will soon begin, bringing landscaping and pedestrian improvements. The work will be funded entirely by Governor's Community Achievement Award funds and TxDOT “Green Ribbon” funds.
APRIL 11, 2023 - Allen homeowners will benefit from a new exemption to their City property taxes. City Council approved a homestead exemption which will deduct 5% from appraised home values when calculating the annual taxes due to the City.
MARCH 14, 2023 - An independent audit of the City’s finances and account groups gave the City of Allen a clean audit, finding no issues or items of concern regarding accounting control structure.
MARCH 14, 2023 - Councilmembers approved the purchase of two new water disinfection systems at the Bethany and Rowlett water towers. The systems will ensure that disinfectant levels stay at appropriate levels from storage tank to kitchen sink.
MARCH 14, 2023 - In preparation for a public bond election expected to be held in November 2023, Allen City Council appointed six members to a bond steering committee during the March 14 council meeting.
DEC. 13, 2022 - City of Allen is a recipient of a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This grant program is designed to improve safety and reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
NOV. 8, 2022 - City council has approved the replacement of three city facility roofs. Councilmembers approved the replacement of these three roofs for the total cost of $1,070,927. Read on...
NOV. 8, 2022 - City council approved a contract for the design of replacement water mains in the Timbercreek and Allenwood neighborhoods for $384,900. Construction activity is expected to begin in December 2023. Read on...
OCT. 25, 2022 - The Rowlett Water Tower and Custer Ground #2 water storage tank will soon receive new exterior paint and minor repairs. Work is set to take place between November 2022 and summer 2023.
OCT. 11, 2022 - Councilmembers approved a partnership agreement with grocery store chain HEB to expand the intersection of Exchange Parkway and Greenville Avenue. Completion is anticipated prior to the HEB store opening in summer 2023.
OCT. 11, 2022 - Allen Fire Stations 3 and 4 will receive new emergency generators, thanks to a new contract awarded by City Council. The total project cost is $248,708 and funded by the City’s annual Facilities Maintenance budget.
SEPT. 27, 2022 - City Council appointed new and returning community volunteers to fill 15 open positions on City boards, commissions and committees. The Council Nominating Committee interviewed a total of 62 candidates to fill these positions.
SEPT. 27, 2022 - Customers who pay for water, sewer and trash/recycling services through the City of Allen will see slightly higher rates for services beginning Oct. 1. The changes were approved by City Council to reflect rising costs of services.
SEPT. 13, 2022 - City of Allen will enter an annual contract with Standard Utility Construction, Inc., for maintenance of City-owned streetlights in an amount not to exceed $325,000.
SEPT. 13, 2022 - Following a public hearing and council discussion, councilmembers approved the 2022-2023 City budget and tax rate. The council voted to approve a ($302,652,181) budget and approved a tax rate of $0.4212 per $100 of taxable value.
AUG. 9, 2022 - City Council approved a $606,400 sanitary sewer project to replace deteriorating sewer lines under and along Heritage Parkway and Allen Heights. Construction begins after the survey and design processes are complete.
AUG. 9, 2022 - City Council approved a $1,450,381 construction agreement for three new traffic signals. A fourth signal will be constructed in 2023, made possible through a TxDOT Safety Grant awarded to the City earlier this year.
AUG. 9, 2022 - City Council voted to set the date of public hearings for the 2022-2023 annual City of Allen budget and tax rate. The budget decreases the City’s tax rate to $0.429, a reduction of $0.041 from the previous year’s budget.
JULY 26, 2022 - Allen Parks and Recreation will introduce new membership fees and added member benefits beginning Jan. 1. This is the first major update to recreation fees in more than 15 years.
JULY 26, 2022 - City of Allen was awarded a $2 million grant through the Highway Safety Improvement Program from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The funding is intended to enhance safety at key intersections.
JULY 26, 2022 - Plans to expand Allen Public Library are moving forward. City Council approved a $949,297 contract with Hidell and Associates Architects to develop schematic and detail designs and prepare construction documents.
JULY 12, 2022 - The citywide installation of Smart Water Meters is on track to begin in October, offering customers consistent 30-day billing periods, hourly water use data, automatic leak alerts and other features.
MAY 27, 2022 - Council approved construction of a 24-inch potable water line from Allen Commerce Drive to Ridgeview Drive. The water line will help prepare for the eventual development located at SH 121 and US 75.
MAY 27, 2022 - The City will remove and replace concrete panels on approximately 270 yards of alleys and 11,300 yards of roads in various locations throughout Allen. This reinvestment in our streets and alleys is larger than in years past.
APRIL 28, 2022 - The Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) recognized City of Allen with national awards for its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2020.
APRIL 28, 2022 - Council approved an agreement to rehabilitate 41 manholes located at Village at Allen and the Watters Creek shopping area. While this deterioration is not widespread, prolonged conditions can lead to damage to city sewer lines.
APRIL 15, 2022 - City Council approved a $25,521,00 bond issuance for improvements to the City’s park system, transportation infrastructure, and library and fire services. These funds were authorized by Allen voters in the 2016 bond election.
FEB. 1, 2022 - City staff and Allen Firefighters Association successfully reached an agreement related to the Meet and Confer process pursuant to Subchapter B, Chapter 142 of the Texas Local Government Code.
JAN. 11, 2022 - Councilmembers authorized contracts for City facility HVAC maintenance as well as a data backup and disaster recovery platform. These maintenance projects help prolong the life of City assets and protect against costly equipment failures.
DEC. 28, 2021 - City Council adopted the 2020-2021 Comprehensive Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), recognizing its accomplishments from the past year.
A stable economy, strong fiscal management and above-average resident incomes helped the City of Allen maintain the best possible bond ratings from both Moody’s Investor Services and S&P Global Ratings.
MARCH 20, 2021 - For the twentieth consecutive year, the City of Allen has earned top marks for its efforts to save money and make ethical choices in its purchasing processes.
APRIL 29, 2021 - The City of Allen has hired Pete Phillis, an accomplished financial manager with more than 28 years of experience.
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GOAL 2: Safe and livable community for all
Allen should uphold its reputation as a family friendly community and a preferred place to live in the DFW metroplex. This includes maintenance and expansion of its trail system, maintenance and enhancements of Allen community/recreation centers, and maintenance and upgrade of the City's infrastructure and facilities.
Allen should also maintain and enhance its place as one of the safest cities in Texas.
NOV. 14, 2023 - More than a hundred Allen residents received rent/utility assistance and help with urgent repairs thanks to a federally-funded grant administered by the City of Allen. Read on...
NOV. 14, 2023 - The City organization’s cybersecurity just got an upgrade after Council approved the purchase of a new cybersecurity software subscription. This subscription is included in the IT Department’s annual budget for a total of $126,845. Read on...
NOV. 14, 2023 - A 50-year-old sewer line crossing Cottonwood Creek will soon be repaired. $350,000 from the Water and Sewer Fund annual budget has been assigned for this project. Read on...
OCT. 10, 2023 - City Council has eliminated the City’s juvenile curfew ordinance. This change conforms to the updated State of Texas code that prohibits municipalities from enforcing ordinances that impose curfews on persons younger than 18 years of age.
SEPT. 26, 2023 - Allen Fire Department has purchased new virtual fire training software. The software simulates fire emergencies and includes development of virtual urban living structures, an office/warehouse structure and integrates voice/radio traffic.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - A new funding agreement with TxDOT has been approved, allowing federal grant funds to help pay for the construction of the north and south segments of Rowlett Trail.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - The Country Meadows Park playground will soon be replaced with a new play structure. At the same time the new play structure is being installed, a new shade structure will also be added to the playground.
JULY 11, 2023 - City Council approved the addition of a renewal late fee and reinspection fee to the Multi-Family Licensing and Inspection Program. Multi-family complex property owners who renew on time and correct issues will not incur these new fees.
JULY 11, 2023 - A contract for the design of the southern extension of Watters Trail has been approved. This trail segment will connect the hike and bike path to existing Plano trails and Allen’s future Rowlett Trail.
JUNE 11, 2023 - The Bark Yard, Allen’s upcoming dog park, will soon begin construction after councilmembers approved a contract with Cole Construction, Inc. Work is set to begin later this summer and finish spring of 2024.
FEB. 28, 2023 - Allen’s Sidewalk Maintenance Ordinance now includes a financial assistance program for qualifying homeowners. The ordinance splits the cost of neighborhood sidewalk repair 50/50 between applicant homeowners and the City.
DEC. 13, 2022 - Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center is another step closer to completion with funding approved for fitness and food service equipment.
DEC. 13. 2022 - The City will add two new leased fiber lines to serve Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center (STRC) and Fire Station 6 with Council’s approval of a new ten-year contract with Unite Private Network (UPN).
DECEMBER 14 2022 - On December 8, Allen Parks and Recreation was awarded a $4 million grant to help fund its work connecting Rowlett Trail to the regional trail system.
SEPT. 27, 2022 - City Council approved the new 2021-2031 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan that will serve as a guide for future parks and recreation planning in Allen.
JULY 12, 2022 - Allen Police Department will enter a five-year agreement with Motorola Solutions to lease 162 body-worn cameras, including associated equipment and services, in the amount of $596,888.
JUNE 14, 2022 - City Council approved an amendment to move Allen from the 2018 version to the 2021 version of building codes established by the International Code Council.
JUNE 17, 2022 - City Council held a public hearing and vote to continue the existing juvenile curfew in Allen for kids ages 10 to 16. The curfew was originally established in 2007 and must be reviewed every three years, in accordance with state law.
MAY 13, 2022 - Council approved a $1,766,267 contract for the renovation of Rolling Hills Park. The existing park property combined with the purchased park property will transform Rolling Hills Park into over three acres of usable park acreage.
MAY 11, 2022 - The new purchases include ellipticals, upright bikes and recumbent bikes at Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium and Joe Farmer Recreation Center, as well as treadmills, ellipticals and recumbent bikes at Allen Senior Recreation Center.
MAY 11, 2022 - Council approved a construction contract for Fire Station 6 in the amount of $11,247,190. Station 6 will have an older nostalgic firehouse design, styled with New England architecture, decorative windows and folding doors.
FEB. 25, 2022 - Allen Parks and Recreation Director Kate Meacham gave an update to Council on the Parks and Open Space Master Plan. The document is built on community input to help staff identify and address community needs over the next 10 years.
FEB. 25, 2022 - Council members approved a $600K construction agreement to install parking lot walls and fencing at Allen Police Headquarters. The design creates increased security for employees while maintaining public access and parking.
?FEB. 11, 2022 - Allen City Council approved inclusive improvements for the play equipment at Bethany Lakes Park. These new improvements to Bethany Lakes Park will bring greater ease of accessibility to more Allen residents.
DECEMBER 14, 2020 - Allen was one of 39 large cities with a population over 100,000 included in the report, which factored in the level of reported crimes, as well as their relative severity.
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GOAL 3: Vibrant community with lively destinations and successful commercial centers
Our city should have an "Allen" sense of place and its own identity known by residents. The Allen Downtown should be developed as a major community and regional destination that has a "unique" draw that is distinctive from other regional downtowns. In addition, Highway 121 should be developed as a major community and regional destination, older commercial centers should be redeveloped, and Allen's event center should be maintained and enhanced as a successful asset contributing to Allen's community.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - The City of Allen’s Comprehensive Plan will soon be updated to ensure it remains relevant to Allen’s growing population. Every 5-7 years, the Plan undergoes a process to update its goals and to reexamine trends and economic conditions.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - The Dallas Sidekicks indoor soccer team will play all home games at Credit Union of Texas Event Center for the 2023-2024 season after City Council approved a new one-year license agreement with the team.
JUNE 27, 2023 - The construction of Armor Brewing Company continues, and now will include two outdoor pickleball courts. This location is in a light industrial zoning district, so the zoning change needed to be presented to Council.
APRIL 11, 2023 - Located on the southwest corner of US-75 and SH-121, Sloan Corners is expected to add more than $2 billion to the City’s tax base and support 30,000 new jobs once fully developed.
MARCH 14, 2023 - An artist has been chosen to create and install public art at the upcoming Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center and Community Park. This project is funded by 2016 Public Art Bond funds.
FEB. 28, 2023 - A new office and warehouse center will soon be built along Greenville Avenue thanks to newly approved zoning changes. The center will include over 100,000 square feet of office and warehouse space. Read on...
DEC. 13, 2022 - City Council approved a planned development on the northwest corner of US 75 and Curtis Lane that will include a three-story self-storage and office building.
DEC. 13, 2022 - Councilmembers approved plans to construct two warehouse/distribution buildings at the corner of SH 121 and North Watters Road. Zoning for this portion of land was amended to allow for warehouse/distribution use.
JAN. 10, 2023 - In addition to the new Downtown District zoning, City Council approved the formation of the Downtown Design Review Board. This new citizen board will hear, review, recommend and determine matters related to the Downtown District.
JAN. 10, 2023 - The area formerly known as the Central Business District has now been rezoned and renamed the Downtown District, after City Council approved several amendments to the Allen Land Development Code.
OCT. 25, 2022 - Councilmembers approved contracts for construction improvements and a new pavilion at Allen Heritage Village. Including contingency and incidentals, the total cost for this project is $1,624,604 of Community Development Corporation funds.
OCT. 25, 2022 - An independent report of Allen Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) lifetime progress was presented to councilmembers. Research was conducted by analyzing the impact of 155 EDC agreements since 1992.
SEPT. 27, 2022 - Two big names in entertainment are coming to The Farm at Allen, a 135-acre mixed-used development being built at the intersection of State Highway 121 and Alma Drive.
JULY 12, 2022 - Something new is brewing for a familiar name in the Allen coffee scene. Councilmembers unanimously approved a zoning change to allow Armor Brewing Company to expand the taproom previously owned by Nine Band Brewing.
JULY 12, 2022 - The Downtown Allen Revitalization Plan is the result of nearly a year of community input through workshops, events, surveys and meetings. It provides a vision and plan to turn Downtown Allen into the vibrant heart of the city.
MAY 27, 2022 - Council approved a mixed-use development on approximately 84.3632 acres located at the northwest corner of Chelsea Boulevard and Ridgeview Drive. The design includes industrial use, office/restaurant/retail use and townhomes.
MAY 13, 2022 - City Council authorized a $1,227,626 contract for the design, fabrication and installation of an indoor playground at Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center.
JAN. 13, 2022 - Katy Trail Ice House, Plush Suites and North American Properties are among the developers currently committed to the 75-acre Allen Gateway, a mixed-use development coming to the south side SH 121 at Exchange Parkway.
FEB. 11, 2022 - Credit Union of Texas Event Center will continue to be the home of the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club. Councilmembers unanimously approved a new five-year license agreement through the 2026-27 season.
JAN. 11, 2022 - The 16-year-old playground equipment will be replaced with colorful play structures complete with slides and climbing features. The project is expected to kick off in late spring 2022 and will take approximately one month to complete.
NOV. 12, 2021 - Allen’s Downtown Steering Committee, led by resident volunteers, gave its first-year update to City Council. The group recently completed Phase 1 of its work to develop a new vision for downtown.
JUNE 1, 2021 - The Farm in Allen will embrace the property’s natural beauty with a 1.5-acre lake, over 2 ½ miles of hike and bike trails, a 16-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek and four additional park areas.
APRIL 7, 2021 - The new 135-acre mixed-use project will bring retail, restaurants, office and a hotel to the intersection of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive.
MAY 13, 2021 - Money-saving upgrades, audiovisual improvements and cosmetic repairs will soon begin at Allen Event Center.
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GOAL 4: High-performing City team providing resident-focused services
Allen should hire, develop and retain a top-quality City workforce and have stable and visible leadership in City government. Allen should work as a team, with mayor/councilmembers, City managers, directors, supervisors and staff working together and respecting their respective roles. The City's organizational culture should be maintained and enhanced to emphasize professionalism, results and performance accountability. This includes developing effective and usable performance metrics for evaluating the service performance and the value to the Allen community, along with proactive City communication policies, strategies and tools to inform the community.
DEC. 13, 2022 - A new water slide is coming to Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium. The new slide will provide an interactive sensory experience with a 16-foot-tall starting tower, LED lights and sounds throughout.
OCT. 11, 2022 - Council awarded a new contract for street and sidewalk repair to KT Contracting Concrete Series, LLC. Cost for this one-year contract will be funded by the appropriate City fund on a project-by-project basis.
JULY 26, 2022 - A property once home to one of Allen’s last working farms will now be fully owned and cared for by Allen Parks and Recreation. City Council approved the purchase of a 16-acre portion of the Molsen Farm property from Allen ISD.
JULY 12, 2022 - Council approved a $311,696 agreement for new playground shade structures at Orchards Park and Spirit Park, including a replacement of the spectator shade at Allen Station Park.
MAY 27, 2022 - Council unanimously approved a 7% increase to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for CWD, the City’s contracted trash and recycling provider. Residential waste service rates remain at $15.59, a rate unchanged since June 2010.
APRIL 15, 2022 - Mayor Fulk proclaimed April 10-16 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Communications Technician Georgina Flores was recognized for receiving two Lifesaving Awards.
APRIL 15, 2022 - Allen Animal Shelter welcomed two new programs in 2021. Community support helped enhance facility services, and monetary donations provided more assistance for sick and injured animals in the shelter's care.
FEB. 25, 2022 - Allen Parks and Recreation received one local and several state level recognitions this month, including three separate awards for an individual staff member and one statewide award.
JAN. 11, 2022 - A laser-equipped van will travel more than 660 miles of Allen streets and alleys to evaluate road conditions and help prioritize future repairs.
DEC. 16, 2021 - A citywide transition to smart water meters will begin next summer following a series of unanimous votes by Allen City Council. The new system offers near real-time water use information, equal billing intervals and a customer portal.
MAY 6, 2021 - Allen Fire Department ended COVID-19 vaccine hub operations after vaccinating more than 50,000 individuals and administering nearly 100,000 shots.
FEBRUARY 25, 2021 - New software enhances communication between Allen Police Department and the people they serve.
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GOAL 5: Engaged and connected Allen community
Allen should have varied opportunities for community involvement. We should celebrate Allen's cultural growth by supporting community events and festivals. City programs should be responsive to the needs of Allen's diverse community. Allen should foster and advance collaboration and partnerships with existing institutions and businesses. Community cohesion should be promoted through engagement activities.
SEPT. 12, 2023 - A new resolution approved by councilmembers will ensure the use of closed captioning on public-facing TVs at City of Allen facilities. The resolution reaffirms the City’s commitment to reducing accessibility barriers at its facilities.
JULY 11, 2023 - City Council heard another status update for a potential bond election by the Bond Steering Committee and members of city management. City Council is expected to vote on whether to call a bond election during their regular meeting Aug. 8.
SEPT. 13, 2022 - Trail enthusiasts soon can enjoy a new loop trail at Bethany Lakes Park. The loop will accommodate two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic and allow for views across the park.
JULY 12, 2022 - Allen City Council approved the creation of a Community Engagement Advisory Board. The creation of this new Board was recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
APRIL 28, 2022 - Three Allen elementary schools were honored for their efforts collecting shoes for children and families in need. The collection was part of the Reuse-A-Shoe program hosted by Soles4Souls.
APRIL 1, 2022 - In March, the Downtown Steering Committee hosted a 'Design Weekend' where community members worked together to find shared goals for the future of the downtown area.
NOV. 11, 2021 - A committee formed by Allen City Council has identified key ways to make Allen more welcoming and engaging to people of all backgrounds.
APRIL 16, 2021 - A committee formed by Allen City Council will spend several months exploring ways to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in Allen.
