CITY UPDATES
CELINA FEATURED IN WFAA’S “BOOMTOWN SERIES”
The City was recently highlighted in WFAA’s “Boomtown Series,” showcasing the community’s rapid growth and development. Below are the stories they have featured on the City over the past two weeks.
• $90M Downtown revitalization helps reshape one of the fastest-growing cities in America
• Dallas North Tollway expansion could transform Celina into North Texas’ next boomtown
• Celina’s rapid growth pushes city into water conservation mode
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
The City’s Administrative Offices will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, September 2. During this closure, all emergency responders, including Police and Fire personnel, will remain fully available to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and to contact emergency services if needed during this time.
JOIN US FOR THE WILSON CREEK PARK GROUNDBREAKING ON SEPTEMBER 3
The City is pleased to announce the groundbreaking of Wilson Creek Park, marking the commencement of a transformative project that will establish one of the community’s premier recreational destinations. The City invites residents and stakeholders to join us on Wednesday, September 3, at 10:00 AM to celebrate this significant milestone.
The ceremony will take place across the street from Margie Moore Vasquez Elementary School, with convenient access provided via Roseland Parkway from the Collin County Outer Loop.
Wilson Creek Park will encompass approximately 100 acres at the future intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Roseland Parkway. The park is designed to provide exceptional opportunities for recreation, leisure, and community gatherings. This groundbreaking represents a pivotal step in creating a lasting, vibrant space for the residents of Celina.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR NEW PLAYGROUND
The City will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Old Celina Park Playground on Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 AM. This event marks a significant milestone in enhancing recreational opportunities for the community and reflects the City’s continued commitment to providing high-quality amenities for residents and visitors.
CITY LAUNCHES YOUTH COUNCIL TO INSPIRE FUTURE LEADERS
Applications are now being accepted for the inaugural Celina Youth Council, a new initiative designed to engage high school students in civic involvement, leadership development, and community service. This program provides an opportunity for students to actively participate in shaping the future of one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation while fostering a deeper connection to their community.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: The Celina Youth Council offers high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to:
• Learn how local government operates and interact directly with City leaders and elected officials.
• Gain firsthand insight into key municipal departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, and more.
• Explore partnerships with civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Participants will develop leadership skills, contribute their perspectives, and collaborate on a hands-on project aimed at evaluating current City services or recommending future enhancements.
ELIGIBILITY: The program is open to current juniors and seniors who are residents of the City of Celina.
SCHEDULE: The Celina Youth Council will convene on the third Monday of each month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The program will launch on Monday, October 20, 2025 and continue through Monday, April 20, 2026.
CELINA LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN DASHBOARD
The City has introduced a new dashboard designed to track and communicate progress on the 2024 - 2026 Strategic Plan. This platform provides residents, stakeholders, and City Council with clear, timely insights into the City’s efforts to achieve its established goals. The dashboard highlights the specific actions City staff have
completed in the previous quarter and outlines those planned for the upcoming quarter. By doing so, it strengthens the City’s commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that day-to-day operations and resource allocation remain closely aligned with the long-term priorities of the community.
This tool is built on the Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework from Measure What Matters by John Doerr, enabling City staff to translate broad, aspirational goals into focused, measurable objectives with defined key results that track progress effectively. Pending City Council approval on September 9, the dashboard will be updated on October 1 to reflect the new Council Priority Objectives, further reinforcing the City’s commitment to continuous improvement and goal-driven results.
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE STRATEGIC PLAN DASHBOARD ]
MY GOVERNMENT ONLINE SELECTED FOR NEW PERMITTING SYSTEM
In February, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for new permitting software to enhance efficiency and improve service delivery. After reviewing three competitive bids, staff selected My Government Online (MGO) as the preferred provider. MGO offers a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that includes a customer portal, digital plan review, work order management, project management, and contractor licensing.
Following City Council’s approval, the project officially launched in June and is currently in the information-gathering stage. Approximately 80% of the required information tasks have been completed, laying the foundation for the next phase of development, which will focus on structuring and building the software.
At this stage, staff are prioritizing workflow development, with 25% of workflows completed and the remaining in progress (see chart below). Full implementation is projected for early 2026, ensuring the City can provide a more streamlined and user-friendly permitting experience for residents, contractors, and staff.
TRANSITION IN VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LEADERSHIP
Trevor Ludwyck, Volunteer & Community Engagement Coordinator, has accepted a new role in sales and will conclude his service with the City of Celina on September 5, 2025. Throughout his tenure, Ludwyck has made a significant impact by fostering a strong culture of volunteerism, service, and community engagement. His dedication and contributions have greatly enriched the City’s programs and strengthened the connections that make Celina an exceptional place to live. The City extends its sincere gratitude to Ludwyck for his service and wishes him success in his future endeavors.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT EARNS NATIONAL HONOR
The Marketing & Communications Department was honored with an Award of Honor at the National Association
of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (NATOA) Annual Conference held last week in New Orleans. The award recognized the department’s video, “Heart for Hometown – Celina’s Longhorn Legacy,” highlighting its excellence in storytelling, community engagement, and public communications. This national recognition underscores the City’s commitment to showcasing Celina’s heritage, culture, and achievements through innovative and impactful media initiatives.
PARK ENHANCEMENTS & MAINTENANCE UPDATES
The City would like to share recent improvements at Founders Park in Downtown Celina. New basketball goals have been installed to enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. In the coming days, the court will receive additional upgrades, including upgraded lighting and refreshed court markings, to provide a safer, more vibrant, and accessible space for community play and engagement.
Additionally, the fishing dock located at the south end of Old Celina Park will be temporarily closed through Friday, September 5, to allow for essential repairs and maintenance. These efforts reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, high-quality amenities that support active lifestyles and foster community connection.
UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN CENTER AND PARKING GARAGE
Swinerton, the City’s general contractor, has provided a comprehensive progress update on three key downtown projects:
PARKING GARAGE: Structural steel installation is advancing steadily, establishing the framework for the facility. The brick façade on the north side has been completed, with the stone cap currently being installed to enhance the structure’s architectural character. Brickwork has now commenced on the east elevation. Concurrently, fire suppression systems, plumbing, and electrical connections continue to progress. Elevator installations are underway, and the arrival of the transformer marks a significant step toward establishing permanent power for the facility.
DOWNTOWN CENTER: Construction activity remains on schedule, with elevator pits being formed and poured, and wall formations progressing to support future vertical construction.
N. ARIZONA DR: Lime conditioning of the roadway base has been finalized, preparing the surface for paving. Proof rolling is set to begin following the upcoming long weekend, with the first phase of concrete paving scheduled for next week.
CITY WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS AND CELEBRATES PROMOTIONS
The City is pleased to welcome Keila Garcia to the Utility Customer Services Team as the newest Senior Utility Customer Service Representative. In addition, the City recognizes the following staff promotions, reflecting their dedication and contributions: Bridgette Anthony (Planner), Tim Demerson (Parks Maintenance Worker), Chloe Loftice (Executive Assistant – Public Works), and Joseph Shires (Sergeant). Mina Zamanian has officially obtained her Professional Engineer (P.E.) license this week, as granted by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers.
The City also acknowledges progression plan advancements, which continue to support professional growth and career development: Sharelyn Drummonds (Code Enforcement Officer III), Edward Fisher (Plans Examiner III), and Victoria Kiker (Principal Planner). These appointments and advancements highlight the City’s ongoing commitment to recognizing achievement and maintaining a highly skilled and dedicated workforce.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the continued progress on the DNT Phase 4A project, construction crews will soon implement targeted lane closures to support key project activities. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of topsoil, conduct mass haul operations, perform area cleanup, and set structural beams.
Keila Garcia Senior Utility Customer Service Representative
Bridgette Anthony Planner
Tim Demerson Parks Maintenance Worker
Chloe Loftice Executive Assistant - Public Work
Joseph Shires Sergeant
Sharelyn Drummonds Code Enforcement Officer III
Edward Fisher Plans Examiner III
Victoria Kiker Simpson Principal Planner
Mina Zamanian Civil Engineer
It is important to note that full closure of the left lanes is not anticipated. Efforts will be made to ensure that lane closures are coordinated to prevent conflicts within overlapping work zones. Additionally, closures will be implemented at construction exits on an as-needed basis to support safe and efficient construction operations.
Tuesday, September 2, through Saturday, September 6, from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM:
• The northbound and southbound left lanes of Dallas Pkwy from First St to FM 428 will be closed daily.
Friday, September 5, through Saturday, September 6, from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Prosper Trl between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed overnight.
Thursday, September 11, through Saturday, September 13, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM:
• All lanes of eastbound and westbound Light Farms Way between northbound and southbound Dallas Pkwy will be closed daily.
ROAD CLOSURES RESIDENT MAP
The City ‘s Road Closures Resident Map serves as a crucial tool for residents to remain informed about ongoing projects and associated road closures within the city. This comprehensive resource empowers individuals to plan their travel routes effectively, minimizing disruptions caused by construction activities. By clicking on the map or accessing the link above, residents gain access to the full interactive map, ensuring easy navigation and timely updates on the evolving infrastructure projects throughout Celina.
[ CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ROAD CLOSURES MAP ]
