2025 Strategic Report

STRATEGIC ANNUAL REPORT

2025

www.littleelm.gov

Strategic Annual Report 2025

Table of Contents

MISSION, VISION, & CORE VALUES MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR MEET THE TOWN COUNCIL SAFE & WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT ENSURE STRONG RELATIONSHIPS RECREATION & LEISURE ACTIVITIES OPERATIONAL INTEGRITY & VIABILITY LITTLE ELM’S IDENTITY ENSURE EXCELLENCE A YEAR IN NUMBERS

3 4 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19

Strategic Annual Report 2025

Mission, Vision, & Core Values Mission Statement The mission of the Town of Little Elm is to build on our unique lake opportunities and hometown charm, encourage diverse housing options and business opportunities, and provide an unmatched quality of life.

Vision Statement The Town of Little Elm is a distinct and desirable lakeside destination for all people to live and play while enjoying a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community.

Integrity

Customer Service

We are honest, loyal, trustworthy, transparent, fair, and open minded, and have a culture of accountability.

We keep our word and admit our mistakes. We stand up for what is right even in the face of a challenge, and do what is right, even if no one notices.

We are respectful, positive, attentive, approachable, responsive, and empathetic.

We focus on being able to assist internal and external customers, not simply accommodate them.

Whether the answer involves going the extra mile or sometimes even delivering bad news, we are courteous, patient, humble, and professional.

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Efficiency

Innovation

We have a willingness to We recognize that we are grow, explore new ideas and entrusted with resources to challenge the status quo. ultimately owned by the We are open to change community, and as stewards though we do not seek of those, are committed to change unnecessarily. We use the minimum resources CEO Company allow the freedom to try new required to realize the things, and recognize that maximum result. We will find through the shortestLorem path on a route dolor sit ipsum like creativity and reasonable or in a process, and operate the amet, consectetur of risk, we will build a stronger, healthier Town without waste, with proper adipiscing elit. together. We are an use of taxpayer dollars, and organization dedicated to without compromising learning and continuous quality. improvement.

Strategic Annual Report 2025

Message From The Mayor It is my honor to share with you an update on the exciting progress happening in our community. Together, we continue to fulfill our mission to be a distinct and desirable lakeside destination for all people to live, work, and play.

One of the most important initiatives this year is the upcoming adoption of our new Strategic Plan. This plan reflects the priorities of our residents and serves as a roadmap for the years ahead—guiding decisions that will strengthen our economy, expand amenities, and ensure sustainable growth.

CURTIS J. CORNELIOUS Mayor

The opening of Cottonwood Park provides new trails, pavilions, and gathering spaces that enhance our quality of life and promote our Lake Attitude spirit. In addition, the completion of the Public Safety Annex demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safety, ensuring that our first responders have the necessary resources to serve and protect our growing community.

As part of our continued investment in infrastructure, the Annual Maintenance Program remains a top priority. From roadway improvements to utility upgrades, these projects reflect our promise to maintain a high standard of public services and to ensure that Little Elm continues to be a community we are all proud to call home.

The achievements of this past year would not have been possible without your support, feedback, and participation. I encourage you to stay connected as we continue to grow and build together.

Thank you for choosing to live, work, or visit here in Little Elm. Let us continue to embrace the Lake Attitude—slowing down, enjoying the beauty around us, and appreciating all that makes our town such a special place.

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Town Council

JAMELL T. JOHNSON At Large Place 1

TONY SINGH Mayor Pro Tem & District 2

KEN EAKEN District 3

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The Little Elm Town Council is an elected, policy and law-making body with the power to pass town laws and ordinances. At regular meetings, which are open to the public, Town Council makes policy decisions, as well as receives updates from Town staff on projects and initiatives. Members serve three-year terms.

IDALIA MARIA AMAYA District 4

ANDREW EVANS Deputy Mayor Pro Tem & District 5

MICHEL HAMBRICK At Large Place 6

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Provide a safe and welcoming environment for Little Elm residents and visitors.

Little Elm will be a community that is safe and welcoming to all who live here and visit.

A safe and welcoming environment is accomplished by upholding a strong sense of community with engaged residents, maintaining clean and aesthetically welcoming corridors and neighborhoods, preserving a low crime rate, and ensuring that public safety officials are courteous, professional, and ethical while providing equitable service to all.

Accomplishments: Launched LexisNexis reporting software.

Completed the design phase of the Animal Shelter expansion.

Public Safety Annex became operational in August 2025.

Police Best Practices The Texas Police Chiefs Association recognized the Little Elm Police Department as an “Accredited Law Enforcement Agency”. The award reflects compliance with over 168 Best Business Practices for Texas Law Enforcement.

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Did you know?

The Town of Little Elm Annual Street Maintenance Program is partly funded by the ¼ cent street maintenance sales tax revenues. This rate was originally approved by voters in 2005 and has been reauthorized every four years, including in 2025.

Annual Street Maintenance Street, Curb, and Gutter Replacement

$1,943,429.00

Sidewalk and ADA Ramps

$364,975.00

Pavement Markings

$69,121.34

TOTAL INVESTMENT

7,812

square yards of streets, curb, and gutter replacements*

$2.37 MILLION

2,982

square yards of sidewalks and ADA ramps*

40,582

linear feet (or 113 football fields) of pavement markings

*One square yard is approximately the size of a standard card table.

Special Events This year was a record-breaking year for special events, marked by national recognition, attendance growth, and cost recovery across multiple signature events. The Town facilitated over 75 events throughout the year, offering a diverse range of options for community engagement.

International Festivals & Events Association Awards: Bronze – Best Single Social Video: Brew & Que Bronze Grand Pinnacle Award: The Big Easy in Little Elm Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Awards: Best One-Time Special Event: A Nightmare Over Little Elm Park Best Recurring Special Event: Brew & Que Best Flyer or Poster: Little Elm Police Hiring Flyer Best New Logo: The Big Easy Best Unplanned Campaign: “The Town with a Flake Attitude”

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Ensure strong relationships within the community and region.

Little Elm will strive to ensure positive relationships within the community and region.

Strong and positive relationships are accomplished by conducting business with a high level of integrity, promoting open communication, transparency, and partnerships, and displaying a high level of courteousness in all of our interactions. We will operate with a partner mentality with all entities with which we share a common interest.

Kerr County Flooding Deployment In July 2025, the Little Elm Fire Department deployed personnel and resources to assist in the aftermath of severe flooding in Kerr County, Texas.

The team supported local emergency operations, contributing to rescue efforts, damage assessment, and community recovery in coordination with state and regional partners.

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Did you know?

The Little Elm Veterans Committee voted to become a 501(c)(3) organization this year! The mission of the Little Elm Veterans Committee is to bring the Town’s veterans together in a community-driven environment.

The Town of Little Elm partnered with Sustainovation to place a strong emphasis on community engagement throughout the strategic plan update process this year. Residents, businesses, and stakeholders were invited to share their perspectives through surveys and focus groups. This inclusive approach ensured that the updated plan reflects the community’s priorities, values, and vision for the future. The new strategic plan will help guide decision-making and resource allocation in alignment with what matters most to the people of Little Elm.

Services & Mutual Aid

United Way Employee Giving Campaign Town of Lakewood Village Town of Crossroads City of Hackberry Little Elm ISD Denton ISD City of Lake Dallas Frisco West Water District Unincorporated Denton County City of Oak Point Mustang Special Utility District Paloma Creek (new in 2025)

ENGAGE

Little Elm Youth Council National Night Out Boards & Commissions State of the Town Touch-a-Truck & Town Expo Santa Around Town

The Town of Little Elm partnered with the United Way of Denton County for an employee giving campaign. Every donation helps meet critical local needs and unlocks additional resources at the state and federal level.

LEARN

Citizens Government Academy Citizens Fire Academy Citizens Police Academy Youth Police Academy Fire Explorers Program

VOLUNTEER

Special Events Little Elm Public Library Keep Little Elm Beautiful Veterans Committee Friends of Little Elm Animal Shelter

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Maximize community recreation and leisure activities.

Little Elm will maximize recreational and leisure activities for the region. Recreation and leisure activities will be provided for a broad range of socioeconomic and interest groups, focusing on maximizing the unique shoreline recreation opportunities on Lewisville Lake.

Cottonwood Park Opening On May 31 , we celebrated the official opening of Cottonwood Park! Nestled along the northeastern shore of Lewisville Lake, the newly renovated park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. Visitors can savor lakefront views while enjoying a meal at one of the 19 day-use pavilions or strolling along the scenic paved and granite trails. The park also features picnic tables overlooking the water and spots for shoreline fishing.

Additionally, you can find a public playground open year-round and convenient restroom facilities.

Adjacent to the park is the Cottonwood Sports Complex, home to league-play softball and baseball fields. The Sports Complex received an update this year with new black vinyl fencing, wind screens, net system backdrops, a restroom remodel, and new shade structures.

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Did you know?

The Little Elm Public Library is one of only 102 library systems in Texas to earn the Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award, putting the Little Elm Public Library in the top 19% of all public libraries in the state.

StoryWalk® at Beard Park

The StoryWalk® at Beard Park opened on Tuesday, April 15. Storywalks are an innovative and interactive experience, encouraging readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors. Pages from a children’s picture book are displayed along an outdoor path in a park. As participants walk along the path, they see the next pages in the story.

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1,476 members

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Maintain operational integrity and viability.

Little Elm will ensure the Town’s financial and operational processes’ integrity and long-term viability. Little Elm’s operating and financial soundness will be ensured by maintaining a competitive tax rate, aggressively recruiting selective retail and small business economic development prospects, planning for long-term financial obligations, and maintaining a level of operational efficiency.

$.549900 The Town adopted a lower tax rate with a one-cent reduction from the prior year.

Bond Rating

The AA+ and Aa2 ratings from S&P and Moody’s reflect the Town’s strong economy, rapidly growing tax base, and strong financial position.

Audit

A third-party firm returned an unmodified opinion on the Town of Little Elm’s financial statements, meaning the auditor has concluded the statements are accurate.

Accomplishments: Financial Reporting Achievement Award presented by the Government Finance Officers Association for the fifteenth consecutive year.

Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award for the sixth consecutive year.

The Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute for the eleventh consecutive year.

Implemented a true cost allocation model and new budgeting software.

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NEW BUSINESSES Angel Massage Austo Hans Inc. Bhavani Foods Blue Lake Foot Care Casa Mia Center for Educational Excellence Cheerland Cloudseller Elite Elm Dental Emperor Cuts Enroll UR Benefits and Consulting Services F25 Training Golf Cart Oasis Healthy Up LLC Hexa Heva IT Inc Hifi Bros Hill Park Cleaners Indraprastha Indian Kitchen & Bar Ivory Dental Studio Jacques Couture Nail Bar Kebabs To Go Kiddie Academy Kneads Knots Kumon Lakeside Bar and Grill LGA Academy Lifetime Pharmacy Maya Creamery Mended Soul Poached Brunch House

Prost Taphouse Rayahn Coffee House Resume Solutions Rodeio Brazilian Market Shirdi Sai Cultural Center Smoke Central South State Bank Sri Sai Flowers SS Technologies Star Massage Stella’s Ice Cream Sugandha SugaringLA Sunny Kids Pediatric Dentistry Thai in Town The Family Dr. Tiara Nail Tiger Sun Martial Arts TJ Golden Bowl Verenya 5 Star Barber Shop

COMING SOON!

Strategic Annual Report 2025

Promote & expand Little Elm’s identity.

Maintain Little Elm’s distinctive look and high development standards that provide vibrant, high-quality neighborhoods and development. Create a sense of place and brand identity that extends beyond our borders.

The Town of Little Elm made Texas history by becoming the first town or city in the state to earn all four of the Governor’s Tourism Certifications! The certifications are: Tourism Friendly, Music Friendly, Film Friendly, and Digital Media Friendly.

Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers Awards Best One-Time Special Event Best Recurring Special Event Best Flyer or Poster Best New Logo Best Unplanned Campaign

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Small Area Plans The Town of Little Elm adopted new Small Area Plans to guide the next chapter of growth and development in two key areas — the Lakefront District and the U.S. 380 Corridor. The plans build on each area’s unique identity to strengthen placemaking and enhance mobility in order to leverage regional tourism and economic opportunities. Together, these plans provide a clear vision for balanced, high-quality growth that supports Little Elm’s continued evolution as a thriving, connected, and distinctive lakeside community.

Discover Little Elm The Discover Little Elm brand launched this year as an insider's guide to the year-round adventure on Lewisville Lake. The mission is simple: to promote Little Elm as a premier recreation and leisure destination locally, regionally, and nationally— boosting our economy while enriching the quality of life for all who experience it. With Discover Little Elm, we’re committed to sharing the stories, spots, and events that make our Town unique.

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Strategic Annual Report 2025

Ensure excellence in public services while keeping up with the growth in the community.

Little Elm will ensure that high-quality public services are maintained by addressing growth needs in infrastructure and by attracting, retaining, equipping, and empowering a workforce that delivers excellent service for an excellent value.

Mentorship Program The Town launched its new internal Mentorship Program, designed to foster growth, connection, and professional development across the organization. The program paired 11 team members with experienced leaders who can offer one-on-one guidance, career insights, and a supportive space to learn and grow. Whether participants are new to local government, looking to take on more responsibility, or simply seeking advice, the program provides an invaluable opportunity to gain perspective, build confidence, and expand networks. With a focus on mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development, this initiative reflects Little Elm’s commitment to investing in its people and their future success.

Culture & Development Initiatives: Little Elm U (new hire orientation) Employee Chili Cook Off Thanksgiving Lunch and Awards Ceremony Employee Holiday Party Monthly Training Opportunities Individual Coaching Kudo Cards Program Milestone Coins Employee Picnic and Field Day Employee Health Fair Employee Book Club Employee Wellness Party Monthly Wellness Challenges

422

kudos received

hours of training offered

230

539

employee coaching sessions

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47

employees

This year included several important organizational changes. Whether reorganizing reporting structures, rebranding departments, or reclassifying several new leadership positions, these changes reflect our commitment to the evolving needs of our growing community.

30+

internal promotions

20+

new positions

The new Utility Billing Portal went live! The new system empowers residents with robust self-service capabilities, including: Online service applications, bill viewing, printing, and payment processing The ability to update information, set up autopay, and finalize accounts Real-time account updates via Interactive Voice Response (IVR), enhancing service reliability and accessibility This software upgrade underscores our commitment to modernization and exceptional customer service.

Completed Projects: Wastewater Treatment Plant Dewatering and Clarifier Improvements Wynfield Farms Manhole Replacement Westside Water Pump Station and Ground Storage Design Wastewater Treatment Plant UV Disinfection Improvements Wastewater Treatment Plant Lift Station Mansell Pump Station 5 MG Ground Storage Tank Rehabilitation Town-wide Traffic Signal Reorganization Lift Station #5 repairs MUNIS Asset Management Implementation Public Works Cross Training Curriculum Fleet Management Software Implementation Service Center Automatic Gate Repairs WEX Vehicle GPS Pilot Program New Commercial and Residential Solid Waste and Recycling Contract

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A YEAR IN NUMBERS

2,515

1,100

fleet work orders completed

facility work orders completed

$883.33

13,000

171% increase

422

kudos received

annual cost of general fund spending per capita

utility billing customers

19% increase

354

animal adoptions

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9,700 Little Elm Alert subscribers

4,087

community integrity cases closed

145,089 Library collection checkouts

165

miles of water mains maintained

76,000 special event attendees

27% increase

19,519

1,554

2 million

4,688

116.75%

3,657

traffic stops

certificates of occupancy

website views

38% increase

IT help desk tickets

special event cost recovery

EMS reports

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THANK YOU! We hope you enjoyed the 2025 Strategic Report and learning about the progress we have made this year. The Town of Little Elm has a strong, committed team dedicated to making Little Elm the best possible place to live and play. We are proud of what we do, what we have accomplished, and we are excited to continue working to serve our community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS MATT MUELLER Town Manager

DOUG PEACH

CHAD HYDE

CAITLAN BIGGS

Deputy Town Manager

Assistant Town Manager

Assistant Town Manager

ROMAN MAY

COLIN GIUSTI

Strategic Planning Manager

Assistant to the Town Manager