Mission,Vision,&CoreValues
MissionStatement
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.
VisionStatement
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.
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
We recognize that we are entrusted with resources ultimately owned by the community, and as stewards of those, are committed to use the minimum resources required to realize the maximum result We will find the shortest path on a route or in a process, and operate without waste, with proper use of taxpayer dollars, and without compromising quality.
Innovation
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We have a willingness to grow, explore new ideas and to challenge the status quo We are open to change though we do not seek change unnecessarily We allow the freedom to try new things, and recognize that through creativity and reasonable risk, we will build a stronger, healthier Town together We are an organization dedicated to learning and continuous improvement
MessageFromTheMayor
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.
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.
Mayor CURTISJ.CORNELIOUS
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.
PoliceBestPractices
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
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.
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.
Street, Curb, and Gutter Replacement
Sidewalk and ADA Ramps
Pavement Markings
TOTAL INVESTMENT
7,812
square yards of streets, curb, and gutter replacements*
SpecialEvents
2,982
$1,943,429.00 $364,975.00 $69,12134 $2.37 MILLION
40,582
square yards of sidewalks and ADA ramps* linear feet (or 113 football fields) of pavement markings
*One square yard is approximately the size of a standard card table
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”
Ensurestrongrelationshipswithinthe communityandregion.
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
KerrCounty FloodingDeployment
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
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
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
Special Events
Little Elm Public Library
Keep Little Elm Beautiful
Veterans Committee
Friends of Little Elm Animal Shelter
Maximizecommunityrecreationand leisureactivities.
CottonwoodParkOpening
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
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.
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.
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
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.
162,546visitors
4,271members
158,356visitors
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1,476members
Maintainoperationalintegrityand 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
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The Town adopted a lower tax rate with a one-cent reduction from the prior year
Bond Rating Audit
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
Accomplishments:
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
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.
NEWBUSINESSES
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
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
SmallAreaPlans
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
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.
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
MentorshipProgram
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
47 hours of training offered
230 employee coaching sessions
539 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
CompletedProjects:
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
WastewaterTreatmentPlantDewateringandClarifierImprovements
WynfieldFarmsManholeReplacement
WestsideWaterPumpStationandGroundStorageDesign
WastewaterTreatmentPlantUVDisinfectionImprovements
WastewaterTreatmentPlantLiftStation
MansellPumpStation5MGGroundStorageTankRehabilitation
Town-wideTrafficSignalReorganization
LiftStation#5repairs
MUNISAssetManagementImplementation
PublicWorksCrossTrainingCurriculum
FleetManagementSoftwareImplementation
ServiceCenterAutomaticGateRepairs
WEXVehicleGPSPilotProgram
NewCommercialandResidentialSolidWasteandRecyclingContract
This software upgrade underscores our commitment to modernization and exceptional customer service
171% increase
422 kudos received
A YEAR IN NUMBERS
2,515 fleet work orders completed
1,100 facility work orders completed
354 animal adoptions
$883.33 annual cost of general fund spending per capita
13,000 utility billing customers
9,700 Little Elm Alert subscribers 19% increase
4,087 community integrity cases closed
145,089
Library collection checkouts
19,519 traffic stops
165 miles of water mains maintained
76,000 special event attendees
4,688 IT help desk tickets
1,554 certificates of occupancy
2million website views
116.75% special event cost recovery
3,657 EMS reports
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
Strategic
Assistant
Assistant