What did the City Council Approve on August 10, 2026?

The Plano City Council voted to call a special election on November 3, 2026, asking voters whether to authorize venue-related taxes to help finance a proposed city-owned sports and community arena within the Willow Bend District.

• The ballot proposition includes authorization for:
• A short-term motor vehicle rental tax of up to 5%
• A hotel occupancy tax increase of up to 2%, resulting in a maximum combined hotel occupancy tax rate of 15%
• An event parking tax of up to $3 per vehicle
• An admissions tax of up to 10% of the ticket price
• A venue facility use tax of up to $5,000 per game on each member of a major league team that plays a professional sports game at the venue

The proposed venue-related taxes would apply only to specific transactions and would not affect the existing property tax rate for Plano residents. The election does not determine the future of the arena.

What did the City Council Consider on June 8, 2026?

The Plano City Council approved several actions marking the beginning of a deliberate and transparent process to consider a potential sports and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend, including a possible future home for the Dallas Stars.

During its June 8 meeting, City Council approved:

• A non-binding Letter of Intent with the Dallas Stars
• An incentive agreement with Centennial Waterfall Willowbend, LLC, owners of the Willow Bend Mall
• The establishment of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, or TIRZ, tied to the proposed development area and adjoining corridor
• A Venue Project Resolution for submission to the State Comptroller as required by state law for the City to call a special Venue Tax Election

All documents and more information can be found on the Willow Bend District page

How will residents be able to provide input?

City leaders are committed to ensuring Plano residents and stakeholders have opportunities to participate and provide feedback. Community open houses will be held, and a special information page will be created on the City’s website that will be continually updated as the project progresses.

Two In-Person Community Open Houses were held inside The Shops at Willow Bend property on July 8 and July 14. A Self-Guide Virtual Community Open House was available July 8 - July 22 for those unable to attend in person events.

Who did the City Council appoint on August 24?
The Plano City Council appointed ten residents to serve on the Willow Bend Redevelopment Advisory Committee. Information about the committee can be found on the committee page.