Neighbors,
One of the best parts of serving Whitesboro is hearing directly from you - what you love about our town and what you want improved. That is why the Guide Whitesboro 2045 Comprehensive Plan matters. It is your roadmap, built from your input.
Your vision is clear: a welcoming, close-knit, family-oriented community that grows affordably and responsibly while protecting our natural beauty, historic charm, and civic traditions. In 2026, City Council and staff have focused on turning that vision into visible results. Below is a quick snapshot of what is completed, what is underway, and what is next - organized around the priorities you shared: reliable utilities, better streets, strong public safety, and parks that fit a family town.
Reliable water and utilities - the basics you count on
Completed
• Water meter refresh is essentially complete, with nearly all meters and boxes replaced.
Underway
• New 1,000,000-gallon elevated water storage tank, with substantial completion targeted for April 2026. This supports better water pressure, improved fire protection, and long-term water security.
• Water lines to and from the new tower, plus distribution-loop improvements to strengthen flow and system redundancy.
• SCADA implementation (a monitoring system that helps crews spot leaks, pressure changes, and system issues faster).
• Wastewater plant upgrades are being advanced so we can keep meeting state and federal standards as the city grows.
Next
• Electric infrastructure evaluation and reliability work, including planning to support the long-term needs of Whitesboro ISD facilities.
Streets, signs, and walkability - what you told us needs attention
Completed
• North Jordan Street parking improvements: we have added signage to limit parking to one side of the street, which helps traffic flow and improves emergency vehicle access between Main Street and 4th Street.
Underway
• Road improvement work and new signage creation so we can address trouble spots and keep people moving safely.
Next
• As we schedule roadway projects, we will look for practical opportunities to add or connect sidewalks, especially where they support safe routes to schools, parks, and daily destinations.
Parks and recreation - family-friendly spaces and more room to play
You asked for improved parks, better maintenance, and more activities for all ages, especially more sports field capacity (and yes, pickleball came through loud and clear).
Underway
• Tot Lot Park clean-up and hazard fixes.
• Practice-field space planning.
• Proactive replacement of worn playground equipment.
• Cherry Street Park is established, with additional equipment on order.
• Whitecotton Park bathroom project is advancing because restrooms, shade, and accessibility turn a park into a true gathering place.
• A new dog park effort is underway with strong community support.
Public safety and City service that keeps pace with growth
Completed / Underway
• Transition to full-time fire service with 24/7 coverage and two responders available.
• Added a police officer to strengthen coverage and response capability.
• Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) deployment is underway to support faster, clearer dispatching and communication.
• Ordinance enforcement continues to protect neighborhoods, reduce blight, and keep property standards moving in the right direction.
Modern, accountable government - better processes and clearer information
You asked for transparency, accountability, and easier access to information.
Underway
• A new financial and services system implementation to streamline internal workflows and improve consistency.
• PARD (Parks and Recreation Department) automation so families can register and participate more easily.
• Cemetery roadmap work and the Cemetery Records Application to move paper records into a modern system for better accuracy and customer service.
Next
• Our annual audit is scheduled for Council review on March 12, 2026, because good stewardship means showing the work.
Thank you - and please keep it coming
None of these projects happen without you. Your survey responses, open conversations, and day-to-day feedback shaped the 2045 plan, and that plan is guiding what we deliver in 2026. My commitment is to keep communicating progress clearly, keep spending responsibly, and keep completing projects that improve your everyday life.
Phil Harris
City Administrator, City of Whitesboro