Frisco | July 2024

BY DUSTIN BUTLER & ALEX REECE

Zooming out

“If they’re really interested in investing in The Rail District, then invest in The Rail District [and] the people who

“The most important thing right now is that we can all support The Rail District by intentionally coming here.”

“The key is getting the information out to everyone that [construction] is not going to be as bad as you think.” DANNY MEHTA, THE GAME SHOW EXPERIENCE COOWNER

are here running it now.” DAVID WIBLE, THREE EMPIRES COMPANY COOWNER

CHRISTAL HOWARD, FRISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT AND CEO

Diving in deeper

Incentive qualications and funds

What comes next?

Funds: • $4.5 million available through FEDC What they can be reimbursed for: • Upgrading sprinkler systems • Upgrading electrical systems • Replacing rooing, flooring or HVAC systems • Making facade improvements to awnings, canopies or signage

The Frisco Economic Development Corporation launched a three-year Rail District incentive pilot program in May. The program will reimburse downtown Type A businesses up to 50% for the costs of approved upgrades. Type A businesses are commercial businesses with a majority of their products or services marketed beyond Frisco. This includes architec- tural rms and technology startups, FEDC Vice President Gloria Salinas said. Ocials chose to focus on those businesses because of the money they bring Frisco, she said. “The employees of those companies would visit the coee shops, and the restaurants and the retail, and they would create that foot trac that those companies need,” Salinas said. City ocials discussed adding Type B busi- nesses, which includes food and beverage, to the program during a July 2 council work session. No

The FEDC’s incentive program could also draw in new Type A businesses to The Rail District and further support downtown Frisco by ensuring its workforce is not leaving every day, Salinas said. Construction on Main Street, which will include lane closures, was scheduled to begin July 8. City ocials will post updated parking and trac information on the city’s website to help people navigate the changes, DuBois said. “Downtown’s open for business, even though we’re going to be doing a lot of construction the next year and a half,” DuBois said. “I’d encourage people to still visit their favorite places.”

Who qualies? • Type A qualiied businesses • Must be inside Rail District

SOURCE: FRISCO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

decision has been made as of July 3. The FEDC also created a new liaison position for The Rail District, who will coordinate between business owners and the FEDC, Salinas said.

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FRISCO EDITION