At an Oct. 29 meeting, members of the Allen City Council, the Allen ISD Board of Trustees, and the Allen Chamber of Commerce presented a unified agenda for the 2027 Texas Legislature. The council formally adopted six priority areas during a separate Oct. 27 session.
Six Legislative Priorities
The city’s list includes:
- Kalahari/Texas Qualified Hotel Project
- Protecting fiscal capacity and essential services
- Preserving locally accountable decision‑making
- Supporting public safety and community resilience
- Partnering on infrastructure and long‑term sustainability
- Supporting strong local schools
Mayor Chris Schulmeister emphasized that these goals reflect Allen’s commitment to strong families, faith‑based values, and individual liberty, ensuring that state policy supports the community’s growth while safeguarding local control.
Jack Henry & Associates Seeks State Grant
Information‑technology firm Jack Henry & Associates, which has operated in Allen for nearly three decades, is pursuing a grant from the Texas Enterprise Zone Program. If awarded, the company plans to invest more than $5 million in its Allen campus and add ten full‑time positions.
City Council voted unanimously to nominate the firm for the grant. Dan Bowman, president and CEO of the Allen Economic Development Corp., highlighted the project’s potential to boost the local economy and provide high‑skill jobs for residents.
Infrastructure Investment Continues
Allen officials reported that the city has spent over $7 million this calendar year on repairing aging roads and sidewalks, including $2.2 million directed to two of the city’s older neighborhoods. More than 60 percent of Allen’s roughly 110 neighborhoods are at least 25 years old, according to Mayor Schulmeister.
City Manager Eric Ellwanger noted that with less than 8 percent of undeveloped land remaining, the city is shifting focus toward reinvesting in existing assets. The proactive maintenance strategy is intended to improve residents’ quality of life and avoid costlier repairs down the road.
Looking Ahead
As the 2027 Texas legislative session begins in January, Allen’s leaders will advocate for the six priorities they have set, while continuing to monitor infrastructure needs and economic‑development opportunities. The combined effort underscores the city’s dedication to preserving a strong, family‑focused community grounded in faith and liberty.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Allen — read the source article.
