Celina, Texas, a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, has been thriving in recent years. In fact, it was the fastest-growing city in the nation in 2023, according to the Census Bureau, with its population growing 26.6% from the previous year to 43,717 people.

This growth is bolstered by a thriving cultural scene, quality housing and many businesses looking to locate in the city, Celina Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Anthony Satarino said.

Celina EDC wants to accelerate growth by fostering stronger relationships with residents, visitors and businesses. At the same time, the organization is mindful of the city’s strategic plan to preserve the community’s local heritage as the town grows into a business hub, he said.

“While our city is rooted in tradition and a strong local community, we’re creating actionable steps to continue building momentum to prepare for future growth,” Satarino said.

Celina's Investment In The Future

Satarino said the city is preparing to take things to another level by investing in its progress. In 2024, the city had an estimated $218M in scheduled projects ahead, and that is just the start of how Celina will help improve its already thriving community.

“Over the next five years, we're investing more than $1.4B for capital improvements,” he said. “Some of our key projects include our new police headquarters, new government center, historic Downtown Celina, infrastructure and road expansions, including Dallas North Tollway, Preston Road and the Outer Loop.”

New Home For City Services  

Satarino said the new 100K SF government center scheduled to open in 2026 will help the city manage rapid expansion and increasing demand for municipal infrastructure. With a growing population, Celina needed a variety of city services, including putting administrative functions and community services under one roof.

The project involved assessing the needs of different city departments and envisioning how the new facility would support future growth.

“The new government center will centralize city operations, making it easier for residents to access municipal services and for city employees to collaborate,” Satarino said. “It’ll feature state-of-the-art facilities and technology, enhancing the capability of city departments and improving overall administrative functions.”

Not only will the modern amenities support better working conditions for city staff and more streamlined processes, but the center’s construction will provide jobs and help encourage community engagement between city officials and residents, he said.

Big-City Opportunities, Small-Town Benefits

Celina is in a prime location in the DFW area, set in a central position 40 miles north of Dallas and conveniently located between major arteries such as Dallas North Tollway on the west and Preston Road on the east. Residents and businesses have easy access to diverse amenities, job markets and other attractions in North Texas, Satarino said.

“Celina is in proximity to a robust and diverse economy,” he said. “Residents and businesses can tap into the economic opportunities of the Metroplex, including its strong job market, retail centers and business hubs, while benefiting from a thriving, growing and close-knit community.”

Satarino said he hopes that expanding the capacity of the Dallas North Tollway will not only help alleviate traffic congestion on existing routes but attract businesses wanting to set up shop in places with better road access and efficient logistics.

The Preston Road Corridor Effect

Also pivotal to Celina’s continued growth is the Preston Road corridor, which connects key parts of the Dallas metro with other suburbs like Plano and Frisco.

In addition to this corridor offering access to some of the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Dallas, Satarino said it has great economic potential, with major commercial hubs, shopping centers, restaurants and office spaces. This makes it a great location for business development, entertainment options and job opportunities.

“The Preston Road corridor is known for its strong sense of community and active lifestyle,” Satarino said. “It features well-planned neighborhoods with green spaces and recreational facilities.”

A Bright Future

Celina, particularly its downtown area, will continue to see an increase in foot traffic and local business patronage by both visitors and local residents, Satarino said. Revitalization efforts and downtown incentive programs will draw in more investment opportunities, leading to property values rising in both commercial and residential properties, he said.

Satarino is excited about what the future holds for the city.

“Celina’s future is looking bright,” Satarino said. “We have strong infrastructure in place to not only keep our tight-knit community thriving but also to take the next steps to become an economically prosperous hub in the North Texas region.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Studio B and Celina Economic Development Corp. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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