As unprecedented growth accelerated north of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Celina’s leaders recognized an opportunity to turn the city’s authentic Texas identity into a foundation for its next chapter of economic growth.
It’s more than a numbers game, despite ushering in over 47,600 new residents since 2020. At the same time Celina rang in its 150th anniversary in 2026, it also regained status as the nation’s fastest-growing city. A 24.6% population increase from 2024 to 2025 indicates a variety of key factors, among them the quality of life residents are tapping into outside of the nearby Dallas, Frisco and Plano metro areas.
Years of intentional economic development planning have helped sustain the momentum, as Celina has welcomed dozens of master-planned residential communities, vital infrastructure, and recreational opportunities. Celina is attracting national retailers while continuing to cultivate locally founded businesses. Celina also established itself as Texas’ first Gigabit City in 2021, providing high-speed fiber connectivity to local homes and businesses.
“By the end of their visit, they recognize that Celina isn’t simply growing quickly; it’s planning thoughtfully,” Celina Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) Executive Director Anthony Satarino says of prospects visiting the city. “That confidence is often what transforms initial interest into long-term investment.”
Satarino says Celina offers something that is becoming increasingly rare — the opportunity to invest in one of America’s fastest-growing communities while helping shape its future.
“Celina offers the lifestyle today’s workforce is increasingly seeking,” he says. “Exceptional schools, safe neighborhoods, an authentic historic downtown, parks, trails, community events and genuine Texas hospitality. It is a place where people do not just relocate, they choose to build a life.”
As the community continues to expand, strategic planning of future employment corridors, investment into critical infrastructure and working partnerships with developers have been key priorities in introducing the next generation of office, retail, healthcare and mixed-use investments. After all, companies aren’t solely on the hunt for land — they’re looking for a community with a clear vision, strong leadership and commitment to long-term success. Celina provides that opportunity.
“Perhaps our greatest competitive advantage is collaboration,” says Satarino. “The city, Celina EDC, developers, utility providers and private investors share a common vision and work together to solve challenges early, maintain open communication and create an environment where investment can move forward with confidence.”
Texas Squared
Celina’s thoughtfully cultivated downtown square has served as the heart of the community since its founding in the 1880s. Locally rooted businesses contribute to a vibrant commercial district, reflecting the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and distinctive character.
Leaders know that the city’s authenticity has been a vital draw and are intent on ensuring future development complements — not replaces — the qualities that make Celina unique. In one example, an ongoing project to reimagine the square tackled new growth with the buildout of a four-story parking deck and an over 115,200-sq.-ft. facility with administrative offices, in addition to a 26,209-sq.-ft. public library opening in February 2027.
In July, the City, CEDC and Nack Development introduced plans for a transformative $15 million-plus public-private partnership, Trackside Junction. The future mixed-use development will tie in retail, restaurant, office, event and residential space, while adding 15,000 sq. ft. of fresh commercial space. The investment leverages a local government tool known as Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 11, enabling the city to reinvest a portion of future property tax values created by new development back into its downtown. It marks Celina’s first targeted use of the funding tool, aiming to connect its historic square to its entertainment district.
Nack Development CEO Donny Churchman says his company looks beyond demographics when evaluating a community for development. His team stays on the hunt for locations with strong leadership, vision, partnerships and places people genuinely want to spend time in. Celina delivered that.
Historic Downtown Celina showcases local entrepreneurship across a variety of shops, restaurants and events concentrated in the district.
Photo courtesy of Celina Economic Development Corporation
“Downtown Celina has authenticity that can’t be manufactured, and the City’s commitment to preserving that character while embracing thoughtful growth gave us the confidence to invest more than $15 million in Trackside Junction,” says Churchman. “We believe the future of North Texas belongs to communities that prioritize placemaking over projects, and Celina is leading that conversation.”
City of Celina Mayor Ryan Tubbs says the city sets itself apart by balancing thoughtful development with an exceptional quality of life. This is seen across fresh infrastructure, parks, public safety and amenities, while leaders maintain hometown values and the strong sense of community Celina provides.
Drawing residents downtown to interact with their community depends on creating vibrant spaces to gather. The city opened a new farm-themed playground at Old Celina Park in October 2025, before announcing a $14.8 million, five-year investment plan to expand Ousley Park. A majority of the funding will go toward stream reconstruction of Doe Branch, which runs through the park. The city also aims to introduce new trails, pickleball and basketball courts, a community playground, outdoor fitness stations and a performance pavilion.
“A strong economy starts with a strong community. Businesses don’t just choose locations based on available land or transportation access,” says Mayor Tubbs. “They choose places where people want to live. That’s why we’ve taken a comprehensive approach to investing in Celina’s future.”
When considering Celina’s path forward, Tubbs hopes that people will notice a community that never lost sight of who it was on its path to becoming one of the most dynamic cities in the nation. That will depend on responsible growth, fiscal stewardship and creating lasting value for Celina’s residents.
“We’ve never measured success simply by how fast we grow, but by how well we grow. Our focus has always been on creating a community where families can thrive, businesses can succeed and our unique character is preserved,” says Tubbs. “We’re not just building a city — we’re building a place where people want to live, work and belong for generations to come.”
This Investment Profile was prepared under the auspices of Celina Economic Development Corporation. For more information, visit celinaedc.com.
