The Plano City Council has approved an economic development incentive package tied to a major investment by AT&T Services Inc., clearing the way for a project expected to bring thousands of jobs to the city. During its recent meeting, the council unanimously approved two agreements related to the deal as part of its consent agenda. The items authorize incentives linked to AT&T’s planned $1.35 billion investment and the addition of 10,000 full-time employees in Plano. Under the agreement, the city approved a $10 million development grant, a $10 million job-based grant, waivers for certain development-related fees and a 25-year property tax abatement running from 2030 through 2054.

City officials noted that the incentives are structured as performance-based agreements, meaning the company must meet specific investment and employment benchmarks before receiving payments.

“All of our economic development agreements are performance-based,” Economic Development Director Mac Attali told council members during the meeting. “The company has to meet certain metrics in order to be paid out for those incentives.” Deputy City Manager Doug McDonald also confirmed that the city structures its economic development deals to ensure companies meet agreed-upon targets before incentives are distributed.

Council Member Maria Tu asked for clarification on how the job-based incentives would work, noting they should be tied directly to employment growth within the city. City officials confirmed that the job grant is linked to AT&T reaching the 10,000-employee threshold in Plano. Both incentive agreements were approved 8–0 by the council.

Public Comments Raise Questions

One resident spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, acknowledging the significance of the proposed investment but questioning whether the incentives were necessary.Plano resident Corey Reinacher noted that the $10 million development grant represents less than one percent of the total capital investment required under the agreement.

“Securing a major corporate relocation is a significant achievement,” Reinacher said. “But that’s exactly why this deal deserves careful scrutiny.”Reinacher also raised questions about whether the job incentive would create new employment in Plano or simply shift existing positions from other locations.He further expressed concerns about the 25-year property tax abatement, which was estimated during public comment to exceed $100 million over its lifespan.

“This is a substantial public investment with lasting consequences,” Reinacher said.

Agreement Details and Next Steps

City staff stated that incentive payments will only be issued after AT&T meets the defined performance benchmarks for investment and employment.The approved tax rebate agreement applies specifically to calendar years 2030 through 2054. Council members did not further address questions about whether the 10,000 employees would represent new hires or relocated workers before approving the agreement.

With both items approved, the city has formally authorized the incentive package supporting AT&T’s investment in Plano.