As we look ahead to the next 10 years, I want to share some exciting news about the growth and bright future of our hometown. Whitesboro is changing — not in a way that replaces our identity, but in a way that builds on our strengths. We are growing, thoughtfully and purposefully, into a town that offers even more opportunities for our families, our businesses and future generations.
Like any good plan, it all starts with listening. That’s why, in 2024, the City of Whitesboro began developing a 20-year comprehensive plan. This plan will help guide decisions about
Whitesboro’s land use, new housing, roads and traffic, parks and recreation, economic development and much more.
Most importantly, it reflects the voices of our residents. Through surveys, open conversations and a public meeting occurring April 29th at First State Bank, the community has and will shape a vision that puts people first — and protects the values that make Whitesboro such a special place.
One of the clearest signs of progress is in our economy. Whitesboro is welcoming new businesses, thanks in part to the hard work of WEDCO and WIDCO — our local economic development organizations.
These groups focus on attracting companies that bring good jobs and support the long-term success of our community. Whitesboro’s Economic Development team worked with Hughes Lumber Co. to set up operations in Whitesboro and will be opening soon. As a result, 80 new jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars will be invested in our town. That is just the beginning.
Job growth in Whitesboro is projected to rise by nearly 39% over the next decade — faster than the national average. This means more local career options for our residents, less need to commute long distances and a stronger tax base to support city services like police, fire, and schools.
As new industries and small businesses take root here, we’ll see even more life in our downtown area and more choices for shopping, dining and services.
We’re also seeing steady population growth. In 2022, Whitesboro had just over 4,290 residents — a 14% increase since 2000. People are moving here for the same reasons we love living here: it’s safe, it’s family-friendly and there’s a sense of neighborliness you can’t find everywhere.
Whitesboro is on track to have 100 new homes built inside Whitesboro’s city limits over the next several years. We are committed to making sure that the town grows in a way that preserves that small-town feel, while still offering the resources and convenience of a modern community.
To support this growth, we’re making real investments in infrastructure and transportation. We are also investing in quality-of-life improvements that make daily living better for everyone — like updated parks, safe walking trails, improved street/water/sewer systems and community spaces for events and gatherings.
And through our downtown revitalization efforts, we are bringing new life to the heart of the city while honoring its historic character.
Most importantly, none of this happens without you. Our success depends on the involvement and ideas of our citizens — the people who live here, raise families here, run businesses here and care about the future of our town.
We invite you to stay involved, attend meetings, share your thoughts and help guide this next chapter.
The next decade holds great promise for Whitesboro. With careful planning, strong leadership and the continued spirit of community that defines us, we are building a brighter future — together.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Phil Harris is the City Administrator for the City of Whitesboro. He can be reached at [email protected]