Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere delivers final State of the City address

PLANO, TX – Mayor Harry LaRosiliere spoke of his continued vision for Plano at his last State of the City address, which he delivered via Zoom on Jan. 14.

“Seven years ago, during my first interview as mayor, I was asked what my vision was for Plano,” LaRosiliere said. “The answer was simple: My vision for Plano was for it to remain the same. As I am now, I was speaking then about our spirit of community.”

This spirit of community helped Plano remain a “city of excellence” during the pandemic and will help it remain that way in the future, he said.

In the address, LaRosiliere also spoke of some of the moments he remembers most from his tenure a mayor, which will end this year. These moments include chance encounters with alumni from the Plano Mayor’s Summer Internship Program and the arrival of Paul Quinn College in Plano, he said.

Also highlighted were the efforts of the city throughout the pandemic, including a heightened focus on preventing homelessness, the support of local food pantries and working to deliver city services while dealing with losses in revenue.

“Although I’m addressing you today virtually, and the challenges that we face last year are still with us today, we will emerge from this stronger than ever,” LaRosiliere said in closing. “I am filled with boundless optimism for what lies ahead.”

LaRosiliere served two terms with Plano City Council before serving two consecutive terms as mayor for the city of Plano. His successor will be elected May 1.

The State of the City address was held in conjunction with the Plano Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting for the second year.

2020 Chair Lissa Smith virtually passed the gavel to 2021 Chair Steve McSwain, chief operating officer of ARTA Travel, who shared his vision for this year. Plans for the chamber include a new strategic plan and a new foundation to support members and the community, he said.

Plano ISD, Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Toyota Motor North America also shared updates from 2020 as well as goals for the upcoming year.

The chamber had 152 members join in the last year, and nearly 900 businesses and organizations now take part in the Chamber. In 2020, the Plano Chamber of Commerce also achieved re-accreditation as a 5-Star Chamber of Commerce from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.