Frisco Insider - Budget Proposal + Aldi + More

Howdy, Frisco.

Happy Friday! We made it through another week of construction cones doing interpretive dances on Preston, and enough back to school chaos to last us until winter break.

The weekend ahead is packed, live music, date nights, movies under the stars, and even a chance for your kids to sell handmade candles like tiny moguls. On the news front, we’ve got a big ol’ budget proposal, big changes for FISD, and a small but mighty apartment complex making its debut. Oh, and Aldi’s doubling down on Frisco. Let’s dive in.

Frisco Unveils $304.8M Budget Proposal for 2026

City leaders rolled out a $304.8 million proposed budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year, keeping the property tax rate flat at $0.425517 per $100 valuation but still pulling in $6.2 million more thanks to growth and new developments.

Public Safety Boost – 62 new city positions, with 13 going to the Police Department, including a detective and traffic officer. Fire employees also get merit raises.
Infrastructure & Utilities – Expect higher water (+9%), sewer (+15%), stormwater (+20%), and recycling rates (+$1 for residents).
Public Input – Hearings on Aug 19 & Sept 2. Final vote Sept 16, effective Oct 1.

City Manager Wes Pierson warned that state rules are making it harder for Frisco to plan for growth, so future councils may have to choose between fewer services or delayed projects.

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FISD Prepares for School Year with Fewer Students

For the first time, Frisco ISD is actively recruiting out of district students to fill empty seats. The district is also:

• Launching an entirely online education system starting in spring 2026.

• Adding armed staff members to schools under new board approved policies.

• Adjusting to a statewide cellphone ban during the school day (still ironing out how this works for safety tracking after school).

Superintendent Mike Waldrip says mentorships with local businesses are growing, and the new Career & Technical Center is buzzing, but enrollment decline means innovation is more important than ever.

The Beacon Now Open in Rail District

Frisco’s smallest new apartment project, The Beacon, is officially open at 7291 Elm St.

• 18 one and two-bedroom units ($1,950–$3,800/month)

• First floor: commercial space; upper floors: residences

• Local art in hallways, designer lighting, custom facades

🎀 Ribbon Cutting: Aug 15 @ 10 AM, includes tours of the building.

Aldi to Open 2nd Frisco Location

Aldi is building a second store at W. University Dr. & Hollyhock Rd., breaking ground this month and aiming for completion by Feb 2026. This $2.65M project joins the existing Preston Rd. store. Bargain hunters, rejoice.

Taylorville – Taylor Swift Tribute | Ticketed

📍 Comerica Center – 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco | Fri, Aug 15 | 7:00 PM (Doors 6:00 PM) | Parking $15

A full scale Taylor Swift tribute with big screen visuals, deep cuts, and mega hits. Expect dancing, singing, and a crowd dressed like every album era.

Details: Here

Summer Movie Series: Wonka | No Cost

📍 PGA District – 3255 PGA Pkwy, Frisco | Fri, Aug 15 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Bring a blanket, not a lawn chair, and settle in for Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka. Grab dinner from PGA restaurants or drinks from roaming carts. Leashed pets welcome.

Details: Here

Date Night: Pour Decisions & Perfect Bites | Ticketed

📍 Sheraton Stonebriar Hotel – 5444 State Hwy 121| Fri, Aug 15 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wine lovers, rejoice, this night pairs savory chicken, tender steak, and fresh seafood with curated wines. Social, relaxed, and perfect for a Friday night reset.

Details: Here

Frisco RoughRiders vs. Midland Rockhounds | Ticketed

📍 Riders Field – 7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco
📅 Fri, Aug 15 | First pitch TBA

Baseball at its finest, great views, and a family friendly vibe. Bonus: watch for in game promotions and fireworks nights.

Children’s Business Fair | No Cost

📍 Kaleidoscope Park – Performance Lawn | Sat, Aug 16 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Young entrepreneurs sell everything from crochet to 3D printed creations. Support local kids with big ideas, and maybe come home with a candle or two.

Details: Here

Fri 15 – Mostly Sunny | 98° / 77°
Sat 16 – Mostly Sunny | 96° / 77°
Sun 17 – Partly Cloudy | 97° / 77°
Mon 18 – Partly Cloudy | 97° / 77°

Translation: Sunscreen is non negotiable. Hats optional but encouraged.

That’s it for this week, Frisco! Whether you’re singing your heart out at Comerica, sipping wine at Sheraton, or cheering on the Riders, make it a weekend to remember.

Catch y’all Monday!
— Hamza Sohail | Frisco Insider | August 15th