City of Plano

Artificial Intelligence (AI), is the topic everyone is talking about. Can AI really boost your business productivity? Explore with Plano Public Library and SCORE Dallas business mentors this fall. First, an introductory “reality check” for small business owners on September 23, 6:30 pm via Zoom. Think of AI as a tireless assistant that handles repetitive tasks. Participants explore what AI can and cannot do for a small business and identify their own readiness for adopting these tools. Register now: https://lnkd.in/g36Cbgu8   Then try out Claude.ai and build along with other business leaders at Haggard Library on October 3 (register: https://lnkd.in/gJXKvTtb). Three Business AI Forum programs follow at other Plano libraries to make AI accessible and connect local entrepreneurs. Please note, this is not a space for AI consultants to seek business. The program series is intended for learning, exploration and community-building. Find more information on the Plano Public Library online calendar: https://lnkd.in/ggBUKES6. Be sure to set the date range to include September - December and find these programs more easily by using the search term “Business AI”.

Plano is on the road to Sustainable Excellence, with a proposed budget focused on maintaining City services, investing in infrastructure and planning for the future. Our proposed 2026–2027 budget keeps our community strong while making smart investments in the years ahead. Visit Plano.gov/Budget for information on Plano's current and recommended budgets.

Every successful business begins with an idea. Have you identified a gap in the marketplace you have a business concept to fill? What problem(s) are you interested in solving? Have you considered trying to start a business but are not sure how to get going? Wonder and explore with others who enjoy innovation and creativity at the Business Innovation Labs this fall at Plano Public Library. Five opportunities to brainstorm possible business ideas. No need to register or bring a validated concept, this is a space where any idea is possible. September 5 and September 19, October 10 and 24, and November 14, 2 – 4 pm at Schimelpfenig Library.   For those who are moving ahead on an existing business concept, make an appointment with a SCORE Mentor or attend the TUES Community, a monthly skill-building and networking event at Haggard Library. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/gn6dGJuB

The City of Plano is saddened by the passing of former Plano City Council Member Sally Magnuson, who died Friday, Aug. 21. Sally called Plano home for more than 50 years and dedicated much of that time to serving our community. Before serving on City Council, she served on the Plano Library Board of Trustees and was deeply involved in organizations supporting the arts, libraries and families throughout Plano and Collin County. Sally represented Place 4 on the Plano City Council for three terms and represented our community in numerous local, regional and national organizations. We are grateful for Sally’s many years of service to Plano and extend our condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her.

Looking for a meaningful way to bring your employees, organization or community group together? Make an impact on Love Where You Live Fall Service Day. On Saturday, September 26, join other volunteers and City staff in supporting residents of the Meadows Addition neighborhood. Volunteer groups can help with minor exterior home projects such as painting, fence repair and landscaping. It is a hands-on opportunity to strengthen team connections while making a visible difference in a Plano neighborhood. Businesses, corporate teams, civic organizations, faith groups and other groups are encouraged to participate! Ready to get your team involved? Complete a group volunteer interest form at https://lnkd.in/eUbwaDf6 Questions? Email lwyl@plano.gov.

What are lenders looking for when considering the funding needs of small businesses? Find out how to best position your venture for success in accessing capital at Plano Public Library on August 25, 6:30 – 8 pm at Harrington Library. The TUES Community (Team Up for Entrepreneurial Success) meets monthly for specialized resources and networking among start-ups and established small businesses, as well as entrepreneurs with ideas in development. Supported by SCORE Dallas business mentors and library staff. Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/g8YwcKqs

The City of Plano has been named one of the top employers in Texas on Forbes' 2026 list of America's Best Employers By State! 🏆 Plano ranked third among city government employers and 72 among all Texas employers included on the list.✨   Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to develop the annual rankings. More than 245,000 employees who work for organizations with at least 500 employees in the United States were surveyed.   The rankings are largely based on employee evaluations across six areas: atmosphere and development, salary and wages, image and reputation, company culture, working conditions, and workplace safety and equipment. Employees were also asked how likely they were to recommend their employer.   The 2026 list includes 1,365 employers across the United States. You can learn more about the methodology and see the full rankings online - Meet America’s Best Employers By State 2026: https://lnkd.in/gjB7TEsB

Our School Crossing Guards help keep Plano students safe each day, and we appreciate all they do for our community. 🚸💙    The Plano Police Department is currently hiring School Crossing Guards in several areas: 📍 NORTH: Anderson, Andrews & Borchardt 📍 EAST: Dooley & Meadows 📍 WEST: Barksdale, Centennial & Huffman Crossing Guards earn $35 per day for working about 35 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the afternoon.    Interested in joining the team or know someone who would be a great fit? Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/g2schyca We’re wishing Plano students, families, teachers and staff a safe and successful school year!

Broaden your knowledge of resources for growing and expanding your business with upcoming virtual programs from Plano Public Library. Growing a Small Business is presented by Bank of America at 6:30 pm on August 18. Register for the link to join: https://lnkd.in/gXxqrgHG. Need funding to expand your business? Learn about Access to Capital from PeopleFund, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), at noon on August 20. Register for a link to join: https://lnkd.in/gdzjGBXQ.   Find more programs to support business and entrepreneurship on the Library Calendar:  https://lnkd.in/ggBUKES6 Be sure to select a date range and filter by Event Type: Business & Entrepreneurship.

Clear the Shelters Month is a great time to help a local pet find a new home. Plano Animal Shelter is offering discounted adoption fees all month long! 🐕🐱🦎🐹 Here’s the deal: -Adoption fees are just $40 for all animals, regardless of age or breed. -Very Important Pets, marked “VIP” or with an asterisk on their Petfinder profile, are available to adopt for only $20. View adoptable pets at https://lnkd.in/gfNYY2JE FYI: Each pet adoption comes with a spay/neuter, first set of vaccinations, heartworm test and microchip. Call the Plano Animal Shelter with any questions: PlanoAnimalShelter.org 🐾