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Mayor Terry Lynne told a packed crowd at City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 29, that Farmers Branch is "a lightweight boxer boxing in the heavyweight class" as the city continues to compete with larger municipalities.
The annual address drew standing-room-only attendance, with all five council members present as Lynne outlined achievements from 2025 and priorities ahead.
"We are definitely outperforming other cities and it just gives me so much excitement to be able to say that about little Farmers Branch," Lynne said. "We're growing up. We're in the big times."
The mayor announced what he called "the biggest win, corporate relocation win in this city's history." Semiconductor testing equipment manufacturer FormFactor will relocate its headquarters from Livermore, California, to Farmers Branch after beating out five other sites and a location in Germany. The company will invest more than $340 million and bring approximately 600 jobs.
The city secured the Pickleball World Championships for a third consecutive year. The tournament brought more than 60,000 spectators over nine days and generated approximately $16 million for the local economy.
"Sports is a major driver of the economic success here in Farmers Branch," Lynne said. "We've made a niche in what we have to offer."
Farmers Branch earned dual AAA bond ratings from Fitch Ratings and S&P, placing the city among the most financially stable in Texas. The fiscal year 2025-26 budget passed with no tax rate increase while maintaining strong reserves.
"That speaks volumes to the financial stewardship that our city management and city council have," Lynne said.
The city invested more than $20.6 million in capital improvement projects, including $7 million dedicated to water system reliability. The Valley View Lane project addressed longstanding stormwater drainage needs with a new underground system to reduce flooding and protect surrounding homes and businesses. The project is scheduled for completion by late February.
The Farmers Branch Police Department achieved a 20% reduction in crime with the addition of five new patrol officers. The department handled more than 26,000 calls for service.
Community improvements included a $2.5 million federal grant for housing enhancements in the Valwood Park neighborhood, the grand reopening of the renovated Branch Connection senior center, and a new playground at Dutch Village Park. A $1.5 million philanthropic partnership will expand the animal adoption center with a cat facility.
Lynne also addressed the upcoming DART withdrawal referendum, which the city council called in November after years of frustration over governance and service equity. The city has paid more than $500 million to the regional transit agency over 43 years. Voters will decide May 2 whether Farmers Branch should remain a member.
"This is going to be your decision," he said, noting the city is preparing transportation alternatives regardless of the outcome.
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