Mark Hill was elected mayor of Frisco on Saturday, securing a three-year term beginning July 7 after a runoff election that drew record turnout and heightened national interest. Hill campaigned on a platform of unity, promising to bring together the city’s diverse communities and position himself as a leader free from political entanglements.
Hill replaces outgoing Mayor Jeff Cheney, who is term-limited after serving nine years. His election marks a departure from recent tradition, as Hill has not previously served on the City Council—unlike his five predecessors—but he has experience on the Frisco Independent School District board and the city’s economic development corporation board. In addition to his public service roles, Hill is an attorney and co-owner of a Frisco law firm.
During the campaign, Hill emphasized economic growth as a means of managing the city’s tax burden. He pledged to attract large corporations to Frisco, arguing that expanding the commercial tax base would help avoid increasing property tax rates on homeowners. “You either pay for the revenues of the city through taxes upon the residential homeowners or you pay for it through commercial and economic growth,” Hill said at a March campaign event.
Hill also highlighted the need to invest in the city’s quality of life, including enhancing parks and the arts. He indicated a commitment to equitable development across Frisco, specifically aiming to improve conditions in the older eastern neighborhoods to match those of the newer western areas.
Traffic congestion ranked as another key issue during the race. Hill proposed reducing commuter traffic by encouraging job growth within city limits and expressed willingness to collaborate with officials from neighboring municipalities to address broader regional transportation challenges.
On housing, Hill advocated for incentives targeting the construction of affordable single-family homes suitable for middle-class families and senior citizens. He opposed Senate Bill 840, a state law mandating the allowance of multifamily housing in areas presently zoned for mixed-use and commercial purposes, noting that Frisco has already taken measures that may enable the city to bypass some provisions of the law.
A significant motivation for Hill’s mayoral bid was his desire to restore decorum to City Council meetings. He frequently pointed to a need for civility and effective leadership, criticizing past sessions marked by conflict and divisiveness, including contentious public comments on issues like H-1B visa fraud, which are outside city jurisdiction. Hill, who will preside over council meetings and vote only in the event of ties, said building trust among council members will be a priority during his first 90 days.
Hill also faces ongoing debates about public comment policies after the council voted to suspend comments on non-agenda topics indefinitely, citing community safety concerns. This decision followed a demonstration featuring armed protesters expressing white supremacist views outside City Hall. While Hill recognizes the challenge of balancing free speech and maintaining order, he has not indicated plans to alter the current policy.
Public safety figures prominently in Hill’s agenda, with roughly half of Frisco’s budget allocated to police, fire, and emergency services. He indicated that economic development would provide necessary funding for resources and technology to maintain safety, especially as the city prepares to host major events including the World Cup, the upcoming opening of Universal Kids Resort, and the PGA Championship next year. Hill said he would rely on guidance from public safety officials, deferring to their expertise on security matters.