Frisco is launching a new public transit option in its downtown area.

What happened: At their April 21 meeting, Frisco City Council members approved a $388,000 contract with Via Transportation to operate a pilot circulator service in the Rail District. The service is designed to improve short-distance mobility within the downtown area, according to city documents.

How it works: Riders can use the service for free, with the vehicle running every 10 minutes. The transit fleet will include an ADA-accessible electric shuttle, with a five-passenger minivan available on reserve for special events.

Some context: Frisco officials have been looking to expand public transportation options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer. Toyota Stadium will serve as the Sweden national team’s training base, while matches will be held at AT&T Stadium.

Plans for Frisco’s first Trader Joe’s grocery store are under review by city officials. 

What you need to know: Frisco’s Planning and Zoning Commission is set to consider a zoning change at an April 28 meeting for a nearly 10-acre mixed-use development that could include a Trader Joe’s, according to city documents. The proposed development would be located at the southwest corner of Majestic Gardens Drive and Main Street, city documents state.

Some context: The applicant has submitted several versions of the project over the last several years, previously proposing a mix of townhomes, senior living and commercial uses. The latest plan places Trader Joe’s at the corner of the site, with a senior living facility on the southern portion.

Zooming in: While the developer has revised plans in response to staff feedback, city staff are recommending denial of the zoning request, citing concerns about the project’s layout, walkability and overall compatibility with surrounding development. 

The overview: Texans are expected to save millions in sales taxes on emergency supplies—everything from tarps to generators—during an annual tax holiday April 25-27.

How it works: The sales tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. April 24 and lasts until midnight April 27.

Texans are expected to save about $2.4 million in state and local taxes, according to the comptroller’s office. Last year, Texans saved about $2.3 million, agency spokesperson Kevin Lyons said.

According to the comptroller’s office, items qualify for the tax exemption if they are priced at:

• Less than $75 for items including household batteries, fuel containers, flashlights, smoke detectors, tarps and first aid kits
• Less than $300 for hurricane shutters and emergency ladders
• Less than $3,000 for portable generators