DTX-PLS: Impact 11/3/2025

About 35% of the Plano ISD 2022 bond package construction projects are now complete, according to a presentation from Tony Pearson, PISD director of planning and new construction.

At an Oct. 21 board of trustees meeting, Pearson said that the majority of projects in Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the $1.4 billion bond package have wrapped up construction.

By the numbers: Of the total 136 projects included in the 2022 bond package, 46 are complete, 21 are under construction and 23 are in the design phase. The remaining 46 projects are in the pre-design phase, with some slated to begin in 2026, according to Pearson’s report.

Outback Steakhouse’s Plano location is permanently closed, according to a company representative.

Zooming in: The location’s last day was Oct. 26, the representative said. Outback Steakhouse offered steaks, chicken and seafood dining options. The chain also features signature appetizers like the Bloomin’ Onion and offers salads, soups and sides.

Quote of note: “We considered a variety of factors, including sales and traffic, trade areas and potential investments to improve performance,” the representative said. “We are working to relocate as many of our team members as possible to nearby restaurants.”

• 1509 N. Central Expressway, Plano

North Texas Food Bank and Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, is bracing for “a surge in need.”

The situation: Rising food costs are already causing food banks to see an increased need, according to a statement from Feeding Texas. In addition, on Nov. 1 individuals are expected to lose assistance from SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program provides qualifying individuals and families monthly food benefits.

Quote of note: “A delay in benefits isn’t just inconvenient—it’s devastating," NTFB President and CEO Trisha Cunningham said in a news release. "It means empty pantries, skipped meals and added stress for families already living on the edge.”

What it means: Plano-based NTFB serves 12 counties across the region, including 51,317 individual SNAP participants in Collin County, according to NTFB data.

Approximately 460,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Advocates are encouraging Texas voters to approve State Proposition 14, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to spend $3 billion to launch the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

The overview: Proposition 14 would allocate $3 billion in state dollars to fund the institute for the next 10 years. The institute would work with researchers and doctors to study the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

All funding for the institute would come from existing state revenue, donations and potential federal grants, meaning no new state taxes or fees would be created.

What they're saying: "If Proposition 14 passes, it really will establish Texas as an incredible leader in our country," neurological researcher Joshua Shulman said. 

At the polls: Early voting runs through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 4. For more information about the propositions and candidates on your local ballot, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.