Discover What’s Next for Celina, TX with the EDC!
In this episode of The Closing Table with Lawyer’s Title, host Tamera Gaede sits down with Anthony Satarino (Executive Director, Celina EDC) and Andy Buffington (Director of Community Development & Downtown Services). Together, they unpack the rapid growth, new businesses, and long-term vision shaping one of North Texas’ fastest-growing cities.
👉 What you’ll learn in this episode:
- The role of the Celina Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and how it impacts jobs, growth, and sales tax.
- Major projects coming to Preston Road Corridor—including Costco, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot.
- Why Walmart’s “Store of the Future” concept is different from traditional Walmarts.
- How Celina is balancing big-box retailers with support for local small businesses through the new Local Business Support Program.
- Updates on the Dallas North Tollway expansion and what it means for residents.
- The surge in housing permits and population growth—with projections up to 130,000 residents by 2030.
- Diversification of housing: single-family homes, multi-family developments, and mixed-use plans.
- How sales tax helps relieve pressure on property taxes for Celina homeowners.
- Celina’s 150th anniversary celebration and future long-range planning.
Whether you’re a real estate professional, investor, or a current/future resident of Celina, this episode provides valuable insight into the city’s future and what it means for the community.
✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify, and share this with someone interested in Celina’s growth!
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome
01:20 – What does the Celina EDC do?
02:30 – Major developments on Preston Road (Costco, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot)
04:15 – Walmart’s “Store of the Future” concept explained
06:30 – Supporting local restaurants & small businesses
08:00 – Launching the Local Business Support Program
10:00 – Challenges for small businesses: rent increases & sustainability
13:00 – Programs to help local businesses thrive
15:00 – New businesses & restaurants in Downtown Celina
16:30 – Dallas North Tollway expansion update (opening 2027)
19:00 – Transportation planning & city foresight
20:00 – Methodist Hospital and Celina’s medical growth
22:30 – Population boom & housing permits in Celina
24:00 – Celina’s growth vs. Frisco’s land area
26:30 – Diversification of housing: apartments, mixed-use, affordability
29:30 – Balancing housing costs, rents, and property values
30:45 – EDC land ownership & mixed-use planning near downtown
31:30 – How sales tax offsets property taxes in Celina
33:00 – Encouraging residents to “shop local”
34:00 – Celina’s 150th anniversary celebration
35:00 – Family-centered community events in Celina
36:00 – Long-range planning & downtown master plan recognition
38:00 – How realtors can plug into Celina EDC & chamber resources
40:30 – Closing thoughts & wrap-up