By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
FRISCO, Texas — Mark Hill is Frisco’s new mayor—and his first words in office looked past the campaign behind him to the city ahead of him.
Taking the oath Tuesday evening before family, supporters, city leaders and elected officials, Hill outlined his priorities: collaboration, a welcoming community and preparing Frisco for what’s next.
A New Chapter Begins
Hill was sworn in by outgoing Mayor Jeff Cheney during the Frisco City Council meeting, marking the official transition following Hill’s victory in June. Instead of looking back on the campaign, Hill used his first remarks as mayor to look ahead.
“This place will always be a welcoming place for everyone in this room,” Hill said. “That was what motivated me to run for this race, and it means the world to have everybody here.”
The message echoed a theme Hill emphasized throughout his campaign and hinted at how he wants to lead.
Before outlining his priorities, Hill thanked Cheney for nearly a decade of service to Frisco, calling his leadership an inspiration to both the City Council and the community.
“Jeff, thank you for your leadership, for your years of service, and your inspiration to a lot of us on this council in this city,” Hill said.
He also thanked his wife, Tiffany, along with his family, campaign supporters and community members who helped him reach the mayor’s office.
One story, however, stood out. Hill shared that the idea of running for mayor began with a text message he received last September from former Frisco ISD trustee Dick Peasley, sent while Peasley was on a Viking river cruise in Europe.
The message was simple: “You should run for mayor.”
Hill said that simple message helped set him on the path that led to Tuesday night’s swearing-in ceremony.
A Focus on Working Together
Collaboration came up again and again, starting with his fellow council members.
“I want you to know that what matters to each of you matters to me,” Hill said. “Give me a chance, give me some time to demonstrate that, and I think the city will be the better for it.”
He also recognized numerous elected officials in attendance—including state Reps. Keresa Richardson, Jeff Shaheen and Mihaela Plesa, Collin County Commissioner Duncan Webb and Collin County Judge Chris Hill—saying he intends to work closely with leaders at every level of government.
“I very much intend to work and collaborate with you all for us to succeed in the future,” Hill said. “Y’all are going to be a part of that.”
Hill also reflected on his years on the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees, calling the experience “the privilege of my life.” He expressed confidence in the district’s leadership and looked forward to continued cooperation between the city and Frisco ISD.
Former Frisco mayors Mike Simpson and Maher Maso were recognized during Hill’s remarks alongside Cheney, whom Hill credited with helping shape the city into what it is today.
Mark Hill Looking Beyond the Campaign
Hill said one of the most rewarding parts of running for mayor was getting to know residents across Frisco.
“One thing I got to see up front and center is just how big and diverse and dynamic and unique this community is,” he said. “It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of running for a position that I ran for.”
Meeting families, business owners and residents across the city, he said, gave him a deeper appreciation for the community he now leads.
“That is an experience that no one can ever take from me,” Hill said.
As mayor, Hill said his decisions will be guided by what he believes has made Frisco successful.
“Strong families are what make a strong Frisco,” he said. “Part of my job and our job is to make sure the next strong family and the next strong business chooses Frisco, Texas.”
Hill closed by encouraging residents to stay engaged and to challenge city leaders to keep thinking boldly as Frisco grows.
“I am going to dream big in this role,” Hill said. “We are a community that has a lot ahead of us.”
He urged residents not only to bring concerns to City Hall, but also to help shape solutions.
“Please help us dream big, help us think big, help push us,” Hill said. “If there is an issue, come with a solution. But I want you to know that I’m here because I want to continue to dream big, and I want to continue to innovate, and I want to think big.”
With the oath complete, Hill now takes the helm of one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.