Inside Plano, The City Podcast
by City of Plano, Texas
Inside Plano takes you behind the scenes of our city. We introduce you to the faces and places who help make this a great place to live and give us all lots of reasons to #loveplano.
Episodes
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Firefighter Myths, Mustaches and What Really Happens at the Station
What do Plano firefighters really do all day — and how much of it actually involves fighting fires? Plano Fire-Rescue Firefighter and Public Information Officer Allison Smith and Firefighter/EMT Clint Foster join hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley to separate firefighter fact from fiction.…
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What Makes a Neighborhood Feel Like Home?
What makes a great neighborhood? It's more than well-kept homes and attractive streets. Strong neighborhoods are places where people know one another, feel connected and take pride in where they live. In this episode of Inside Plano, hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Housing and...
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Exploring Plano's Murals and Hidden Gems
From colorful downtown landmarks to hidden artistic gems, murals are changing the way people experience Plano. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins to talk about how Plano's mural movement began, why art in public spaces matters and how…
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Kevin's Story: Community Support and a Life-Changing Service Dog
A Plano family's journey through a serious health condition brought an outpouring of community support and a life-changing outcome. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Kevin Rosser and his mom, Angelina, about Kevin's diagnosis with POTS and how the Plano community came together to...
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Shielding Seniors from Scams
A scam targeting her own grandfather pushed Plano resident Tejasvi Manoj to take action and ultimately earn recognition as TIME Kid of the Year. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Tejasvi and Plano Police Officer Minton about senior scams, how they happen, and how families can…
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How Plano Students Get Real-World Work Experience
Welcome to Season 8 of the Inside Plano podcast! In this episode, Amanda sits down with the team behind the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program — an earn-and-learn summer internship that gives Plano-area students real work experience while building career skills and confidence. With more than...
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#90: Books for Every Reader at Plano Public Library
Join hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley for a heartfelt and practical conversation about Plano Public Libraries' adapted book collection and adaptive programs. They're joined by Plano Public Libraries team members Maggie Fox and Janet Cox, plus Courtney Walker, founder of Libraries for All, to...
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#89: There's a New Team in Town
Inside Plano is back with a new voice! In this episode, Shannah Hayley welcomes the City's new Director of Media Relations, Amanda McNew, as the show's new co-host. Together, Amanda and Shannah share updates about what's ahead for the podcast, including new ways for listeners to engage and fresh...
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Budget discussions at September 8, 2025, City Council meeting
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the September 8, 2025, City Council…
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#88: Digging into the details about Plano's roads
With numerous road projects underway and a significant bond proposal on the horizon, we've brought our Public Works and Engineering departments back to the podcast. Join Abby, Caleb, Shannah and Steve for a discussion about the latest developments in Plano's infrastructure. This month's story...
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Budget discussions at August 25, 2025, City Council meeting
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 25, 2025, City Council meeting...
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Budget work session on August 14, 2025
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 14, 2025, City Council budget...
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Budget discussions at August 11, 2025, City Council meeting
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 11, 2025, City Council meeting...
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#87: Update on the State of Business in Plano
It's been a year since our last deep dive into the major redevelopment projects shaping our city. Doug McDonald and Peter Braster return to the show to discuss the latest on Collin Creek and a new retail rehabilitation project. We'll also talk about the health of the business market in Plano.…
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Presentation of the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget and Proposed Community Investment Program
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the July 30, 2025, City Council meeting…
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#86: Saying farewell to Plano's first-ever Director of Media Relations
At the end of July, Plano's first-ever Director of Media Relations retires. In this episode of Inside Plano, we sit down with Steve Stoler to visit about his experience working for the City of Plano.
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Presentation of the Draft Cultural Arts Master Plan (Bonus Episode)
We want you to be informed about the City of Plano's Cultural Arts Master Plan process. Today's bonus episode features audio from the Monday, March 3, 2025 community presentation of the draft Cultural Arts Master Plan.
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#84: Why is the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center closed?
Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center has closed for renovation. In this month's episode, we go behind the construction fencing to talk about the improvements underway. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center – project website Tom...
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#83: State of the City
In this special episode of Inside Plano, we're airing Mayor Muns' State of the City address. The State of the City was held at the Robinson Fine Arts Center in Plano on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Watch this episode on YouTube.
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#82: Go inside Plano's renovated City Council Chambers and discover how you can get involved in your city
The renovation to Plano's City Council Chambers is complete! In this month's episode, we go inside the chambers to talk about the work done and how you can get involved in the business of the city. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Updated City Council Chambers City Council agendas Planning…
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#81: A Look at Plano's Cultural Arts Master Plan
Plano's arts and culture are taking center stage! In this month's episode, we explore the city's first Cultural Arts Master Plan. Michelle Hawkins joins the show to discuss why it matters, the vision for creativity in our community, and how you can get involved. This month's story links: INSIDE...
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#80: Behind the Scenes: Big Changes at Plano Event Center
Have you noticed all the construction at the Plano Event Center? We're on a mission to learn what's on the way for this iconic venue. Mark Jarrell joins the show to give us a preview of the big changes on the way at Plano Event Center. Watch this episode on YouTube. This month's story links…
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#79: Reviving Plano's Retail Spaces
This year we've explored ways Plano is investing in the community. Today's show dives into a new tool implemented by Plano's City Council focusing on our retail spaces. Peter Braster joins the show to talk about the retail rehabilitation program. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Retail...
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#78: More than Books: How the library is supporting Plano's business community.
Businesses are a key part of Plano. Today we wanted to focus on some ways that Plano engages with our business community that you might not be aware of. Kristin Linscott and Eric Bullock join the show to explain the way the Plano Public Library supports businesses and job seekers. This month's...
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Budget discussions at August 26, 2024, City Council meeting (bonus episode)
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 26, 2024, City Council meeting when the...
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Budget discussions at August 22, 2024, Budget Town Hall (bonus episode)
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council and Town Hall meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 22, 2024, Budget Town Hall....
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Budget discussions at August 15, 2024, City Council Work Session (bonus episode)
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 15, 2024, City Council Work Session when…
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Budget discussions at August 12, 2024, City Council meeting (bonus episode)
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 12, 2024, City Council meeting when the...
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There's a Little Something for Everyone at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
Have you visited Plano's Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve? Plano's largest park is 800 acres. Trail lovers will enjoy the nearly eight miles of concrete trails and five miles of soft surface trails located along Rowlett Creek. Bring your own kayak, canoe or SUP and enjoy paddling around the...
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#77: Taking a look at what's on the way for Parks and Recreation
You may have noticed a lot of construction projects happening in our parks right now. From trail extensions to erosion control, and playground replacement to recreation center renovations, Renee Jordan joins the show to give us an update. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Parks and…
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Presentation of the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget and Proposed Community Investment Program
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the July 24, 2024, City Council meeting…
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#76: Short Term Rentals in Plano
Short term rentals have been a subject of discussion for some time in Plano. In late April, Plano's City Council passed new regulations. Christina Day and Curtis Howard join the show to tell us what we need to know about STRs. This month's story links: Short Term Rentals
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#75: You Can Always Go Downtown
If you haven't been to downtown Plano lately, consider this your invitation. Downtown offers a little bit of everything: Shopping, entertainment, dining and vibrant arts community. Michelle Hawkins joins the show to tell us what's new in historic downtown. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO:...
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#74: Update on the State of Business in Plano
It's been a year since we last explored development projects in the City of Plano. Doug McDonald and Peter Braster are back to update our listeners on the state of business and development. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Business and Development with Doug McDonald and Peter Braster...
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#73: Preparing for the Path of Totality
This month we're focusing on a rare event happening in Plano. The Total Solar Eclipse crosses Texas on April 8 and Plano is on the path of totality! You won't want to miss the details we cover in the show because there won't be another Total Solar Eclipse in the contiguous United States until…
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#72: It's not too soon to think about summer work and summer fun
It may be spring but we're already dreaming of warm summer days, full of summer fun and for some of us, great summer jobs. Kelley Crimmins joins the podcast to talk about all Plano Parks and Recreation has to offer, including information about upcoming hiring events. This month's story links:...
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2024 Plano State of the City
Tune in to this bonus episode of the Inside Plano podcast to listen to Mayor John Muns 2024 State of the City address.
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#71: PISD students shouldn't miss this great learn-work opportunity
For more than 10 years, PISD students have gained valuable work experience with Plano's amazing business community. Stephen Tanner joins the podcast to talk about the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship program and the value it brings to students and businesses. This month's story links: WINTER…
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#70: Inside the Ask Plano Mailbox
Each month the City receives questions through the website, email and social media. Steve and Shannah open up the Ask Plano inbox to answer some frequently asked questions. This month's story links: Building Permits Traffic Management Signal Lights Property Tax Exemptions Over 65 Exemption…
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#69: Serving Plano's Senior Adults
"Senior adults" are not who you might think they are based on previous generations. Adults over 50 are working longer, maintaining busy lifestyles and are active in the community. Plano is here to meet their needs! Marny Tackett joins the podcast to talk about how Plano works to meet the needs of...
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#68: Keeping up with Plano's buildings
What comes to mind when we say "Think of a city-owned building in Plano." Was it a fire station, recreation center, library or maybe even the Municipal Center? The City owns a lot of buildings and it's a full-time job to make sure these taxpayer resources stay in good working condition. Paul…
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#67: How Plano Learns from Experience
Emergencies rarely give advanced warning. That's why Plano prioritizes preparation efforts. Nick Robison joins the podcast to talk about an important aspect of emergency management: After Action Reviews. A key part of how Plano learns & improves happens after an emergency occurs. Download &…
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#66: How traffic management keeps Plano moving
If you've ever wished you could sit down with the person in charge of traffic signals, do we ever have a podcast episode for you! Brian Shewski, Transportation Engineering Manager, joins the podcast to talk about how Plano approaches traffic management. Despite what you might think while sitting…
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Presentation of the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget and Proposed Community Investment Program (bonus episode)
We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This August and September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast. Today's bonus episode features audio from the July 26, 2022 City Council meeting when...
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#65: Loving our neighborhoods - and our neighbors!
Do you know your neighbor? Have you ever wondered why some neighborhoods seem to be full of activities and wished yours could be the same? Keisha Cyriaano, Neighborhood Engagement Manager, joins the podcast to share ways Plano partners with residents to create beautiful, engaged, safe and…
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#64: Do you Dink? Meeting the Pickleball Demand
Pickleball is all the rage and Plano is rallying to meet the demand. Susie Hergenrader, Assistant Director of Recreation Services, joins the podcast to share the creative solutions Plano is implementing to ensure everyone can find a place to dink. This month's story links: WHAT'S NEW: July 150…
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#63: You Can Make a Difference in Plano
Happy 150th Birthday Plano! We're not stopping our celebrations with our Big June 3rd Birthday Party. This month we're launching a special initiative to celebrate what truly makes Plano special – our community and its spirit of giving back through volunteer service. Corina Sadler, Volunteer...
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#62: Why Plano is the Business Capital of North Texas
We've all seen the construction cranes on sites around Plano. For a city that's about to celebrate 150 years, we're certainly not showing any signs of slowing down. Doug McDonald, Director of Economic Development and Peter Braster, Director of Special Projects to join us for a conversation about...
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#61: Do We Have a Job For You!
If you want a job that lets you make a difference in the world, you might want to consider a career in public service. LaShon Ross, Plano's newest Deputy City Manager, joins the podcast to discuss employment opportunities and why the government sector is a terrific place to build a career.…
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#60: Digging into the Details about Plano's Roads
Have you seen a traffic cone or 20 in Plano? You aren't wrong for thinking there are a lot of them right now. The Public Works team joins us this month to talk in detail about Plano's roads, alleys and sidewalks. Download & Listen: https://apple.co/2qngea0 This month's story links: WHAT'S NEW:...
About this show
Inside Plano takes you behind the scenes of our city. We introduce you to the faces and places who help make this a great place to live and give us all lots of reasons to #loveplano.
Hosted by
City of Plano, Texas
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