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Plans for a potential OXXO headquarters and continued redevelopment along Josey Lane highlighted a Tuesday, May 19 study session focused on Farmers Branch’s future growth.
Finance Director Jay Patel presented the city’s second-quarter financial report covering October 2025 through March 2026. Patel said revenues and expenditures were generally tracking within expected budget ranges.
The report showed approximately $37 million in active grant projects under management across the city. Patel said several major projects recently reached completion, including grant-funded work connected to Venue 1842 and the Historical Park.
Deputy Economic Development Director Darren Harris later presented the city’s quarterly economic development update. Harris highlighted several recruitment and redevelopment projects underway in Farmers Branch.
Among the projects discussed was OXXO, a South American convenience store chain Harris said is looking to establish its headquarters at 501 LBJ Freeway. The company is also exploring its first Texas store location.
Harris also discussed redevelopment incentives and outreach efforts aimed at attracting future commercial projects to Farmers Branch.
Councilmember Roger Neal, who requested the economic development update, said regular public discussions about recruitment efforts help residents better understand the city’s long-term growth strategy.
“I just think it’s generally helpful for everyone to become aware,” Neal said.
Neal also asked whether the city could position itself to attract OXXO’s first Texas store location. Harris said the location had not yet been determined.
Councilmember Lupe Gonzalez said she was familiar with OXXO stores from trips to Mexico. She also asked whether information gathered at a recent small-business summit would be shared with local business owners. Harris said staff planned to distribute that information back to the business community.
Councilmember Tina Bennett-Burton asked about the city’s recent participation in the International Council of Shopping Centers conference in San Antonio. She also asked whether staff planned to schedule development meetings earlier during future events.
Councilmember David Reid pointed to the city’s industrial vacancy rate, which hovered around 5%, as evidence of continued demand for business space in Farmers Branch.
“Being at that mark is a fantastic statement on the desirability of businesses to come here,” Reid said.
Councilmember Elizabeth Villafranca later asked whether businesses along Garden Brook Drive and Towerwood Drive were being informed about available facade improvement incentives as redevelopment activity continues in those corridors. Harris said the city has continued outreach efforts in both areas.
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