Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick, who assumed office in June after a competitive runoff election, is steering one of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex's most strategically positioned cities through a period of significant transformation. With a background as a civil engineer specializing in land development, Hedrick brings technical expertise to address Garland's unique challenge as a municipality that is nearly built out, requiring innovation and vertical expansion rather than horizontal growth.
The city recently gained voter approval for a $360 million bond package, following a previous $427 million package, which Hedrick describes as catalytic for infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life projects. "Our voters said yes to growth," Hedrick explained. "Garland is a community of moderate means, so we've had to do more with less. These bond programs allow us to reposition Garland for the next generation of investment and opportunity."
Garland maintains a strong manufacturing heritage, producing over a million cowboy hats annually through three manufacturers, earning its designation as the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas. The city's industrial base extends to food processing, product packaging, and specialty goods. Despite this economic foundation, Garland faces the distinction of being the largest U.S. city without a private hospital, a gap Hedrick aims to address through strategic land planning and economic incentives.
Current redevelopment efforts focus on major corridors including I-635 and Shiloh, where state reconstruction projects create new access opportunities for retailers, developers, and employers. The city has secured more than 60 acres through strategic land purchases to create shovel-ready sites that help close financial gaps for developers while elevating the municipal tax base.
Mayor Hedrick maintains a citizen-first approach through initiatives like "Meet the Mayor Mondays," listening sessions designed to ensure residents feel heard. He extends this commitment to transparency through his podcast, Fifth & State, which provides residents with an inside look at city governance. As Garland updates its 25-year comprehensive plan, Hedrick's message emphasizes opportunity: "Garland is open for business. We want to work with innovators, employers, and developers who see the opportunity here. The magic we've created downtown can happen across the city."
The city's approach combines substantial infrastructure investment with targeted redevelopment, positioning Garland to attract high-value development while preserving its manufacturing identity. This balanced strategy addresses both immediate resident concerns and long-term economic positioning, demonstrating how mature cities can reinvent themselves through strategic planning and community engagement.
