Celina Turns the Corner
Market’s Second Most Active City Is Perhaps Its Most Improved
A couple years ago, Celina had reached an inflection point. Builders were incredibly frustrated with inconsistent inspections, lack of communication and resulting delays.
Today, things are vastly improved. Even though social distancing is necessary, builders are reporting much more prompt and consistent communication along with a predictable inspections process.
Many of these improvements are attributed to the response of senior city staff to the Dallas BA’s concerns. Most notably, City Manager Jason Laumer and Development Services Director Dustin McAfee addressed the problems head on through several meetings with Dallas BA staff and members and by holding consistent office hours to tackle individual concerns. Both of these men have been with the city three years or less.
“The improvements were a joint initiative between elected officials prioritizing growth management, new investments in our staff, our culture, our digital permitting process, and the accountability efforts of the Dallas BA and its members,” said McAfee. “I hope the industry will continue to reach out to us when issues arise with the confidence that Celina’s professionalism and commitment to excellence are unparalleled in the region.”
“Celina has definitely turned the corner,” said Dallas BA Executive Officer Phil Crone. “Hats off to Jason and Dusty for listening to our concerns and making the needed changes even as they were still settling into their respective positions.”
After two record breaking months during the COVID-19 era, Celina is on track to permit 1,500 new homes. The city is currently second in the region in new building permits. It could have approximately 350,000 residents by the time it is built out. Based on today’s figures, that would make it potentially the state’s eighth largest city.
Celina’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2021 includes adding another building inspector. That would increase the city’s building inspections staff to three in permitting, seven inspectors, two plans examiners and two managers. City council is tentatively scheduled to approve the budget next month.