Mayor Dylan Hedrick Discusses Garland's Future Growth and Infrastructure Investments on Building Texas Show

The Building Texas Show recently featured Mayor Dylan Hedrick of Garland, Texas, discussing the city's future direction as it balances growth with its manufacturing heritage and community needs. Mayor Hedrick, who assumed office in June 2025 after a competitive runoff election, brings engineering expertise and city council experience to guide Garland's development. Having served six years on the Garland City Council representing District 7 before being term-limited, Hedrick decided to run for mayor to continue serving his community and help shape the city's future for his family and all residents.

As a civil engineer specializing in land development, Mayor Hedrick understands the unique challenges facing Garland as a city that is nearly built out. With limited space for horizontal expansion, the city's path forward requires innovation, redevelopment, and thoughtful vertical growth. His professional background directly informs Garland's approach to infrastructure, planning, and economic development. Despite managing multi-million-dollar capital projects, Hedrick emphasizes that governance remains personal, maintaining connection through initiatives like "Meet the Mayor Mondays" listening sessions where residents can voice concerns directly.

Garland voters recently approved a $360 million bond package, following a previous $427 million package, both designed to catalyze infrastructure, economic development, and quality-of-life projects. "Our voters said yes to growth," Hedrick explained, noting that these bond programs allow Garland to reposition itself for the next generation of investment and opportunity. The city's manufacturing heritage remains central to its identity, with three cowboy-hat manufacturers producing over a million hats annually, earning Garland recognition as the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas.

Strategic development initiatives include addressing Garland's status as the largest U.S. city without a private hospital through land planning and economic incentives. The city is actively redeveloping major corridors such as I-635 and Shiloh Road, where state reconstruction projects create new access opportunities. Garland has secured more than 60 acres for strategic land purchases to create shovel-ready sites that help close financial gaps for developers. Mayor Hedrick communicates directly with citizens through his podcast, Fifth & State, which provides residents with an inside look at city matters.

As Garland updates its 25-year comprehensive plan and continues redeveloping key districts, Mayor Hedrick's message emphasizes that "Garland is open for business" and seeks partnerships with innovators, employers, and developers who recognize the city's opportunities. The Building Texas Show, hosted by Justin McKenzie, explores how Texas communities are building their futures through such leadership and strategic planning. Garland's approach combines infrastructure investment with community engagement as it navigates growth while honoring its manufacturing roots and maintaining resident-focused governance.