Frisco Councilman Jared Elad: Why '6-0 Votes' Are Local Government's Most Danger

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jared Elad and what makes his background unusual for Frisco City Council?

Jared Elad is a Frisco City Council Member and owner of a wealth management firm who was recently elected after his wife, Stephanie Elad, served as a Frisco ISD trustee. He is the first person in 21 years on Frisco's council to pursue Certified Municipal Officer status through the Texas Municipal League, and he brings a financial background that he says was missing after Brian Livingston termed out.

Why does Elad consider 6-0 council votes a problem rather than a sign of unity?

Elad argues that consistent 6-0 votes signal groupthink rather than healthy alignment, calling such uniformity "statistically impossible" given the volume of decisions a council faces. He uses a marriage analogy, noting that spouses rarely agree on everything, and credits the recent arrival of Councilman Thacker with finally introducing genuine debate and diverse perspectives to the dais.

What is Frisco's east-west development divide, and why does Elad consider it a long-term risk?

Frisco straddles Denton and Collin counties, but nearly all major development — The Star, PGA Frisco, Fields West, Universal Studios, and the 1,000-acre Grand Park — sits on the Denton/west side, while the Collin/east side has been neglected. Elad worries this imbalance will eventually drive residents away from the east side and compound traffic problems already mounting before new attractions even open.

How does Frisco's tax base compare to other cities, and what split is Elad targeting?

Elad estimates Frisco's tax base is roughly 45% residential and 55% commercial, far healthier than Mansfield's reported 80% residential burden. He wants to push Frisco to a 30% residential, 70% commercial split so that commercial revenue can fund city services, including public safety, which alone consumes about 50% of the $400 million budget.

What major events and openings is Frisco preparing for in the coming year?

Frisco will serve as the FIFA host city for Sweden, supported by a $180 million Toyota Stadium investment. Universal's first-of-its-kind park for children ages 2 to 12 opens July 1, and the PGA Championship arrives next May, expected to draw 200,000 visitors in a single week. The Hunt family is also planning further development around FC Dallas's stadium.

Why does Elad compare running for Frisco City Council to running a state house race?

Frisco uses an at-large election system, meaning every council candidate represents all 242,000 residents rather than a single district. Elad notes the average Texas state house district holds about 200,000 people — comparable to names like Jared Patterson, Matt Shaheen, Candy Noble, Andy Hopper, and Mitch Little — making a Frisco council win an equally demanding citywide campaign.

What is the Texas Municipal League and why is Elad's certification significant?

The Texas Municipal League is a nonprofit that provides legal services and training to Texas cities and officials. Elad completed new council orientation and a 25-hour leadership fellowship, and by year's end will become a Certified Municipal Officer — a credential he likens to choosing a CPA over a bookkeeper, and one no Frisco council member has earned in 21 years.