Inside Plano, The City Podcast

From colorful downtown landmarks to hidden artistic gems, murals are changing the way people experience Plano. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley sit down with Downtown Plano Manager Michelle Hawkins to talk about how Plano's mural movement began, why art in public spaces matters and how murals have become gathering places for photos, events and community connection. The conversation explores t...

A Plano family's journey through a serious health condition brought an outpouring of community support and a life-changing outcome. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Kevin Rosser and his mom, Angelina, about Kevin's diagnosis with POTS and how the Plano community came together to raise $14,000 for his medical alert dog, Oreo. From navigating daily challenges to the moment Oreo joined...

A scam targeting her own grandfather pushed Plano resident Tejasvi Manoj to take action and ultimately earn recognition as TIME Kid of the Year. Hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley talk with Tejasvi and Plano Police Officer Minton about senior scams, how they happen, and how families can protect older adults from fraud. From common warning signs to the emotional toll on victims, this episode exp...

Welcome to Season 8 of the Inside Plano podcast! In this episode, Amanda sits down with the team behind the Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program — an earn-and-learn summer internship that gives Plano-area students real work experience while building career skills and confidence. With more than 1,000 students served, this program helps participants explore public service, develop leadership and...

Join hosts Amanda McNew and Shannah Hayley for a heartfelt and practical conversation about Plano Public Libraries' adapted book collection and adaptive programs. They're joined by Plano Public Libraries team members Maggie Fox and Janet Cox, plus Courtney Walker, founder of Libraries for All, to explain how adapted books help children with disabilities experience reading more fully and independen...

Inside Plano is back with a new voice! In this episode, Shannah Hayley welcomes the City's new Director of Media Relations, Amanda McNew, as the show's new co-host. Together, Amanda and Shannah share updates about what's ahead for the podcast, including new ways for listeners to engage and fresh topics. Listeners will also get to know the show's hosts through a fun rapid-fire Q&A that covers every...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the September 8, 2025, City Council meeting when Council adopted the FY25-26 Operating Budget and Community Investment Program, and set the tax...

With numerous road projects underway and a significant bond proposal on the horizon, we've brought our Public Works and Engineering departments back to the podcast. Join Abby, Caleb, Shannah and Steve for a discussion about the latest developments in Plano's infrastructure.    This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Road updates with Abby Owens and Caleb Thornhill Plano Engage Community Investme...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 25, 2025, City Council meeting when Council discussed adn gave direction regarding the Proposed Ad Valorem Tax Rate.    

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 14, 2025, City Council budget work session. 

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 11, 2025, City Council meeting when the proposed Community Investment Program was presented, and Council approved the Appraisal Roll...

It's been a year since our last deep dive into the major redevelopment projects shaping our city. Doug McDonald and Peter Braster return to the show to discuss the latest on Collin Creek and a new retail rehabilitation project. We'll also talk about the health of the business market in Plano.    This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Business in Plano with Doug McDonald and Peter Braster Econom...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. This July through September, we are releasing all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the July 30, 2025, City Council meeting when the City Manager's Recommended FY 2025-2026 City Budget and Proposed Community Investment Program...

At the end of July, Plano's first-ever Director of Media Relations retires. In this episode of Inside Plano, we sit down with Steve Stoler to visit about his experience working for the City of Plano. 

We want you to be informed about the City of Plano's Cultural Arts Master Plan process. Today's bonus episode features audio from the Monday, March 3, 2025 community presentation of the draft Cultural Arts Master Plan.

Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center has closed for renovation. In this month's episode, we go behind the construction fencing to talk about the improvements underway.    This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center – project website Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center – general center information Parks and Recreation master plan Get a re...

In this special episode of Inside Plano, we're airing Mayor Muns' State of the City address. The State of the City was held at the Robinson Fine Arts Center in Plano on T ues day, January 28, 2025 .   Watch this episode on YouTube .    

The renovation to Plano's City Council Chambers is complete! In this month's episode, we go inside the chambers to talk about the work done and how you can get involved in the business of the city.    This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Updated City Council Chambers City Council agendas Planning & Zoning agendas Boards and Commissions meeting calendar Sign up to speak Meeting guidelines Watc...

Plano's arts and culture are taking center stage! In this month's episode, we explore the city's first Cultural Arts Master Plan. Michelle Hawkins joins the show to discuss why it matters, the vision for creativity in our community, and how you can get involved. This month's story links: INSIDE PLANO: Plano's Cultural Arts Master Plan with Michelle Hawkins Cultural Arts Master Plan

Have you noticed all the construction at the Plano Event Center? We're on a mission to learn what's on the way for this iconic venue. Mark Jarrell joins the show to give us a preview of the big changes on the way at Plano Event Center.   Watch this episode on YouTube .   This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Plano Event Center with Mark Jarrell Plano Event Center Envision Oak Point special use...

This year we've explored ways Plano is investing in the community. Today's show dives into a new tool implemented by Plano's City Council focusing on our retail spaces. Peter Braster joins the show to talk about the retail rehabilitation program. This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Retail Rehabilitation Program with Peter Braster Special Projects Contact Peter Braster Show recording location...

Businesses are a key part of Plano. Today we wanted to focus on some ways that Plano engages with our business community that you might not be aware of. Kristin Linscott and Eric Bullock join the show to explain the way the Plano Public Library supports businesses and job seekers.    This month's story links:   INSIDE PLANO: Business Resources at Plano Public Library with Kristin Linscott and Eric...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 26, 2024, City Council meeting when the following items related to the FY 2024-2025 Recommended City Budget and Proposed Community Investment P...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council and Town Hall meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 22, 2024, Budget Town Hall. You can review the budget online at  plano.gov/RecommendedBudget . You can submit questions to  askpl...

We want you to be informed about the budget process in the City of Plano. July through September, we release all budget-related City Council meeting audio as bonus episodes of the Inside Plano podcast.   Today's bonus episode features audio from the August 15, 2024, City Council Work Session when the following items related to the FY 2024-2025 Recommended City Budget and Proposed Community Investm...