Located less than 15 minutes from Downtown Dallas, Mesquite offers residents and visitors alike the appeal of small-town life blended with big-city amenities. With a growing population of more than 130,000 residents, Mesquite is pro-actively tackling the challenges associated with being an inner-ring suburb in a large metropolitan area. Combining superior schools, picturesque parks, attractive arts and entertainment options, myriad restaurant and retail offerings and a forward-thinking businesses environment, Mesquite provides residents, visitors and potential business tenants a diverse and vibrant community bursting with Real. Texas. Flavor.
Bigger and Better: Mesquite's Project Renewal
In September 2007, the Mesquite City Council, in partnership with the Mesquite Independent School District and the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce, began a community revitalization effort called "Project Renewal."
Project Renewal is the City's pro-active response to addressing several issues associated with being an inner-ring suburb in a large, metropolitan area.
This aggressive economic development and community revitalization plan is designed to spur new development and revitalize the aesthetic appearance of residential and commercial spaces.
Since its inception, Project Renewal efforts have been responsible for attracting approximately $90 million in proposed new development (including Peachtree Towne Center, a new SuperTarget, a number of restaurants and several businesses and industries.
The City has also made significant strides in improving its infrastructure, addressing major projects such as improvements to I-635 and a new bridge at Tripp Road, along with several neighborhood revitalization projects benefiting select neighborhoods.
One of Project Renewal's key initiatives is the adoption of new zoning for "city gateways." In December 2007, the city council approved new land development policies for areas that are identified as being both attractive for development and exposed to a high number of commuters.
A Promising Future: Mesquite Education
From 2007 to 2008, Mesquite ISD saw a 25 percent increase in its total number of Exemplary and Recognized campuses. The number now totals 25 – more than half its campuses.
Mesquite ISD has a district-wide, K-12 initiative designed to create a culture of college-going students. This initiative, known as "FutureQuest" is embedded in the Mesquite ISD curriculum and encourages students to plan and prepare for a future that includes education after high school graduation.
Upon graduation, 84 percent of the Mesquite ISD Class of 2007 indicated that they planned to continue their education by enrolling in an institute of higher education.
55 percent of Mesquite teachers have a master's degree, compared to the state average of 25 percent.
Mesquite ISD boasts a bond rating of AA, one of the highest of any Texas school district, as determined by Fitch ICBA and Standard and Poor's. This excellent rating ensures that Mesquite ISD is able to secure lower interest rates, which saves taxpayer money.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Mesquite Independent School District (MISD) has received a rating of “Superior Achievement” under Texas Schools' FIRST financial accountability rating system.
Mesquite is home to Texas A&M University Commerce and Eastfield College, both offering higher education opportunities.
A Job Well Done: Mesquite's Thriving Business Environment
The Mesquite City Council encourages public and private business expansion and embraces the development of new business opportunities through a selection of unique city initiatives.
Mesquite's civilian labor force includes more than 70,000 workers, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. Mesquite businesses have access to employees from a diverse range of educational and industry backgrounds.
Creating a Better Community: Award-winning Planning and Zoning Efforts
To implement the City's vision of an attractive, livable community, the Planning Division and the Planning and Zoning Commission utilize the SmartCode® regional sector planning model. As one of only three cities in the state to incorporate this model, the planners are ensuring all future developments are mapped to maximize sector usage.
The City recently crafted the Community Appearance Manual that sets uniform standards for the architectural design of development of all projects.
To transform the visual image of the City and create sustainable, vibrant neighborhoods, the Planning Division has developed the Comprehensive Plan Element for the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
The Comprehensive Plan Element for the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) was selected by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association to receive its 2008 Comprehensive Planning Award, and the City of Mesquite also received an Honorable Mention for its Community of the Year award, as a result of the division's planning work relating to Project Renewal.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Parks and Recreation
Mesquite offers residents and visitors access to more than 75 designated city parks, 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, four swimming pool facilities, 22 tennis courts and six recreation areas.
Mesquite's Parks and Recreation Department coordinates a variety of seasonal activities and holiday events that cater to the entire family. Some of the highlights include: Daddy-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Luau, Spring Eggstravanza on the Go, Father-Son Basketball Tournament, Movies in the Park, Pumpkin Fest, and Christmas in the Park.
Real. Texas. Fun: Arts and Entertainment
Mesquite Championship Rodeo
In 2008, the Rodeo celebrated its 51st anniversary. To date, more than 8.3 million households around the world have seen the Mesquite Championship Rodeo.
The Mesquite Championship Rodeo offers activities and attractions for all ages. Patrons can enjoy luxury suites, retail opportunities, meeting space and a full line-up of exciting rodeo events. The rodeo attracts more than 150,000 attendees each season.
A Texas rodeo is not complete without barbeque! Tucked in a corner of the Resistol Arena, visitors to the rodeo can discover the culinary delights of Sonny Bryan's BBQ, named in the “Top 10 Best Barbeque Spots in the United States” by People magazine.
Real. Texas. Festival.
The Real. Texas. Festival. is a three-day celebration in April that offers residents and visitors the opportunity to experience and celebrate All. Things. Texan. With its unique focus of Texas-based music, family entertainment and great festival foods, visitors can truly experience Mesquite's Real. Texas. Flavor.
The Real. Texas. Festival. also features a variety of great family entertainment, including: Old West shootouts and re-enactments, a paintball shooting gallery, the Kid Korral, a carnival and midway with an array of rides for kids of all ages, a marketplace featuring arts and crafts and a commercial exhibit area, and the Real. Texas. Customs. Car Show.
Mesquite Arts Center
In 2007, more than 130,000 patrons enjoyed the Mesquite Arts Center's multiple arts offerings including vocal, chamber and orchestral music, drama, visual arts and literary programs.
The Center offers modern facilities, including a 500-seat concert hall, a Black Box Theatre and two galleries that support local and touring art exhibits.
Mesquite has several specialized theater programs, including: the Mesquite Community Theater; Junior Players; and the Latin Arts Association.
Options Galore: Mesquite Shopping and Dining
Mesquite residents and visitors can enjoy one of the highest concentrations of restaurants and retail in the Metroplex at Mesquite's The Rows of Texas (Restaurant, Retail and Rodeo Rows). All are conveniently situated within a five-minute drive of each other.
Retail Row features Town East Mall, which alone has more than 1 million square feet of shopping space anchored by Dillards, Macy's, JCPenney and Sears and a blend of nearly 200 specialty stores.
From pizza and burgers to steak and lobster, Mesquite has its own distinctive culinary flavor! More than 100 restaurants make up Restaurant Row.
