Frisco is at a crossroads. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, our community has transformed from a quiet suburb into a world-class destination for sports, technology, and family life. Managing this level of success requires more than just a title; it requires a proven leader who understands the mechanics of our city and possesses the vision to protect its future. That leader is John Keating.
With over a decade of dedicated service on the Frisco City Council and a background rooted in military discipline, John Keating is uniquely prepared to serve as our next Mayor.
John’s leadership style was forged long before he entered City Hall. He served 13 years in the U.S. Army, including deployments during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. This experience instilled in him a mission-focused approach that he brought to Frisco in 1999. Before seeking office, he served as a neighborhood leader in his HOA and a PTA officer, proving that his commitment to Frisco starts at the grassroots level.
In his tenure on the City Council, John has been a steady hand during Frisco’s most “incredible and breathtaking” periods of growth. He understands that while the pace of development is fast, the priority must always be the quality of life for the residents who call this city home.
Beyond his military background as a Senior Counterintelligence Agent, John has sought out the highest levels of executive training to better serve our city. He is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School. This unique blend of “boots-on-the-ground” experience and Ivy League administrative training gives him a toolkit no other candidate possesses.
John Keating’s record is defined by a rare combination of ambition and restraint. He has played a key role in bringing iconic developments to our city, including The Star, the PGA of America headquarters, and the UNT–Frisco campus. These aren’t just landmarks; they are economic engines that generate millions of visitors annually.
What sets John apart is his understanding of how these projects benefit the average homeowner. He famously notes that Frisco’s tourism and visitor activity translate to roughly $2,500 in property tax relief for every homeowner. He views every visitor’s dollar as a “silver lining” to the traffic we occasionally face – a practical, results-oriented perspective that keeps our taxes low while our services remain high.
Furthermore, John has shown the courage to say “no” to deals that don’t fit Frisco’s long-term vision. His decision to pass on projects like the Nebraska Furniture Mart when the fiscal terms weren’t right demonstrates a commitment to disciplined, long-term planning over short-term wins.
As Mayor, John’s primary objective is to ensure that Frisco “prepares instead of reacts.” In a recent candidate Q&A, John emphasized that the city’s greatest need is to stay ahead of its growth. This means ensuring that:
- Infrastructure (roads and utilities) keeps pace with new residents.
- Public Safety remains a top priority, keeping Frisco one of the safest cities in America.
- City Services are modernized to maintain efficiency as we approach build-out.
John Keating understands that Frisco is evolving. He recognizes the need to bridge the “two Friscos” – ensuring that older neighborhoods receive the same attention, infrastructure maintenance, and revitalization as the newer developments on the west side. His platform is built on the belief that every median, park, and community area deserves care and investment.
He is a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility, having consistently opposed tax increases, and he remains a firm believer in empowering parents within the education system. His deeply held personal convictions and his professional experience as a business owner and veteran make him a relatable and reliable voice for all citizens.
As Frisco nears “build-out,” John’s focus is on maintaining the excellence of our entire footprint. He is a staunch advocate for the “One Frisco” approach, ensuring that established neighborhoods on the east side receive the same infrastructure investment – from road resurfacing to park maintenance – as the newer developments along the Tollway. He understands that a city is only as strong as its foundation, which is why he remains an unwavering supporter of our police and fire departments, ensuring Frisco remains the safest city in America.
Frisco doesn’t need a leader who is learning on the job. We need someone who has been in the trenches, who knows the players, and who has already demonstrated the ability to lead a complex public organization through consequential decisions.
John Keating’s calm, mission-focused leadership is exactly what Frisco needs to navigate its next chapter. He has the experience to manage our growth, the discipline to protect our tax dollars, and the vision to ensure Frisco remains the best place in Texas to raise a family.
On election day, let’s choose the leader who has already helped build the Frisco we love. Let’s elect John Keating as our Mayor.
A Look Back at John Keating’s Service
This video provides a retrospective of John Keating’s tenure on the City Council, highlighting his long-term dedication to the residents of Frisco.
