Editing The Colony, Texas

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Overly detailed|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = The Colony, Texas
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = City by the Lake
|image_skyline            = 
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = 
|image_seal               = City_Of_The_Colony_Logo.jpg
|image_map                = Denton County Texas Incorporated Areas The Colony highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of The Colony in [[Denton County, Texas|Denton County]], [[Texas]]
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
|subdivision_type         = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Texas]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Texas|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Denton County, Texas|Denton]]
|government_type          = [[Council-manager government|Council–manager]]
|leader_title             = [[City council]]
|leader_name              = Richard Boyer, mayor<br> Judy Ensweiler<br> Robyn Holtz<br> Brian Wade<br> David Terre<br> Perry Schrag<br> Joel Marks 
|leader_title1             = [[City manager]]
|leader_name1              = Troy Powell
|established_date         = 
|area_total_km2           = 41.83
|area_land_km2            = 36.28
|area_water_km2           = 5.55
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_total_sq_mi         = 16.15
|area_land_sq_mi          = 14.01
|area_water_sq_mi         = 2.14
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 554
|coordinates              = {{coord|33|5|27|N|96|53|5|W|region:US-TX|display=inline,title}}
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_note          = 
|population_total         = 44534
|population_density_km2   = 1224.73
|timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|website                  = {{URL|www.thecolonytx.gov}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 75056
|area_code                = [[Area codes 214, 469, 972, and 945|214, 469, 945, 972]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 48-72530<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2412058<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2412058}}</ref>
|footnotes                = 
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_48.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|population_density_sq_mi = 3172.10
}}

'''The Colony''' is a city in [[Denton County, Texas|Denton County]], [[Texas]], United States, and a [[suburb]] of [[Dallas]]. The population was 44,534 at the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].

==History==
The Colony derives its name from the original [[Peters Colony]]. The Peters Colony headquarters was located within the current boundaries of The Colony in the historical community of Stewartsville and the site of the [[Hedgcoxe War]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Colony Historical Map 1841-1969| author= The Colony GIS Department| publisher= The Colony Public Library History Collection| website= thecolonypl.org| year= 2009 |url= http://www.thecolonypl.org/city-history-project}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Hedgcoxe War Historical Marker |publisher=Texas State Historical Commission |website= StoppingPoints.com |url=http://www.stoppingpoints.com/texas/sights.cgi?marker=The+Hedgcoxe+War&cnty=denton |access-date=August 8, 2009}}</ref> The Colony is also the site of Bridges Settlement (established during the years of the [[Republic of Texas]] and the oldest community in Denton County), Stewarts Creek, Rector, Stoverville and Camey, also known as [[Camey Spur]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Bridges to the Future| edition= 1st |first= Donald J.| last= Beckel| via= thecolonypl.org| publisher= The Friends of The Colony Public Library, The Colony Public Library History Collection| year= 2012 |url= http://www.thecolonypl.org/city-history-project}}</ref>

One of the oldest portions of The Colony is Bridges Cemetery, established in 1857 on land owned by the Bridges family, is found on Morningstar Drive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bridges Cemetery, Denton Co. Cemeteries of Tx|url=http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/etx/denton/cemetery/bridges.htm|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.cemeteries-of-tx.com}}</ref> The cemetery gates stand closed to the public except during certain dates when it is open to visitors by the local history committee.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Local History Committee {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/425/City-History-Project|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>

The Colony did not exist before 1973, when home developers Fox and Jacobs (which became part of [[Centex]]) purchased {{cvt|3,000|acre}} located around [[Texas State Highway 121|State Highway 121]] and [[Farm to Market Road 423]].<ref name="RonWaldenInterview">{{cite web|title=Oral history interview | first= Ron |last= Walden| work= The Colony Public Library Oral History Project| date= May 3, 1985|url=http://www.thecolonypl.org/city-history-project| via= thecolonypl.org| publisher= The Colony Public Library History Collection}}</ref> The name "The Colony" was chosen by Fox and Jacobs because they wanted its new development to share a sense of kinship with Texas' early history and "to create a living monument to the spirit and courage of the Peters Colonists ... those men and women who braved considerable hardships to begin new lives, in new homes, on new land."<ref>{{cite web |title=Untitled Fox & Jacobs new resident question and answer booklet| publisher= The Colony Public Library History Collection| website= thecolonypl.org| year= 1975 |url= http://www.thecolonypl.org/city-history-project}}</ref> They planned the development to be a new "dream city" consisting primarily of [[single-family detached home|single-family]] homes grouped as a "colony" and based on the city of [[Dallas]]' infrastructure specifications.<ref>{{cite news |title= Man who helped shape The Colony to be in walk| work= [[Denton Record Chronicle]]| page= 4| date= August 6, 1998 |via= newspaperarchive.com| url= https://newspaperarchive.com/us/texas/denton/denton-record-chronicle/ }}</ref> In 1973, Fox and Jacobs negotiated an agreement with the city of [[Frisco, Texas|Frisco]] to begin construction in its extraterritorial jurisdiction.<ref name="DaveFoxInterview">{{cite web|title= Oral history interview with Dave Fox, owner of Fox and Jacobs| publisher= The Colony Public Library History Collection| date= May 11, 1985 |url= http://www.thecolonypl.org/city-history-project| website= thecolonypl.org}}</ref> In 1974, street construction began with many streets being named after early settlers and members of the construction crews. The first model homes were completed in August 1974 and the first families moved into their homes in October that year.<ref name="DMN1974">{{cite web| title= 1st Three Families Settle in F&J's Lake Colony| work= [[Dallas Morning News]]| date= October 20, 1974 |url= http://ece.dallasnews.com/archive/}}</ref> The homes were served for water services by The Colony Municipal Utility District formed in 1974,<ref>{{cite web |title= The Colony Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Denton County, Texas| format= Microfilm| publisher= The Colony City Secretary's Office| date= March 29, 1974 |url= http://thecolonytx.gov/Depts/City_Sec/CitySecretary.html }}</ref> electricity via [[Texas Utilities|Texas Power and Light]], [[cable television]] via Lakeside CATV and telephone service via [[Southwestern Bell]].

In 1977, the homeowners associations' petition to disannex the development from the city of [[Frisco, Texas|Frisco]]'s extraterritorial jurisdiction was approved.<ref name="Frisco1977">{{cite web|title=Frisco City Council Regular Meeting, Item 7| pages= 1–2| publisher= Ordinance No. 421| date= January 4, 1977 |url= http://sire.friscotexas.gov/sirepub/docs.aspx| website= FriscoTexas.gov}}</ref> The Colony voted to become an incorporated city in January 1977<ref>{{cite web|title= The Colony's voters decide to incorporate| work= Dallas Morning News| date= January 16, 1977 |url= http://ece.dallasnews.com/archive/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| website= legis.state.tx.us| publisher= Texas Senate | url= http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/85R/billtext/pdf/SR00042F.pdf#navpanes=0| title= 85(R) SR42: Senate Resolution No. 42| access-date= July 2, 2020}}</ref> and became a Home Rule City in 1979.<ref>{{cite web|title= Minutes of The Board of Alderman | publisher= The City of The Colony, Texas| date= January 22, 1979 |url= http://laserfiche.thecolonytx.gov/weblink8/0/doc/1205/Page1.aspx| website= thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> Residents of The Colony participated in two polls to select a name for the new city. Both polls chose the name "The Colony" and the name was ratified by the City Council in May 1977.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minutes of Regular Meeting (Board of Alderman)| publisher= The City of The Colony| date= May 16, 1977 |url= http://laserfiche.thecolonytx.gov/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=1182 | website= thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> In 1987, The Colony voted to merge with the small lakeside community of [[Eastvale, Texas|Eastvale]].

==Geography==
The Colony is located at {{Coord|33|5|27|N|96|53|5|W|type:city}} (33.090874, –96.884659).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|41.7|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|36.3|sqkm|order=flip}}  is land and {{convert|5.4|sqkm|order=flip}}, or 12.93%, is water.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): The Colony city, Texas| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]| access-date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>

The city is bordered on the west by [[Lewisville Lake]] and the city of [[Lewisville, Texas|Lewisville]], on the north and east by [[Frisco, Texas|Frisco]], and on the south by the cities of [[Carrollton, Texas|Carrollton]] and [[Plano, Texas|Plano]]. Approximately {{convert|23|mi}} of shoreline on Lewisville Lake (including two [[peninsula]]s) are contained within the city's boundaries, thus providing the basis for the city's nickname "City by the Lake."

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
| 1980 = 11586
| 1990 = 22113
| 2000 = 26531
| 2010 = 36328
| 2020 = 44534
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 45471
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

<ref>{{Cite web |publisher=United States Census Bureau |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2023 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Census.gov |language=en}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''The Colony racial composition as of 2020'''<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4872530&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2 |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref><br> (NH = Non-Hispanic){{efn|Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.<ref>https://www.census.gov/ {{nonspecific|date=August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the Hispanic Population and its Origin |url=https://www.census.gov/topics/population/hispanic-origin/about.html |website=www.census.gov |access-date=18 May 2022}}</ref>}}
!Race
!Number
!Percentage
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] (NH)
|23,691
|53.2%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] (NH)
|4,331
|9.73%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] (NH)
|167
|0.37%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] (NH)
|3,910
|8.78%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] (NH)
|32
|0.07%
|-
|Some Other Race (NH)
|182
|0.41%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed/Multi-Racial]] (NH)
|2,193
|4.92%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
|10,028
|22.52%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''44,534'''
|
|}
According to the [[2020 United States census]], there were 44,534 people, 17,401 households, and 10,957 families residing in the city.<ref name=":1" /> In 2017, there were 41,388 people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=Races in The Colony, Texas (TX): White, Black, Hispanic, Asian. Ancestries, Foreign born residents, place of birth - Detailed Stats|website=www.city-data.com|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref> The racial makeup of the city was 74.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 11.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 5.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 5.1% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 3.4% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 19.2% of the population. In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup was 53.2% non-Hispanic white, 9,73% African American, 0.37% Native American, 8.78% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.41% some other race, 4.92% multiracial, and 22.52% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

==Politics==
The Colony is a [[Home Rule|home rule]] municipality with a [[council-manager]] form of government. It has a six-member council, with two members elected at large, as well as a city mayor. All meetings of the City Council are open to the public, and meetings are broadcast live on Time Warner Cable government access Channel 16, AT&T Uverse channel 99, as well as on the [https://www.thecolonytx.gov/606/Broadcast broadcast] page of The Colony's website.<ref name="City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX">{{Cite web|title=City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/552/City-Council|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>

In November 2021, Richard Boyer ran unopposed to become mayor of The Colony,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Richard Boyer For Mayor - The Colony|url=https://www.facebook.com/RichardTheColony/|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.richardboyer.com|language=en}}</ref> succeeding Joe McCourry who had been mayor of The Colony for 11 years.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roark|first=Chris|title=After 11 years as mayor, The Colony's McCourry says this will be his last term|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/after-11-years-as-mayor-the-colonys-mccourry-says-this-will-be-his-last-term/article_a744edc2-521a-11eb-8f16-477c17baf439.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=January 9, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

===Council members===
{|class="wikitable"
!Name
!Place
!Term expires
!Year started serving on City Council
!Concurrently serving on these boards
|-
|Richard Boyer || Mayor || Nov. 2024
|Mayor since 2021<ref>{{Cite web|last=Day|first=Lorelei|title=Profile: Mayor Richard Boyer|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/boyer-does-not-draw-opponent-in-the-colony-mayoral-race-as-filing-period-passes/article_26861fca-ffa4-11eb-ab66-172cddc43457.html|website=Star Local|date=August 17, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Place 2 2009-2021<ref name="City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX"/> Boyer served on the 4B board for six years (2003) prior to his role on the city council. Also served several positions as a member of the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Crimmins|first=Blaine|title=Boyer to run for Place 2|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/boyer-to-run-for-place-2/article_1e43747c-be87-5de9-b77d-dfe189127aae.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=March 3, 2009 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff reports|title=Councilman named secretary of SFA board|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/councilman-named-secretary-of-sfa-board/article_420d2d6e-69f3-5ffb-bc85-ab03112bc2ba.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=May 3, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>
|Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
|-
|Judy Ensweiler || One (at-large)

| Nov. 2024
| Place One since 11/2021
|
|-
|Robyn Holtz || Two (at-large)

| Nov. 2024
| Place Two since 11/2021
|
|-
|Brian Wade || Three
| Nov. 2023
|Place 3 since 11/2014 Wade served for over 12 years as commissioner on The Colony's Planning and Zoning Commission (both chair and vice chair). Prior to that he served on the Parks and Rec Board from 2002 - 2004 when it was dissolved.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goodwin|first=Heather M.|title=Wade files for The Colony City Council Place 3|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/wade-files-for-the-colony-city-council-place-3/article_d329c922-2967-11e4-8567-001a4bcf887a.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=August 25, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Brian Wade faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Roark|first=Chris|title=The Colony candidates head to run-off|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/the-colony-candidates-head-to-run-off/article_9f21b9ce-1e60-11eb-b4b9-a3c3a102de01.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=November 3, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
|Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; 
|-
|David Terre || Four
| Nov. 2023
|05/2011<ref name="City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX"/> Terre served on the Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to the Council.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Crimmins|first=Blaine|title=TC: Terre, incumbents win council seats|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/news/elections/tc-terre-incumbents-win-council-seats/article_b62d597f-41c6-597d-a7c0-3077c595b33d.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=May 14, 2011 |language=en}}</ref> He also currently serves on the Denton County Appraisal board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Members - Denton CAD|url=https://www.dentoncad.com/index.php/Members|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.dentoncad.com}}</ref> And he has served as Mayor Pro Tem.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=Marshall|title=New face elected to Denton Central Appraisal District board|url=https://dentonrc.com/news/denton_county/new-face-elected-to-denton-central-appraisal-district-board/article_538625f5-658d-54e8-85c2-480d3a72f1ef.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Denton Record-Chronicle|date=December 16, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Terry faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0" />
|Animal Services Advisory Board; Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #2
|-
|Perry Schrag || Five || Nov. 2023
|05/2002<ref name="City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX"/> Schrag faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0" />
|Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
|-
|Joel Marks || Six || Nov. 2023
|05/2002<ref name="City Council {{!}} The Colony, TX"/> Marks is a long-time resident and board member of The Colony. He was elected to place 6 in 1988 and served 3 terms thru 1994. He was re-elected to place 6 in 2002 and has been the place 6 representative since then. He has also held both Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem positions.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff report|title=The Colony City Council Place 6 candidate bios|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/the-colony-city-council-place-6-candidate-bios/article_645f1a12-b800-11e7-a0cc-4f17c5f5cb30.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=October 23, 2017 |language=en}}</ref>
|Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
|}
The Colony has several Boards and Commissions, all of which list their current members, Term expiration dates, and meeting minutes on The Colony's website. Meetings usually have time setup in the agenda for Citizen input which can be submitted by email or presented in person at most board's meetings. Board applications are available on [https://www.thecolonytx.gov/629/Vacancies The Colony's website] or at City Hall and a list of currently vacant positions can be found on the site as well.

{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Board Name
!Board Purpose
!Overview
|-
|Animal Services Advisory Board
|The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for animal control.
|The board has five members - to include a licensed veterinarian, a municipal official, an animal shelter employee, the supervising captain, and a resident of the City of The Colony.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Animal Services Advisory Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/567/Animal-Services-Advisory-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Board of Adjustment
|In communities that have adopted zoning regulations, boards of adjustment serve as a relief valve that can allow for the use of property that is not otherwise permitted under the property’s specific zoning category.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zoning Regulations: What Does the Board of Adjustment Do?|url=https://www.natlawreview.com/article/zoning-regulations-what-does-board-adjustment-do|access-date=2021-06-08|website=The National Law Review|language=en}}</ref>
|The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body consisting of five Council appointed members and two alternates. The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Board of Adjustment {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/569/Board-of-Adjustment|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> 
|-
|Building Standards Commission
|See Board of Adjustment
|The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
|-
|Capital Improvements Advisory Committee
|This committee is appointed by the City Council to serve in an advisory capacity to assist the City Council in adopting land use assumptions, review the capital improvements plans and file written comments, monitor and evaluate implementation of the capital improvement plans, and advise the City of the need to update and revise the land use assumptions. The land use plan and capital improvements plans are as adopted by City Council for imposition of impact fees.
|The committee is composed of the Planning and Zoning Commission members and one additional member from The Colony’s Exterritorial Jurisdiction (they are currently seeking to fill that vacancy, must reside in the [https://www.thecolonytx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1279/Exterritorial-Jurisdiction-Map-PDF?bidId= ETJ]).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Capital Improvements Advisory {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/605/Capital-Improvements-Advisory|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Community Image Advisory Board
|The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board.
|The board is made up of seven members, each serving a two-year term.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Community Image Advisory Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/607/Community-Image-Advisory-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Community Development Corporation Board
|Oversee funds designated for promotion of new or expanded business enterprises through the development of athletic, tourist, and recreational facilities. They conduct public hearings to obtain citizens' input relating to community development projects and may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments.
|The Community Development Corporation  (Type B) Board includes seven members who serve two year terms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Community Development Corporation Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/610/Community-Development-Corporation-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Economic Development Corporation (4A)
|The Economic Development board oversees funds designated for the use of improving and developing The Colony's commercial base. 
|The board is made up of five members who serve three year terms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Economic Development Corporation {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/613/Economic-Development-Corporation-4A|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Hotel Development Corporation
|Aids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.
|This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. This board may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hotel Development Corporation {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/1194/Hotel-Development-Corporation|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Keep The Colony Beautiful Board
|The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city.
|Seven members serve two year terms. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board. Currently there are 3 vacant board positions.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Keep The Colony Beautiful Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/615/Keep-The-Colony-Beautiful-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Library Board
|The Library Board makes suggestions and recommendations respecting the development of the Library and Library services to the City Council.
|There are seven members on the Library Board and each serves a two-year term. The Board also provides advice to the Library Director upon request.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Library Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/466/Library-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Local Development Corporation
|Aids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.
|This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Local Development Corporation {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/617/Local-Development-Corporation|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|-
|Planning and Zoning Commission
|The planning and zoning commission approves preliminary, final plats and replats, and makes recommendations to the city council on site plans, specific use permits, zoning changes and planned development issues.
|The Planning and Zoning Commission is made up of seven citizens who are appointed by the City Council. Appointments are for a two-year term and a member can be reappointed at the term’s expiration. Currently there are two vacant positions, place 3 and 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Planning & Zoning Commission {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/618/Planning-Zoning-Commission|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> 
|-
|Sign Board of Appeals
|See Board of Adjustment
|The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
|-
| colspan="2" |Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board
|
|-
|Board #1
|Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.
|Meetings as needed, currently consists of several members of the City Council, in addition to two County Representatives. Nine members make up this board and each serves a 2-year term.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/619/Tax-Increment-Reinvestment-Zone-Board-1|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> 
|-
|Board #2
|Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Two, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.
|Meetings are as needed; Nine members make up this board and each serves a two-year term. Currently, the Tax board membership consists of the entire City Council (current) plus Two County Representatives.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #2 {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/1124/Tax-Increment-Reinvestment-Zone-Board-2|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref> 
|-
|Technologies Board
|The board shall identify rapidly emerging and evolving technologies in the areas of computers, telecommunications, the Internet, data, voice, video, wireless, and other future technologies.
|This board includes seven members who serve two year terms. The board provides recommendations (approve / disapprove) on all technology initiatives / purchases / programs prior to any council approval requests.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Technologies Board {{!}} The Colony, TX|url=https://www.thecolonytx.gov/620/Technologies-Board|access-date=2021-06-08|website=www.thecolonytx.gov}}</ref>
|}

== Education ==
The Colony is located inside both the [[Lewisville Independent School District]] (LISD) and [[Little Elm Independent School District]].

Lewisville ISD has built six [[Primary education|elementary schools]], two [[middle school]]s and one [[The Colony High School|high school]] inside the city limits. The elementary schools are Peters Colony Elementary, Camey Elementary, B.B. Owen Elementary, Stewart's Creek Elementary (retired 2020–2021), Ethridge Elementary, and Morningside Elementary. The two middle schools are Griffin Middle School and Lakeview Middle School.

Little Elm ISD built Prestwick [[Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics|STEM]] Academy in 2014, which serves K–8 in The Tribute subdivision, as well as Strike Middle school (opened Fall of 2020) which also serves the residents from The Tribute subdivision.<ref>[http://www.leisd.ws/pages/leisd/Groups/K-8_STEM_Academy Prestwick STEM Academy homepage]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Heather Goodwin|last=Slaten|title=Little Elm ISD officials break ground on two new schools|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/littleelmjournal/news/little-elm-isd-officials-break-ground-on-two-new-schools/article_06da1376-3147-11e9-92ef-8b59da71f9da.html|access-date=2021-06-08|website=Star Local|date=February 15, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Strike Middle School is named after former superintendent Dr. Lowell H. Strike who served the district for three years.

During a December 2020 meeting of the LISD Board, several changes were made, including rezoning the area and a closure of one of the elementary schools. Effective the end of the 2020–2021 school year, the LISD board voted to close Stewart's Creek Elementary.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Roark|first=Chris|title=Lewisville ISD to retire Stewart's Creek Elementary, approves rezoning|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/lewisville-isd-to-retire-stewarts-creek-elementary-approves-rezoning/article_70bad582-55fd-11eb-bc4b-1f544be1b34e.html|access-date=2021-06-07|website=Star Local|date=January 13, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Many of the students affected by the rezoning will be attending the new school LISD is building to service the area opening for the 2021–2022 school year, dubbed by the LISD Board as Memorial Elementary – STEM Academy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 8, 2021|title=LISD STEM Academy at Memorial Elementary on its Way|url=https://www.lisd.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=8344&ModuleInstanceID=32435&ViewID=208E1EB9-3E7B-4151-9480-7839479D97B1&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=58996&PageID=19590|access-date=2021-06-07|website=http|language=en}}</ref> There were three written-in names submitted by the community with no clear winner of the LISD Naming Survey: Sterling (The school's chosen descriptor of students), Cox (name of B.B. Owen Elementary's influential coach and teacher, and supporter of the annual Kids Chase by the Lake <ref>{{Cite web|last=Roark|first=Chris|title=The Colony honors longtime volunteer, B.B. Owen coach|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/the-colony-honors-longtime-volunteer-b-b-owen-coach/article_64577434-cb5d-11e9-9d42-bfe9144d8667.html|access-date=2021-06-07|website=Star Local|date=September 2019 |language=en}}</ref>), and Josey Lane (The street the school is on).<ref name="croark@starlocalmedia.com">{{Cite web|last=Roark|first=Chris|title=LISD names new elementary school|url=https://starlocalmedia.com/thecolonycourierleader/news/lisd-names-new-elementary-school/article_6e461c2a-6bcf-11eb-843b-6bca9a8ac433.html|access-date=2021-06-07|website=Star Local|date=February 10, 2021 |language=en}}</ref> LISD chose to name the school Memorial elementary instead of the submitted names because "...having a Memorial Elementary School will allow us to have the opportunity to memorialize, if you will, a number of important and influential people in the communities we serve.”<ref name="croark@starlocalmedia.com"/>

Owing to its original history as part of Frisco,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} The Colony is located inside the community college district of [[Collin College]],<ref>[https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm Sec. 130.175.  COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.]</ref> unlike most other places in Denton County. However, since residents of The Colony do not pay taxes to said district they must pay out-of-county tuition rates to attend the college.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}

In May 2009, [[Lewisville Independent School District|Griffin Middle School]] student and The Colony resident Eric Yang won the [[National Geographic Bee]], beating out 54 other state competition champions to win a scholarship and travel package valued at more than $25,000.

[[The Colony High School]] is located just north of [[Texas State Highway 121]] on Blair Oaks Drive.

==Transportation==
*''Main lanes:'' [[Texas State Highway 121#Sam Rayburn Tollway|Sam Rayburn Tollway]]
**''Service roads:'' [[Texas State Highway 121|State Highway 121]]
*[[Farm to Market Road 423]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.thecolonytx.gov/ City of The Colony official website]
*[https://thecolonytownguide.com/ The Colony Business Directory]
*[http://www.thecolonyedc.org/ The Colony Economic Development Corporation]
*[http://www.thecolonycdc.com/ The Colony Community Development Corporation]
*[http://visitthecolonytx.com/ The Colony Convention & Visitors Bureau]
*[http://www.thecolonypl.org/ The Colony Public Library]
*[http://www.thecolonychamber.com/ The Colony Chamber of Commerce]
*[http://www.thecolony.org/ TheColony.org]

{{Denton County, Texas}}
{{Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Colony, Texas}}
[[Category:Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex]]
[[Category:Cities in Denton County, Texas]]
[[Category:Cities in Texas]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1969]]
[[Category:1969 establishments in Texas]]