About Denton

Denton is a community like no other—we're welcoming, innovative, creative, diverse, unique, and authentic. The City is a vibrant and growing community with many opportunities, no matter what your interest or passion. You're free to be whoever you are in a friendly atmosphere with a small-town vibe that's just a short drive away from the big city. And we invite your friends to discover Denton, too.

Throughout its history, Denton has been known as a university town, home to two state universities, the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. With a combined enrollment of over 50,000 students, the universities bring in a variety of cultural, sports, and entertainment amenities to the Denton community. In Downtown Denton and just south of Denton are North Central Texas College campuses, the oldest continuously operating two-year college in Texas. Public education is also important in Denton, with Denton Independent School District serving more than 32,000 students and 18 cities in a 186-square-mile district.

Across Denton, there is a pulsating entertainment culture featuring live performing arts venues, music and film festivals, museums, and historical sites. Additionally, Denton has 41 parks and over 5,000 acres of open space, three recreation centers, two senior centers, a water park, community swimming pools, and just over 73 miles of trails throughout the city. Nearby lakes, hiking trails, and state parks contribute to exciting outdoor recreation opportunities.

Awards and Recognitions

City of Denton's Recent Awards and Recognitions

The City of Denton recognizes and values the commitment and dedication of its employees. The following awards and recognitions are just a small example of the many accomplishments we've garnered in the last few years.

Texas American Water Works Association Water Taste Test
Awarded Lake Lewisville Plant second place and Lake Ray Roberts Plant third.
Association of Local Government Auditors Award
Awarded Exemplary Knighton Award in the Small Shop Category for the Wastewater System Operation audit report.
TX Municipal Library Directors Association Award
Awarded the 2022 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for exhibiting excellence.
Texas Recreation and Parks Society Awards
Awarded the Jerry G. Garrett Young Professional of the Year Award and the Marketing and Excellence Award.
Regional Transportation Council Awards
Awarded to Environmental Services and Sustainability staff for Outstanding Outreach and Outstanding use of Arlo the Armadillo, the Air North Texas Mascot.
Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CGAI)
Awarded to the Fire Department for obtaining accredited agency status for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI's voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program.
Texas Police Chiefs Association Accreditation
Denton Police Department obtained accreditation proving compliance with 170 Texas Law Enforcement Best Practices.
Parks Professional Awards
Awarded two Parks and Recreation Dept. staff by the North Region of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society.
Field Officer of The Year Award
Awarded to a Senior Animal Services Officer by the Texas Animal Control Association.
Health and Fitness Clubs Best of Denton Award
Awarded and voted on readers by the Denton-Record Chronicle for North Lakes Recreation Center.
Richard R. Lillie Planning Excellence Award
Awarded for planning excellence by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Savvy Marketing Awards
Received two national awards from the City-County Communications Marketing Association for magazine and website design.
Government Programming Video Awards
Received five state-wide awards by the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors for DentonTV programming.
100% Renewable Energy System Achievement
DME was honored as co-recipient of the 2022 System Achievement Award by the Texas Public Power Association for achieving its 100% renewable energy goal in the 2021 calendar year.
Achievement of Excellence in Procurement
The Procurement Dept. received 2022 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award by the National Procurement Institute.
Transparency Stars Program
The City participates in the Texas Comptroller’s Transparency Stars Program, recognizing local governments for going above and beyond in transparency efforts. Economic Development, Data Initiative, Finance, and Procurement have been recognized.