McKinney · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in McKinney public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proper Use of Hotel Occupancy Tax
August hotel occupancy tax revenue was up 18.5% year over year, with occupancy above 70%. These funds fuel tourism marketing — and strong numbers mean more resources for promoting McKinney.
Economic Development Strategy
The city council and economic development corporation will review the strategic plan to guide future economic initiatives and investments in McKinney.
McKinney National Airport Commercial Service
The airport is set to hit 42 weekly flights to 11 destinations by December 15, with first flight to Fort Myers on November 11. City revenue from parking and concessions is expected to roughly double initial estimates based on 130,000 annual enplanements.
Affordable Housing and Workforce Needs
The McKinney Housing Authority highlighted its 30-year partnership with MCDC, showing how local funds helped redevelop public housing like Newsome Homes and Greenwood into modern, affordable residential units.
Recall Petition Update
City staff are reviewing over 7,400 signatures submitted on a citizen recall petition. A formal validation report detailing valid and invalid signatures will be presented to the city council on November 17.
Transit Operations Procurement
The McKinney Urban Transit District reviewed a year of strong growth in local transit ridership for seniors, low-income residents, and people with disabilities. To manage rising costs from higher ridership, DART uses rideshare options like Uber alongside wheelchair-accessible vans, keeping the program running efficiently.
Airport Terminal Opening and Infrastructure Updates
The council advanced preparations for commercial airline service at McKinney National Airport by approving a $400,000 terminal scope enhancement, a food and beverage agreement with Creative Hospitality Solutions, and a rental car contract with Enterprise.
Multifamily Housing Expansion
The city announced a follow-up housing summit to explore innovative construction methods like 3D printing and modular building to address regional housing affordability.
Revised MCDC Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The board reviewed and approved the revised MCDC budget for fiscal year 2027, incorporating increased sales tax projections and additional funding for parks and roadway infrastructure.
Youth Vaping Prevention
The city is exploring stricter zoning and distance requirements for vape shops while police warn that current state laws make it nearly impossible to stop the sale of high-potency THC products to kids. Officials noted that minors can easily purchase dangerous synthetic substances that mimic legal hemp.
Apex North Recreation Center Feasibility and Design
The city moved forward with the design of the new North Recreation Center (North APEX) by approving a professional services agreement with Parkhill, Smith & Cooper. The facility will feature a 10-lane swimming pool and meet MISD timelines.
Historic Home Tax Exemptions
The board reviewed and approved multiple tax exemption requests for homeowners investing in historic property renovations, encouraging the preservation of McKinney's architectural heritage.
Baxter Well Apartments Annexation and Multi-Family Zoning
Residents strongly pushed back against a proposed 288-unit apartment complex on Baxter Well Road, arguing that the narrow, crumbling country road and local infrastructure cannot handle the traffic.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Tax Rate Adoption
Staff presented updates on the upcoming city budget, incorporating council direction to maintain a flat property tax rate through spending reductions and agency transfers.
Airport Infrastructure Financing
The city and MCDC refinanced a $30 million interim loan for the new airport terminal into a federal TIFIA loan, cutting interest rates and saving millions.
Tourism Incentive Funding
McKinney is leveling up with a new JW Marriott resort hotel! This means more visitors and business opportunities are heading our way, so get ready for a more upscale vibe in town.
Board and Commission Appointments
The city announced that the application period for boards and commissions is open through June 19, with interviews in July and appointments in August.
City Council Recall and Religious Freedom
Residents and community leaders turned out in massive numbers to support the City Council against a recall effort sparked by their unanimous vote approving a local mosque site plan, defending religious liberty and constitutional governance.
January 2026 Financial Performance
Assistant Finance Director Chance Miller reported stable revenue collections for February, led by strong retail sales tax performance.
McKinney Islamic Association Site Plan
Get ready for more healthcare options in McKinney! The city council just approved a new Texas Health hospital near Trinity Falls, bringing more medical services closer to home.
Historic Marker Designation
The board considered approving a historic marker for the Davis-Lucas House. This recognizes the property's architectural style and its historical connections to early McKinney families and businesses, contributing to the city's historical narrative.
Better Together Homelessness Initiative
City officials announced an upcoming community feedback session for the Better Together Initiative to discuss homelessness strategies and share survey findings with residents.
Industrial Zoning Adjustment
A long-standing concrete business and dairy distribution site on Woodlawn Road is seeking to update its zoning from agricultural to light industrial to bring the property into compliance.
Environmental Remediation Funding for Parks Church
The Parks Church found four old gas tanks buried under their downtown building site and requested over $453,000 from the city's TIRZ fund to help pay for the cleanup. While staff recommended limiting the grant to $50,000, board members voted to fund the full amount because of the church's extensive community programs and the unexpected nature of the hazard.
R5 Residential Rezoning and Traffic Concerns
McKinney's exploding growth is causing major traffic jams. City leaders are looking at a big highway expansion, but will it actually solve the problem or just be a costly band-aid?
Religious Neutrality in Government
Public comments raised concerns about the city's proclamations for religious holidays, questioning whether the city is maintaining religious neutrality and ensuring equal representation for all residents.
Strategic Goal Setting Process
The council is working to define its strategic priorities for the city. This involves understanding the roles of council and staff, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and setting measurable goals that align with the city's budget and long-term vision.
Joint Land Acquisition for Water Take Point and Public Facilities
The city partnered with McKinney ISD to purchase 110 acres of land, utilizing $7.5 million from the water fund to build a fifth water take point while securing space for future parks and recreation facilities.