January: Tax reinvestment zones fund businesses, infrastructure in McKinney
Sharyn Lindblad, co-owner of Cocktail Creamery, received over $10,000 from the city of McKinney for renovations to her ice cream shop, which is located downtown in a building built circa 1920.
The funds were available due to the city’s tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ. A TIRZ is an economic development tool that is used to direct a portion of taxes collected in a specific geographic area into a reserve that is earmarked for projects in that same area, Assistant City Manager Barry Shelton explained.
February: McKinney officials to make city center for filmmakers
When Phil McGraw, known for his long-running talk show “Dr. Phil”, filmed a commercial in Historic Downtown McKinney in late 2023, the production team worked with city officials to minimize impacts to the community, Cultural District Director Andrew Jones said.
The project is one of many commercial and film productions that have taken place locally since the city received its Film Friendly Texas designation five years ago. The city has gotten 56 requests for filming permits since receiving the designation, Jones said, including projects for television as well as live broadcasts.
March: ‘A world-class facility’: $220M concert venue to draw national acts to McKinney
Music venue and hospitality company Notes Live announced March 12 a new $220 million open-air amphitheater coming to US 75 and SH 121 in McKinney.
The new entertainment venue, called the Sunset Amphitheater, will have a capacity of 20,000 people and is expected to open in 2026, according to a news release. The venue will be situated on 46 acres located northeast of US 75 and SH 121, adjacent to the Sheraton McKinney Hotel.
April: McKinney’s Lower 5 Plaza gets $15M infusion of federal funds
A $15 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation aims to improve mobility and accessibility in East McKinney through construction of the Lower 5 Plaza, a park spanning across and below SH 5.
The department awarded $80 million in grant funds on March 13 to projects in Dallas and McKinney. The Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant program, an initiative of the Biden administration, looks to reconnect communities cut off by transportation infrastructure and improve access to resources.
May: Area groups aim to aid the unsheltered of McKinney
Lance Olinski said he founded Streetside Showers after encountering someone experiencing homelessness using a bathroom sink in McKinney to get clean. The nonprofit organization offers access to hygiene care through portable shower trailers, which are set up in McKinney and multiple neighboring cities weekly.
The organization is one of many groups working to serve the area’s homeless population through the McKinney Homeless Coalition, a collaborative effort between the city and over 30 local organizations.
June: New facilities serve growing need for behavioral health care services in McKinney
As the population in McKinney grows, the need for behavioral health services is outpacing growth in services, said Dana Bickford, president of the Coalition for Behavioral Healthcare in Collin County.
Collin Springs opened its north McKinney facility in March, while Lifepath Systems, the behavioral health authority in Collin County, will debut a new facility in McKinney in 2025. However, Bickford said the need for resources that address behavioral health—such as depression, psychosis or substance abuse—is still greater, especially for adolescents.
July: Trash turnover: McKinney leaders look for better service with provider switch
In an effort to curb trash and recycling collections city officials have described as “not acceptable,” McKinney staff are bringing in a new provider. Director of Public Works Ryan Gillingham said service provider Waste Connections has experienced staffing challenges due to a lack of qualified drivers in the marketplace.
City staff are working to address issues with the service but expect potential service improvements when the city transitions to its new trash and recycling collection provider, Frontier Waste Solutions. Balcones Recycling also began service as the city’s recycling processing provider.
August: Local investments support McKinney’s startup ecosystem
Startup accelerator Plug and Play launched its McKinney office in March, marking the beginning of the organization’s investment in local startups.
The company partnered with the McKinney Economic Development Corporation, which has been investing in startups since 2020 through its Innovation Fund program. The city has grown its startup ecosystem in recent years as a result of efforts by the MEDC, but more growth is expected as Plug and Play works to connect local startups to resources through its global network.
September: McKinney ISD focuses on retention, recruitment amidst teacher shortage
McKinney ISD officials are working to maintain its teacher workforce while facing a competitive job market and budget constraints. The district has focused some of its hiring efforts on recruiting substitutes and former students while also participating in college job fairs.
Beyond hiring substitutes or former students, MISD travels to universities and colleges to recruit employees, said Darla Jackson, director of human resources for the district. This includes speaking to aspiring teachers and participating in university and college job fairs, she said.
October: McKinney City Council term limits, compensation put to a vote
In addition to the presidential race, McKinney residents saw four local propositions on the November ballot. The election outcome could have changed pay and term limits for City Council members, months before four council seats are up for election in May.
November: Bypass process begins: Businesses close, see changes as US 380 land acquisitions begin
As the Texas Department of Transportation makes progress on projects along US 380 in Collin and Denton counties, businesses along the roadway have begun to feel the effects of construction.
So far, three businesses have closed in a McKinney shopping center at the northwest corner of University Drive and Walnut Grove Road—Jason’s Deli, White Rhino Coffee and 3Natives, all citing right-of-way acquisitions for the US 380 bypass. As drivers face increased traffic, the planned projects along US 380 are expected to address roadway congestion as many as 30 years into the future, TxDOT representative Madison Schein said.
December: 4-acre surf lagoon, resort-style hotel slated for $200M mixed-use project in south McKinney
A $200 million mixed-use project is expected to bring a resort-style hotel and surfing lagoon to a site in south McKinney, according to a Dec. 13 news release.
The Cannon Beach project, which will also feature retail spaces with restaurants and family-focused entertainment offerings, is slated to attract 300,000 visitors annually. The first phase of the project is expected to open as soon as 2026, the release stated.
