The appointment comes following the departure of former Assistant City Manager Kim Flom, who left the role in early March. Arnold began in the role March 24. Planning Manager Hayley Angel will serve as the interim director of planning while city officials conduct another nationwide search for a permanent replacement for the role.
The specifics
Arnold has worked for the city of McKinney since 2007, and most recently served as the director of planning. In her prior director role, which she began in 2018, she oversaw daily planning activities and contributed to new construction efforts within the city valued at over $3 billion, the release states. She also led and contributed to a number of “strategic planning projects,” the release states, including:
- The New Code McKinney Unified Development Code initiative
- The ONE McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan update
- The Northwest Sector Planning initiative
- The Town Center Study initiative
- Creation of the city’s first tax increment reinvestment zones
- Establishing the McKinney Town Center form-based code
Arnold holds both a Bachelor of Science and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Texas A&M University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, a graduate of the Leadership McKinney Class of 2018, and was recently accepted in the leadership program of the International City/County Management Association.
McKinney’s city staff also includes three other assistant city managers: Trevor Minyard, Barry Shelton and Steve Tilton.
Quote of note
“Jennifer has been an integral part of our organization for many years, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to McKinney’s growth and development,” City Manager Paul Grimes said in the release. “Her expertise in planning and strategic initiatives has helped shape the future of our city, and we are confident she will bring the same dedication and vision to her new role as assistant city manager.”
