The races include representatives for District 3, a single-member district representing areas in central McKinney, as well as At Large 1 and Mayor, which both represent the entire city.
Council members serve four-year terms and roughly half of the seats on McKinney City Council are up for election every two years on a rotating schedule. City Manager Paul Grimes said the staggered terms are typically adopted by cities to help with transitioning between each council.
“This helps provide some continuity from the policymaking body,” Grimes said in an email.
Council members are limited to serving two consecutive terms in any one seat on the council. A charter election held in November proposed an increase in the number of consecutive terms council members could serve from two terms to three terms, but the item failed with just over 51% of voters expressing opposition. Current McKinney Mayor George Fuller has reached the term limit, and for the first time in eight years, residents will need to determine a new leader to fill that seat.
The setup
The May election will usher in a new mayor, and four candidates have declared their intent to serve as the city’s next leader.
The seven-person council includes one mayor serving at large, four seats with members representing single-member districts and two seats with members serving at large. Council members serving at large represent residents of the entire city, while members representing a single-member district only represent residents within their district’s boundaries.
McKinney’s City Council serves as the policymaking body for the city’s government.
The city’s leadership is structured in a council-manager style, with an elected council and an appointed city manager.
The council appoints the city manager, a role currently held by Grimes. The city manager acts as the chief executive and oversees the city organization. The council also appoints the city attorney, who serves as general counsel and handles legal matters on behalf of the city.
The council typically meets twice a month for regular meetings, as well as occasionally gather for joint meetings with city boards and commissions such as the McKinney Economic Development Corporation and McKinney Community Development Corporation.
The 1977 election also established a two-year term for council members, which was increased to three years in a 2001 charter election. The current four-year term limit for council members was established in a 2011 charter election.
Responsibilities of city council members include:
- Adopting ordinances and resolutions
- Determining city regulations
- Overseeing the city’s budget and tax rates
- Acting on zoning and land use cases
- Outlining goals, strategies and legislative priorities for the city’s government
- Appointing members to city boards and commissions
- Other policymaking decisions
As new faces join the council in May, Fuller said he is looking to see strong leadership from the next council.
“As long as ... you’re willing to be strong and not be influenced by misinformation, disinformation, that’s all I could hope for,” he said of the future council members.
The council will continue work on a number of ongoing public and private projects across the city, including an expansion at McKinney National Airport to add a commercial passenger service terminal and the development of the Sunset Amphitheater.
However, Fuller said he hopes to see work continue to progress on the Lower 5 Plaza project, which will bring a public park and pedestrian crossing via an underpass on SH 5. The project received roughly $15 million in federal funding in early 2024.
“I worked really hard on getting funding from the state and federal government on the deck park,” he said.
Elected McKinney City Council members will join the council amid various ongoing projects, such as:
- US 380 bypass: A roughly 16-mile bypass route of US 380 through north McKinney
- McKinney National Airport: The addition of a commercial passenger service terminal
- Sunset Amphitheater: A 20,000-seat entertainment venue incentivized by the city
- SH 5 reconstruction: A Texas Department of Transportation project to expand the roadway
- Lower 5 Plaza: A pedestrian walkway and park integrated into the SH 5 reconstruction project
McKinney residents will have the opportunity to vote for one of four mayoral candidates in the upcoming May 3 election. Check out responses from mayoral candidates in this Q&A, listed in ballot order.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Matt “Doc” Rostami
Experience:
Started my own medical practice from scratch, manage the budget and operations, I speak normal
Occupation:
Eye surgeon
Candidate Website:
https://doctorrostami.wixsite.com/website
Contact Information:
732-890-7885
Why are you running for this office?
I want to keep McKinney the same. Too many people are talking about growth and progress, all that means to me is more property taxes.I don't want all these fancy projects, they will make us lose sight of safety and keeping the city affordable.
What is the No. 1 challenge facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address this issue?
Property taxes. I'm going to stop it from rising by stopping expensive projects that the everyday resident will not benefit from. I will also get 3 quotes from different contractors for every repair of existing infrastructure in the city to save the taxpayer money.
If elected, how do you plan to address challenges caused by ongoing population growth?
We will encourage the building of duplexes, triplexes and townhouses over apartments. The city is already growing, it doesn’t need an airport, a surf park or amphitheater to attract residents. To keep everyone safe, as mayor I will encourage neighborhood watch programs and patrol with residents.
In your opinion, what is the biggest development or project underway in McKinney right now, and what impact will it have on the city and residents?
It’s the airport expansion. The traffic is going to be terrible especially at 5 p.m. on a Friday when everyone is trying to fly out for the weekend. I don’t care what traffic study the city has done that says it won’t increase traffic, I’m not going to ignore plain logic.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
Some say we need an animal shelter but that will cost money. Instead I suggest we all come together as a community and eat the animals. I'm kidding but if the Mayor threatens to eat the animals the kids will beg their parents to take them. It will bring awareness.
Taylor Willingham
Experience:
Owner, WG Law & WG Title, Estate Planning Attorney
Occupation:
Attorney, business owner
Candidate Website:
www.changeiscomingmckinney.com
Contact Information:
214-250-4407
Why are you running for this office?
Change is coming, and McKinney must be ready. As an estate planning attorney, I’ve helped more McKinney families prepare for the future than anyone else. I understand our community and its challenges. We need a leader with vision and who knows how to plan for the future.
What is the No. 1 challenge facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address this issue?
The biggest challenge for McKinney residents is the rising cost of living. As a business owner, I’ve felt this pressure firsthand. My plan: make government work smarter, not bigger. By cutting waste, using technology, and returning unused tax dollars, we’ll keep McKinney competitive and affordable for families and businesses.
If elected, how do you plan to address challenges caused by ongoing population growth?
McKinney’s future won’t look like its past. Once a top destination, we risk losing our edge. To stay competitive, we must embrace technology, strengthen infrastructure and ensure balanced development. The factors that drew people here aren’t guaranteed—we must act boldly to secure McKinney’s future.
In your opinion, what is the biggest development or project underway in McKinney right now, and what impact will it have on the city and residents?
McKinney National Airport is both an opportunity and a risk. While I opposed commercial expansion, the decision is made. Now, we must ensure it benefits residents without burdening taxpayers. As McKinney’s future evolves, we must strategically leverage the airport to maximize its benefits for our community.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
With federal instability, McKinney must become stronger. As mayor, I will organize 72 volunteer-led neighborhood groups to support the economic challenges of the elderly, disabled, and unemployed. This network will also play a vital role in emergency preparedness, ensuring we can protect and provide for our city.
Bill Cox
Experience:
City Council, Mayor Pro Tem, President of Collin College Foundation, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce
Occupation:
Carey Cox Company—Real Estate Company
Candidate Website:
www.billcoxformayor.com
Contact Information:
214-578-6655
Why are you running for this office?
Born in McKinney with over 30 years' experience serving in positions of Leadership with organizations such as Collin College Foundation, McKinney Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce , City Council At Large and Mayor Pro Tem. I understand McKinney and am uniquely qualified to serve as the next Mayor.
What is the No. 1 challenge facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address this issue?
Safety of our citizens. Make it a priority to ensure our Police and Fire Departments are properly staffed and equipped to be the best they can be.
If elected, how do you plan to address challenges caused by ongoing population growth?
We as a city need to understand McKinney is growing and will continue to grow. We need to prepare now for new roads, infrastructure and attainable housing opportunities for our residents.
In your opinion, what is the biggest development or project underway in McKinney right now, and what impact will it have on the city and residents?
Development of city-owned assets, including Historic Downtown and McKinney National Airport. We must continue to support Historic Downtown. McKinney National Airport projections show this will be a major economic engine for McKinney.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
City-wide transportation, programs for our seniors.
Scott Sanford
Experience:
Small business owner, Former Texas State Representative, Executive Pastor at Cottonwood Creek Church
Occupation:
Executive Pastor at Cottonwood Creek Church
Candidate Website:
www.scottsanford.us
Why are you running for this office?
I love McKinney—its people, community, and values. As state representative, I fought to ensure government worked for the people. McKinney needs bold leadership, integrity, and vision. I’m committed to serving with honesty, prioritizing residents’ well-being, and preserving what makes McKinney a great place to live.
What is the No. 1 challenge facing the residents of McKinney? How do you plan to address this issue?
McKinney homeowners face high taxes, and the best way to ease this burden is through commercial growth. By attracting businesses and expanding our tax base, we can strengthen the local economy and reduce financial strain on residents.
If elected, how do you plan to address challenges caused by ongoing population growth?
McKinney is growing rapidly, with that comes both opportunities and challenges. My experience in public service has prepared me to make smart, strategic decisions that balance development with preserving our community’s character. I will work to ensure responsible infrastructure planning, strong public safety, and economic policies supporting businesses and families.
In your opinion, what is the biggest development or project underway in McKinney right now, and what impact will it have on the city and residents?
McKinney’s airport is a vital asset that should be managed to benefit all residents and to reflect the voters’ will. If elected, I’ll inherit a passenger terminal under construction. Moving forward, I’ll support Civil Air Patrol, MISD aviation programs and ensure initiatives are executed with excellence to instill community pride.
What are some new ideas or programs you would like the city to explore?
I’ll focus on strengthening McKinney’s economy while preserving its small-town feel. This includes improving the business climate, supporting first responders, and keeping McKinney safe and affordable. I look forward to working with city leaders and residents to develop innovative solutions that benefit our community for years to come.
