Businesses are striving for valuable growth and development opportunities, and with the continued expansion of McKinney in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, corporations are finding the city to be a desired destination.
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping drive that momentum by creating networking opportunities and investing in strategic partnerships that provide advancement pathways for both businesses and the community. The corporation not only supports business growth in the market but also advances educational growth. Investing in the development of educational facilities benefits the area directly while also strengthening McKinney’s reputation among evolving families seeking new places to settle and providing businesses with access to skilled talent.
Home to Collin College’s original campus, the city of McKinney has centered a variety of resources throughout the college district. The campus is nationally recognized for its Nursing and Health Science programs, while also offering many pathways for other academic goals.
Through strategic land investments, the MEDC has helped create space for key educational facilities including the Collin Higher Education Center. Built in 2010, the central headquarters serves as a designated area for administrative day-to-day operations. The area is also home to the Public Safety Training Center, where law enforcement and fire departments receive training and professional development credentials. Continuing this relationship with Collin College has not only created room for career growth but has also actively given students opportunities to expand their futures and begin their lives in McKinney.
A mighty suburb advances careers
The small but mighty suburb has been named one of the best small cities for big careers. As students and professionals look for places to advance their careers, a major city does not always have to be the answer. One news source reported on a study conducted by Coworking Cafe in January 2026, which analyzed 298 cities across the U.S. with populations under 250,000. McKinney ranked No. 20, showing a 34% wage growth since 2019 and a median income of $124,177.
The citywide boom has been fueled not only by a highly active labor force, but also by individuals benefiting from affordability and taking a chance on a future full of opportunity.
McKinney’s community advantage
Beyond workforce and education initiatives, McKinney’s strong sense of community and vibrant culture also play important roles in attracting residents, visitors and future talent.
As signature events, such as the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, continue to spark interest from those outside the McKinney area, more crowds are taking notice of the thriving city and the opportunities it offers. The Arts in Bloom Festival, held from April 10-12, transformed McKinney’s Historic District into a colorful and vibrant destination. With streets lined with more than 120 artists, along with live music and wine tastings, the weekend created an inviting atmosphere for families and art enthusiasts across DFW.
Celebrations like these bring in new visitors to discover the area while giving local businesses, such as MillHouse McKinney, opportunities to collaborate and contribute to the culture. This allows McKinney to truly showcase its character, driving new visitor traffic and strengthening the city’s reputation as a desirable place to live and work.
“McKinney’s growth is driven by more than economic opportunities alone. It’s fueled by the strength of our community, our educational partnerships and the quality of life we continue to cultivate,” said Michael Kowski, president and CEO of MEDC. “By investing in experiences, workforce development and long-term business expansion, we are creating an environment where both companies and residents can thrive for generations to come.”
As the city continues investing in expansion opportunities, McKinney creates room for elevated business potential through growing market revenue, workforce expansion and future development enhancements.
About McKinney Economic Development Corporation
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) leads, directs and coordinates the broad-based expansion of the city’s business tax base and promotes sustainable job growth, thereby continuously enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of the McKinney area. For more information, visit uniquemckinney.com.
MEDC Press Contact
Luke Gajary | Marketing & Social Media Manager
972-547-7691
Frequently asked questions
How does McKinney rank as a city for career growth?
A January 2026 study by Coworking Cafe analyzed 298 U.S. cities with populations under 250,000 and ranked McKinney No. 20 among the best small cities for big careers. The city has seen 34% wage growth since 2019 and has a median household income of $124,177, driven by a highly active labor force and a combination of affordability and expanding opportunity.
How does MEDC invest in education in McKinney?
MEDC has made strategic land investments to create space for educational facilities, including the Collin Higher Education Center, built in 2010, and the Public Safety Training Center, where law enforcement and fire departments receive professional development credentials. McKinney is also home to Collin College's original campus, which is nationally recognized for its Nursing and Health Science programs.
What cultural and community events draw visitors to McKinney?
McKinney hosts events including the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and the Arts in Bloom Festival, held in April in the Historic District. The festival features more than 120 artists alongside live music and wine tastings, drawing families and visitors from across the DFW area. These events give local businesses visibility and reinforce McKinney's reputation as a desirable place to live, work and visit.
The above story was produced by Luke Gajary of MEDC with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
