The city of McKinney is asking residents to help shape the next chapter of local housing and neighborhood development. On Aug. 5, the city will host a public meeting at McKinney City Hall, inviting the community to weigh in on housing needs, priorities and long-term goals.
The input will help inform McKinney’s 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Action Plan — key strategies for how the city invests federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. These programs support affordable housing, neighborhood improvements and services for low- to moderate-income families.
"Resident input plays a critical role in shaping these plans and ensuring that the city's priorities reflect the real needs and experiences of the community," said Shirletta Best, community services administrator. "By participating in these meetings or taking the survey, residents can directly influence how federal funding is used to support affordable and inclusive neighborhoods across McKinney."
Public Meeting And Housing Survey
The Aug. 5 public meeting will begin with a come-and-go open house from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Fitzhugh Event Hall, followed by a formal public hearing at the 6 p.m. city council meeting. Both events will be held at McKinney City Hall, 401 E. Virginia St.
In addition to the meeting, residents can take part in an online housing survey available through Aug. 10 at McKinneyTexas.org/CDBGPlan. The survey is designed to identify the community’s housing challenges and will help guide an upcoming affordable housing strategy.
Why Housing Matters In McKinney
As Local Profile previously reported, McKinney has emerged as one of the top cities in the nation for renters. In RentCafe’s 2025 Best Cities for Renters Report, McKinney ranked No. 1 out of 150 U.S. cities, thanks to its mix of affordability, apartment quality and quality of life.
Dallas, just 30 miles to the south, didn’t crack the top 50. While it may be an economic engine, Dallas lagged in affordability, apartment size and livability.
McKinney’s strength lies in the details:
No. 4 In Housing & Cost Of Living
- A remarkable 83% of local rentals are classified as high-end, the second-highest share in the country. Nearly one-third of apartments have been built within the last five years, offering more modern, spacious units. With an average unit size of 948 square feet and a cost of living 2.5% below the national average, renters can stretch their dollar further here.
No. 9 in Quality of Life
- Roughly 70% of apartments are located in desirable neighborhoods close to shopping, parks and services. While many residents face longer commutes — 46% report driving more than 30 minutes — many find the tradeoff worth it for the extra space and quiet.
No. 19 in Local Economy
- McKinney boasts a low unemployment rate of 3.5%, with renter incomes growing by 48% over the past five years. Job growth rose modestly by 1.3% since 2024, and about 21% of adults in McKinney hold a college degree, reinforcing the area’s upward economic trend.
How To Get Involved
To view the city’s draft plans, participate in the public meeting or take the housing survey, visit McKinneyTexas.org/CDBGPlan.
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